Summary
This greenhouse study investigated coating urea fertiliser with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a strategy to enhance wheat performance and micronutrient acquisition under water-limited conditions. Under drought stress, ZnO-NP coated urea significantly accelerated panicle initiation (5 days earlier than control) and increased grain yield by 51%, whilst achieving greater zinc uptake efficiency than bulk zinc oxide despite lower total zinc application. The findings suggest nanoscale zinc fertilisers can reduce nutrient input requirements in cereal production without compromising yield under water stress.
Regional applicability
Findings are potentially relevant to UK cereal production, particularly given increasing drought risk under climate change. However, applicability depends on validation in field conditions under UK rainfall patterns, soil types, and cultivars, as the research was conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment.
Key measures
Grain yield (%), time to panicle initiation (days), plant zinc uptake (%), nitrogen uptake, phosphorus uptake, zinc oxide coating efficiency (%)
Outcomes reported
The study measured grain yield, time to panicle initiation, and plant uptake of zinc, nitrogen and phosphorus in wheat grown under drought and non-drought conditions with different zinc fertiliser formulations. Key comparisons were made between zinc oxide nanoparticles (coated and uncoated on urea) and bulk zinc oxide amendments relative to control urea.
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