STUDY OF NPK ADSORBED POLYMERIC AND METALLIC NANOFERTILIZER EFFICIENCY ON THE GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF EPIPREMNUM AUREUM

Abstract

The unbridled use of inorganic (NPK or nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) fertilizers has multiple negative effects and it is one of diminishing returns in the long run. The introduction of nanobiotechnology in this major aspect of modernday farming could bring out sweeping and widespread benefits. NPK fertilizers applied as nanoparticulate form may prove to be more effective as fertilizers along with concomitant reduction in related adverse effects. The present study tries to address this question at lab scale using Epipremnum aureum. In this study, E. aureum were grown in bottles with regular tap-water. Predetermined concentration of NPK adsorbed nanoparticles were added to the water media. Parameters of plant growth like length of shoots, roots, chlorophyll content etc. were measured. The results of Epipremnum aureum shoot and root length measurement exhibited higher growth at 1/10th concentration of NPK adsorbed nanoparticles which was significantly higher than that of NPK fertilizers applied directly at 10 times higher dose. Thus, nanotechnology can both enhance yields and also reduce nutrient losses hence bringing in the concept of nano-fertilizers.