Efficacy of Novel Phosphatic Fertilizer Derived from Sagar Rock Phosphate

Abstract

In the present investigation nano rock phosphate particles were prepared (top down approach) and characterized by using modern tool of nano-science and nano-technology to utilize the vast deposits of rock phosphate of India. Subsequently a pot culture experiment was conducted with maize crop in four diverse soils (Vertisol, Alfisol, Aridisol and Inceptisol) to test the efficacy of nano rock phosphate as a phosphatic fertilizer. Experimental results clearly indicated relatively higher yield response to nano-rock phosphate in all the soils as compared to micron sized rock phosphates. Further, the results suggested that crop utilization of P from nano rock phosphate was at par with that of P from single superphosphate (SSP) in Vertisol and Inceptisol, while the yield response to P from nano rock phosphate was marginally lower than to P from SSP in Alfisol and Aridisol. Rock phosphate nano particles could be utilized as a source of potential phosphatic fertilizer in the cultivation of crops.