Improved iron use efficiency in tomato using organically coated iron oxide nanoparticles as efficient bioavailable Fe sources

Abstract

Highlights: Nanofertilizers may provide efficient bioavailability and reduce the required dosage of nutrients & environmental risks. The response of tomato plants to three organically coated Fe3O4 NPs as nanofertilizer were investigated. The behavior of citric acid, humic acid, and EDTA were investigated and compared as organic coating materials. The organically coated Fe3O4 NPs, especially Fe3O4@HA improved the bioavailability and subsequently enhanced the amount of total iron determined in the shoot. Fe3O4@HA nanofertilizer has recognized as an effective, cost-effective, and biocompatible option to address Fe deficiency in soil. The plant height, dry weight, and the plant Fe content increased by 31%, 97%, and 247%, respectively.

Keywords

• Humic acid
• Iron nanofertilizer
• Iron deficiency
• Organically coated Fe3O4
• Tomato