Wednesday, 18 June 2025
In fertiliser-intensive regions like Punjab, combining nano and conventional fertilisers is emerging as a balanced and environmentally sustainable approach to crop nutrition. This dual strategy not only reduces excessive chemical input but also enhances nutrient use efficiency—paving the way for healthier soils and more resilient farming systems.
A new field study has found that combining IFFCO’s Nano Urea Plus and Nano DAP with conventional fertilisers can help farmers reduce nitrogen and phosphorus use by up to 20 per cent and 25 per cent respectively—without compromising crop yields. Conducted on potato, a nutrient-intensive crop, the research points to a significant shift toward smarter, more sustainable nutrient management in Indian agriculture.
The study was led by Dr. R.K. Gupta, former Head of Soil Science at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), and tested the impact of two foliar sprays of Nano Urea Plus used alongside 80 per cent of the recommended urea dose. The results? Yields were equivalent to those achieved with 100 per cent conventional urea, indicating a one-fifth nitrogen saving.
On the phosphorus side, two Nano DAP sprays, combined with 75 per cent of the traditional DAP and a seed treatment, produced even higher yields than the full-dose DAP alone. “This translates into a 25 per cent reduction in phosphorus fertiliser use—without any yield penalty. In fact, some results showed improved crop performance,” said Dr. Gupta.
Striking the Right Balance
The study also tested more aggressive reductions, such as combining Nano Urea Plus with just 60 per cent traditional urea, but results showed a 59 per cent yield decline, demonstrating that there’s a precision window for optimum results. Similarly, a higher dose of traditional fertilisers with fewer nano sprays did not offer the same yield benefits.
“The best outcomes came from a smart integration—80 per cent conventional urea plus 20 per cent Nano Urea, and 75 per cent DAP with Nano DAP sprays,” Gupta explained.
Why It Matters
India remains heavily reliant on imported urea and DAP, both of which are heavily subsidised by the government. In 2025–26, the fertiliser subsidy bill is expected to hit Rs 1.67 lakh crore. Traditional fertilisers are not only costly, but also inefficient—much of the nitrogen leaches into groundwater or escapes as greenhouse gases, while phosphorus often becomes fixed in the soil, unavailable to crops.
Nano fertilisers, according to Gupta, offer a more targeted delivery system. “Their tiny particle size and high absorption rate mean more nutrients reach the plant instead of being lost to the environment. Nutrient use efficiency can go as high as 90 per cent,” he said.
A Shift Toward Precision and Sustainability
With rising awareness and strong early results, sales of Nano Urea Plus and Nano DAP have jumped 18 per cent in Punjab in 2024–25, with 2.93 million bottles sold across the state.
“In a state like Punjab, where fertiliser overuse has long been a concern, this offers a real path toward balanced crop nutrition, soil health recovery, and lower environmental damage,” said a senior scientist involved in the study.
Experts believe that precision nutrient management, through such nano-conventional combinations, could help lower input costs, reduce pollution, and make India less dependent on fertiliser imports—all without compromising food production.
