Can magnesium nanofertilizers enhance magnesium use efficiency, biomass and yield in green bean plants?

Abstract

Crop productivity has been compromised due to nutrient deficiencies, especially magnesium (Mg). Although conventional fertilizers with Mg can improve crop growth, they are often not considered in fertilization programs and are inefficient to meet current agricultural needs and reduce eutrophication and groundwater contamination. Considering this, nanofertilizers can enhance crop growth and lessen environmental impact due to their small size, low fertilization rates, high nutrient efficiency and high specific surface area. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate two different Mg fertilizers in green bean plants grown in vermiculite/perlite substrate. Green bean plants were grown under three distinct treatments: control (no Mg fertilization), Mg nanofertilizer (Nano Mg®) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Each Mg source was applied at three different doses (50, 100 and 200 ppm). The parameters evaluated were biomass, yield and efficient use of Mg. The results obtained indicate that the Nano Mg® and MgSO4 treatments at 200 ppm increased biomass by 6.61 and 8.38 g plant-1 DW, yield by 60.7 and 49.84 plant-1 FW, respectively. Mg use efficiency parameters were also increased by both fertilizers, which were comparable with each other. Thus, the application of Mg in the form of nanofertilizer is an efficient and innovative alternative, comparable to the application of magnesium sulfate.

Keywords

• efficient use of magnesium
• magnesium sulfate
• nanoparticles
• nanotechnology
• Phaseolus vulgaris L.