Dip in yield, low protein content: PAU field experiment finds several problems with nano urea

Subject: Environment

Section: Pollution

Context:

A two-year field experiment by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) studied nano urea’s efficacy compared to conventional nitrogen fertilizers on rice and wheat yields.

Impact of Nano Urea on crops:

Nano urea led to a substantial decrease in grain nitrogen content and yields for both crops.
Research showed a 21.6% decline in wheat yield and a 13% decrease in rice yield compared to conventional fertilizers.
IFFCO launched nano liquid urea claiming it could replace conventional urea, heavily promoted by the central government.
- Nano urea, a foliar spray, exhibited reduced grain nitrogen content, worrying for India’s staple food sources.
Despite claims of equivalent yield to conventional urea, nano urea’s cost was ten times higher and raised farmers’ cultivation costs.
Field experiments revealed decreased above-ground and root biomass after nano urea application, affecting nutrient uptake processes.
Reduction in yield was sequential over two years, suggesting continued nano urea use may further diminish production.
The study, published in PAU’s journal, emphasizes the need for long-term evaluation; current results discourage nano urea use for rice and wheat.