Study on different nano fertilizers influencing the growth, proximate composition and antioxidant properties of strawberry fruits

Abstract

The benefits of using nano fertilizers in agriculture have previously been demonstrated. However, the comparative study on the effectiveness of different nano fertilizers and their application methods are very limited. Therefore, our study was to investigate the effects of soil-applied nano zeolite (NZS), foliar and soil-applied hybrid nanocomposite (HNCSF), and combined application of foliar-applied HNC and soil-applied NZ, together [HNCF + NZS] on the growth, proximate composition, and antioxidant properties of strawberries. Our current study revealed that the growth parameters were significantly improved with the NZS treatment except for chlorophyll contents as compared to HNCSF and [HNCF + NZS]. However, the proximate composition was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by HNCSF in terms of ash, protein and fat, while the carbohydrate and energy were enhanced by [HNCF + NZS]. The vitamin A and minerals contents were significantly increased with the incorporation of HNCF with NZS, [HNCF + NZS]. Similarly, the antioxidant properties were also increased by the [HNCF + NZS] treatment. Though, all the nonfertilizer had several effects on different parameters in terms of growth and nutritional properties, however, this study would like to demonstrate the [HNCF + NZS] as a potential fertilizer for its overall diverse properties in agricultural production and nutritional value addition.

Keywords

• Strawberry
• Nano fertilizers
• Growth
• Proximate composition
• Antioxidants