International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology

Vol. 29, No. 9s, (2020), pp. 200-206

Effect of Bio-Based Nano Minerals in Wheat

(Triticum Aestivum L.)
Hem C. Joshi, Dhruv Mishra, Yashpal Singh, Om Prakash, Preeti Chaturvedi
1Department of Plant Physiology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant
University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (U.K.), India-263145
2Department of Biological Science, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant

University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (U.K.), India-263145

3Deptt of Molecular Biology & Genetic Engg., College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B.

Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (U.K.), India-263145

4Department of Chemistry, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant University of

Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (U.K.), India-263145

Abstract

The present study reports the effect of bio-based nano minerals on morphology and yield of wheat
(Triticum Aestivum L.). The experimental pots were filled with sandy clay loam, and had organic carbon
(0.72%), available nitrogen (216 kg/ha), available phosphorus (22 kg/ha) and available potassium (133
kg/ha). The treatments were control (Rec. NPK), absolute control, parthenium based bio mineral, neem
based bio mineral, FYM based bio mineral, clay based bio mineral and vegetable peel based bio nano
mineral. These bio-nano minerals were prepared in the ratio of 2:1(gypsum: biomineral). TEM of bio-
nano minerals revealed that the resultant bio-nano mineral was in the range of 5 to 100nm. Pot
experiment showed that plant height obtained with neem and FYM based bio nano minerals, were
statistically similar with each other. Number of tillers was found maximum with parthenium based nano
bio minerals at all growth stages. Dry matter accumulation was found maximum with neem based bio
nano minerals. Grain yield, straw yield and biological yield was found maximum under neem based bio
nano minerals, which was significantly higher than rest of the treatments. From these experiments, it can
be concluded that wheat crop performed better under neem based bio nano minerals.
Keywords: Nano minerals, Farmyard-Manure (FYM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM),
Gypsum

Introduction

Wheat is one of the most extensively growing crops which triggered green revolution in the country,
providing nourishment to 36% of global population. It counts among the ‘big three’ cereals crops, with
over 600 million tonnes being harvested annually [1]. The area under this crop is 211.06 million hectares
with average food productivity of 26.85 q per hectare. The population boom, small farm size, poor soil
fertility and poverty are some of the problems due to which developing countries are suffering from
chronic hunger, low farm yields per hectare and many other problems. The demand of increased supply of
food with increasing population has given birth to the urge of finding new dimensions of food production
along with use of innovative methods and techniques to narrow down this demand supply gap. Modern
methods of crop production, improved varieties and efficient, stable and sustainable supply of plant
nutrition can certainly help in achieving food security.

Plant nutrition is one of the major factors that play a pivotal role in agricultural productivity. Due to
intensive cropping, Indian soils are slowly becoming deficient in nutrients. Another major problem of
plant nutrition in agriculture is low nutrient use efficiency and uptake of minerals. Sometimes, excessive
use of fertilizers in bulk amount also leads to several environmental and health hazards besides affecting
the soil mineral composition. India has good reserve of low grade nutrient minerals like rock phosphate,

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 International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology
Vol. 29, No. 9s, (2020), pp. 200-206

gypsum etc. but their utilization as plant nutrients is the major challenge, because they are less soluble in
nature. Low grade nutrient bearing rocks and minerals, low nutrient use efficiency, insoluble nature of
rocks, the increasing demand of importing countries and monopoly of few developed countries over
fertilizer trade necessitates an urge to formulate methods for preparations of these nutrients by using
indigenous minerals [2].

Considering the current situation, a need was felt to apply nanotechnology to tackle the challenges of
low nutrient use efficiency in agriculture and to reduce the dependency on other countries for nutrients.
Nano agriculture involves the process and products that precisely delivers inputs in production system
with tremendous increase in yield. With use of nano minerals 47-48% increase in yield is reported [3].
Nanotechnology can augment agricultural production and boost food processing industry through
applications of these unique particles within the sphere of agricultural sciences. Soil fertility management
through nanotechnology application is in nascent stage. For increasing nutrient use efficiency, slow or
control release fertilizers have been developed by coating with sulphur, neem, lac or clay [4]. Nano
fertilizers are intended to improve the nutrient use efficiency of crops through balanced fertilization
besides maintaining the soil and plant health status. The nano-fertilizers are known to release the nutrients
on demand while preventing their pre mature conversion into chemical/gaseous form that cannot be
absorbed by plants. This can be achieved by preventing nutrients from interacting with soil, water and
microorganisms, and releasing nutrients only when they can be directly internalized by the plant [5].

Gypsum is a quality source of both calcium and sulphur for plant nutrition. It is chemically known as
calcium sulphate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O). Gypsum makes the small particles in clay soil flocculate into
larger particles which enables better water penetration and retention as well as better root penetration.
This also enables better nutrient use by the plants. Gypsum also helps in repairing the soil that has been
damaged through compaction from heavy stock, machinery, in the recovery of sub-soils exposed by earth
movement and in soils affected by salinity [6,7,8,9].

In light of the above, the present study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of indigenously prepared
nano bio minerals utilizing farm and other household wastes on different wheat growth parameters.

Materials and Methods

Bio based nano minerals were prepared by top to bottom approach. Repeated grinding, drying and wetting
of the materials were done. Five fresh biological materials namely neem leaves, FYM, vegetable peels
parthenium and clay were selected to prepare bio-nano minerals. Gypsum was selected as nutrient source.
For the formulation of bio based nano materials, firstly fresh biological materials were separately mixed
with mineral (gypsum) in a ratio of 2:1 and grounded together by using dist. water with the help of mortar
and pestle. After every grinding, materials were kept for drying in oven for 24 hours and then transferred
to freezer for 24 hours for freezing. This process of grinding, wetting and drying was repeated eight times.

Characterization of nano particles

Bio-nano minerals prepared by top to bottom approach were then measured for their size. Two methods
were adopted for characterization of these minerals.

Sieving

The final ground materials were collected and sieved by using the 1.06 µ sieve. The materials passed
through the sieve were of size less than 1 µ. To get the particle size as small as nano particles, the sieved
material was again subjected to grinding, heating, freezing and wetting for three times. The particles were
ready to be tested for actual particle size through TEM.

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Vol. 29, No. 9s, (2020), pp. 200-206

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

To ensure their nano meter size, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was done by placing
nano minerals on the slides and then observing the size and other characters of the nano minerals. The
TEM images confirmed the size of nanoparticles in nano range (20-100nm). Some of the minerals also
possessed size as small as 3nm to 5nm. A special characteristic is also noticed in neem based minerals
which showed a lighter covering over the nano minerals which was assumed as bio material coating over
the nano particle or vice-versa. Some of the images also showed that the nano material so formed also
contained some mixed nano minerals containing bio materials and raw minerals on either side of the nano
particles. Some of the materials also showed some different kind of materials which were assumed as
impurities in the mineral material while some bio and raw minerals were scattered all the way over the
slides without any physical contact with each other.
FYM based nano minerals:
The TEM image of FYM based nano bio minerals showed some rod shaped nano particles as small as 20
nm in length(Fig.1a). Some lighter covering is also seen over the rod shaped nano particles showing
coating of other material over nano particles. These particles also showed crystalline nature as the light
scattered evenly through the particle during the analysis.
Clay based nano minerals:
The TEM image implied the presence of less than 100nm scale particles all over the slide. Along with
some rod shaped particles some dark colour particles were also noticed which were termed as impurities
(Fig.1b).
Neem based nano minerals:
Tiny circular shaped coated nano particles were reported while imaging (Fig.1c). The size of the particles
varied from 10 nm to 200 nm. Clear image of dark coloured coated substance can be seen while the
lighter coloured nano particles collapsed inside it.
Vegetable peel based nano minerals
These showed irregular plate like structures (80nm to 200nm)which were overlapped over each other(Fig
1d).
Parthenium based nano minerals:
Irregular shaped nano particles less then 100nm were observed. Some rod shaped as well as round shaped
particles were also noticed (Fig 1e).

Result & Discussion

Efficacy assessment of bio based nano gypsum

The data of plant height(cm), tillers per plant and dry matter content (table 1, fig 2) were significantly
affected by the various bio-nano gypsum treatments. All the three parameters showed increase with
advancement of wheat life stages.
Plant height
Plant height was significantly increased by different bio-nano gypsum treatments at 30DAS and 90DAS.
Tallest plant was found with clay based nano gypsum, which was significant higher than the other
treatments followed by parthenium based nano gypsum and vegetable peel based nano gypsum at 30
DAS. However, at 60 days growth stage plant height was found maximum under neem based nano
gypsum. At 90 DAS plant height recorded in FYM based nano gypsum was significantly higher than the
other treatments while clay based nano gypsum showed smaller plant height.
Tillers per plant

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Vol. 29, No. 9s, (2020), pp. 200-206

Maximum tillers were found with parthenium based nano gypsum at all growth stages i.e. 30, 60 and 90
DAS. At 30 days growth stage, parthenium based nano gypsum was significantly higher than rest of the
treatments whereas, lowest no of tillers were reported in vegetable peel. Clay based nano gypsum, neem
based nano gypsum was statistically at par. At 60 days growth stage, tillers were found maximum under
parthenium based nano gypsum, which was significant higher than the other treatments except Neem
based nano gypsum that was at par with it. At 90 days growth stage, tillers were recorded maximum under
parthenium based nano gypsum, significantly higher than the other treatments.

Dry matter accumulation

Dry matter accumulation was found maximum in neem based nano gypsum at all the stages, which was
significantly higher than the other treatments while vegetable peel based nano gypsum at 30 DAS, 60
DAS and at maturity recorded least dry matter accumulation. At maturity dry matter accumulation was
recorded maximum under neem based nano gypsum, which was significantly higher than all other
treatments. Higher plant height, tillers and dry matter accumulation under nano based bio minerals might
be due to the fact that fertilizer response was more balanced in its nano form. This may also be due to the
reason that nano materials helps to increase nutrient efficiency by augmenting nutrient uptake from the
soil and satisfying the demand of crops at lower dosage.

Yield studies

Grain yield (per plant), straw yield (per plant), biological yield (per plant) and harvest index are given in
table 2, fig. 3. All these parameters except harvest index (%) were significantly affected by the bio-
mineral treatments. Grain yield (plant), straw yield and biological yield was found maximum under neem
based nano gypsum, which was significantly higher than rest of the treatments. Lower straw yield was
recorded by FYM based nano gypsum which was at par with parthenium and vegetable peel based nano
gypsum.

Conclusion

It can be concluded from the experiment that neem based bio nano minerals consist of most desirable
structure and dimensions as compared to other minerals. Effect on wheat crop is also statistically
significant and better then rest of the bio materials. Gypsum mineral a rich source of calcium and sulphur
to the plant shows high returns as compared to other minerals. Gypsum based bio nano minerals shows
bright future perspectives of bio-nano technology. However, intensive research work is required for better
perspective and understanding of the Bio-nano minerals and for extraction of benefits to the farmers.

References

1. Statistics, F.A.O., 2010. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations. Retrieved, 3(13), p.2012.
2. Subramanian, K.S. and Rajkishore, S.K., 2018. Regulatory Framework for Nanomaterials in
Agri-Food Systems. In Nanomaterials: Ecotoxicity, Safety, and Public Perception (pp. 319-342).
Springer, Cham.
3. Ramsden, J., 2008. Essentials of nanotechnology. BookBoon.
4. Sartain, J., 2002. Food for turf: slow-release nitrogen. Grounds maintenance, 37(4), pp.14-17.
5. DeRosa, M.C., Monreal, C., Schnitzer, M., Walsh, R. and Sultan, Y., 2010. Nanotechnology in
fertilizers. Nature nanotechnology, 5(2), p.91.
6. Crocker, W., 1922. History of the use of agricultural gypsum. Gypsum Industries Association,
Chicago, IL.

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 International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology
Vol. 29, No. 9s, (2020), pp. 200-206

7. Scott, W.D., McCraw, B.D., Motes, J.E. and Smith, M.W., 1993. Application of calcium to soil
and cultivar affect elemental concentration of watermelon leaf and rind tissue. Journal of the
American Society for Horticultural Science, 118(2), pp.201-206.
8. Norton, L.D. and Rhoton, F., 2007, October. FGD gypsum influences on soil surface sealing,
crusting, infiltration and runoff. In workshop on Agricultural and Industrial Uses of FGD
Gypsum.
9. Sumner, M.E. and Larrimore, L., 2006, September. Use of gypsum for crop production on
southeastern soils. In Workshop on Research and Demonstration of Agricultural Uses of Gypsum
and Other FGD Materials.

Table: 1 Plant height, Number of tillers per plant and Dry matter accumulation influenced by
gypsum based bio-nano minerals.

Table: 2 Effect of gypsum bio-nano minerals on Grain, Straw, Biological yield and Harvest index of

Treatments/ Nano Plant height (cm) Tillers (per Dry matter accumulation
gypsum plant) (g)
30 60 90 Maturity 30 60 90 30 60 90 Maturity
Neem 22.2 44.0 59.5 98.8 2.4 4.2 4.8 0.5 5.4 21.7 35.8
Parthenium 24.2 42.2 60.0 86.8 3.0 4.5 5.3 0.4 3.9 12.3 20.2
FYM 21.5 43.9 69.9 89.6 2.7 3.9 4.8 0.3 4.4 10.6 21.2
Clay 24.7 39.7 68.9 90.0 2.2 4.0 5.0 0.4 3.8 14.6 24.6
Vegetable peel 23.5 42.5 61.8 95.7 1.7 4.1 4.5 0.3 3.3 14.3 19.3
Control (NPK) 20.2 38.1 58.9 90.6 1.9 3.8 4.2 0.3 3.5 15.1 24.6
Absolute control 20.8 42.0 57.6 85.3 2.2 3.0 3.0 0.3 3.2 16.6 25.6
S.Em± 0.7 2.05 2.2 3.9 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.5 8.5
C.D (0.5%) 2.2 NS 6.9 NS 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.1 0.6 1.5 2.7
C.V (0.05) 5.76 8.4 6.3 7.4 8.3 5.5 7.8 9.0 8.3 5.7 8.7
Treatments/Nano gypsum Grain yield (g) Straw yield Biological yield Harvest index
(g) (g) (%)
Neem 2.7 3.2 5.0 48.7
Parthenium 1.8 1.9 3.7 48.5
FYM 1.8 1.8 3.6 49.6
Clay 1.8 2.2 3.8 48.3
Vegetable peel 1.6 1.9 3.5 45.8
Control (NPK) 1.1 1.6 2.4 45.6
Absolute control 1.4 2.2 3.0 47.7
S.Em± 0.1 0.2 0.2 1.4
C.D (0.5%) 0.3 0.5 0.7 NS
C.V (0.05) 10.7 9.8 10.5 5.0
wheat

Figure captions

Figure: 1 Transmission electron micrographs of a. FYM based nano minerals b.

clay based bio- nano minerals c. Neem based bio nano mineral d. vegetable peel
based bio nano minerals e. parthenium based bio nano minerals

Figure: 2 Assessment of Plant height, Tillers (per plant) and dry matter
accumulation with bio based nano gypsum

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Vol. 29, No. 9s, (2020), pp. 200-206

Figure: 3 Yield studies influenced by gypsum based bio-nano minerals

a b

c d

Fig.1

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Vol. 29, No. 9s, (2020), pp. 200-206

120

100

80

60 Neem
Parthenium
40
FYM
20 Clay
Vegetable
0
Control (NPK)
60

60
30

90

30

60

90

30

90

maturity
Maturity

Absolute control

Plant height (cm) Tillers (per Dry matter

plant) accumulation (gm)

Fig:2

Grain yield
3
Straw yield
Biological yield
2

0
Neem Parthenium FYM Clay Vegetable Control Absolute
peel (NPK) control

Fig:3

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