Nano zinc carriers influences release kinetics of zinc and iron in a laboratory incubation experiment under Inceptisol and Alfisol

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a widespread phenomenon globally. Conventional Zn fertilizers viz zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄· 7H₂O) reported to have very low use efficiency (1–5%). Hence, technological interventions in increasing Zn use efficiency are of utmost important. Keeping this in view, a laboratory incubation study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of various Zn carriers on release kinetics of zinc and iron under Inceptisol and Alfisol. Zincated nanoclay polymer composite (ZNCPC), nano zinc oxide (n-ZnO), Zn-citrate were compared with conventional one i.e., zinc sulfate. ZNCPC attributed highest DTPA-Zn content at 45 days of incubation in Inceptisol (2.99 mg kg⁻¹) and at 60 days of incubation in Alfisol (2.36 mg kg ⁻¹). Zn citrate was found another efficient Zn carrier followed by ZNCPC but superior over n-ZnO as per as the Zn availability and control release behavior is concern. Thus, ZNCPC was found to be the most efficient Zn carrier as compared to conventional zinc sulfate and other nano Zn carriers. High aspect ratio of n-ZnO curbs its soil application.

Keywords:

• Alfisol
• Inceptisol
• Nano ZnO
• Zn citrate
• ZNCPC

Disclosure statement

No conflict of interest was reported by the authors.