Synthetic nano-hydroxyapatite as an alternative phosphorus source for wheat grown under field conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) over conventional phosphorus fertilizer in terms of phosphorus nutrition and other nutrients through which it enhances the growth of wheat plants. The experiment was carried out with wheat plants under real field conditions for two consecutive years. Under laboratory conditions, nHAP was synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopes (SEM), and elemental dispersive X-rays (EDX). The substance we synthesized according to the characterization tests mentioned here is nano-hydroxyapatite. The application of nHAP was carried out at decreasing rates (80, 60, 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) before sowing, and their effects were compared with 80 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ diammonium phosphate (DAP) as a reference treatment. Phosphorus and other mineral element concentrations were determined in all plant samples taken at the beginning of the booting stage. In addition, grain samples were taken at harvest. In the nHAP treatment, the plants’ phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium concentrations increased by approximately 25%, 17% and 10%, respectively. This was compared to the DAP treatment. The concentrations of iron and zinc in grain also increased by 46% and 15%, respectively. These increases in grains are particularly noteworthy for biofortification studies. In conclusion, nHAP can be an alternative to conventional fertilizers by reducing phosphorus consumption. However, more studies are required on different plants and long-term field studies regarding the uptake, translocation and interactions of nHAP with other elements.

Keywords:

• Hydroxyapatite
• nano-phosphorus
• phosphorus fertilization
• wheat

Authors’ contribution

Conceptualization, AG; investigation, HT; formal analysis, HT; writing–original draft, HT; writing-review and editing, AG.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict interests.