A Comprehensive Review of Nano-Urea vs. Conventional Urea
Avaneesh Kumar
ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India.
Hardev Ram
ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India.
Sandeep Kumar
*
National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning, Regional Center, Jorhat Assam 785004, India.
Rakesh Kumar
ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India.
Arvind Yadav
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Ananya Gairola
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Vipin Kumar
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Tanu Sharma
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, UP, 250110, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Conventional chemical fertilizers, notably urea, have long been employed globally to meet the increasing demands for food production. However, the use of conventional urea has raised environmental concerns, including nitrate leaching, global warming, ozone layer depletion, and groundwater pollution. Additionally, there is an overburden on the government in the form of import expenditure. As the global population grows and arable land diminishes, the demand for chemical fertilizers, particularly nitrogen intensifies. Urea production, responsible for a significant portion of the global nitrogen fertilizer demand, contributes to environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Researchers advocate for reducing urea demand through energy-efficient fertilizers to address these issues. Nano-fertilizers, characterized by nano-dimensions and slow-release properties, offer a potential solution. They serve as efficient nutrient carriers, minimizing losses through leaching and emissions. Nano-urea, developed by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), stands out with nanometer-sized particles, prolonged shelf-life, and reduced environmental impact. Its adoption holds promise for sustainable agriculture, reducing agro-chemical use and enhancing soil health. Comparing nano-urea to conventional urea reveals higher efficiency, reduced environmental impact, controlled nutrient supply, and economic benefits. Nano-urea's nanotechnology-based innovations offer a transformative approach to crop nutrition, promoting sustainability, environmental conservation, and increased profitability for farmers. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute's experiment revealed that basal nitrogen application at 75% with prilled urea, full phosphorus and potassium, and nano-urea + nano-Zn sprays achieved yields comparable to 100% N + full P and K doses. Embracing energy-efficient novel fertilizers, such as nano-fertilizers, is crucial for achieving sustainable agriculture and meeting global food demands while mitigating environmental impacts.
Keywords: Nano-urea, urea, nitrogen, nitrogen use efficiency, leaching, pollution