Synthesis and Characterization of Urea-doped Calcium, Magnesium and Iron Phosphate Nanoparticles and Their Interaction with Azospirillum for Sustainable Agriculture Application
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 2 (June 2026) pp. 780-790
Abstract
Nanotechnology offers new solutions for agriculture. Nanofertilizers are especially useful because they allow controlled release of nutrients and targeted delivery. The present study investigates the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of urea-doped calcium, magnesium, and iron phosphate nanoparticles (CMI-PO₄ NPs) and evaluates their physicochemical properties, water-holding capacity, and agronomic performance in Vigna mungo cultivation. The interaction of these nanofertilizers with the biofertilizer Azospirillum was also examined to assess their synergistic effects on plant growth and stress physiology. Advanced analytical techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX), were employed to confirm successful synthesis of urea-doped calcium, magnesium, and iron phosphate nanoparticles (CMI-PO₄ NPs). The characteristic peaks of urea-doped CMIPO₄ NPs were recognized from FTIR. The SEM images showed irregular and agglomerated particles, while XRD confirmed their crystalline nature. The EDX analysis verified the elements present in the nanoparticles. A comparative assessment was carried out among different treatments: urea-doped CMI-PO₄ NPs combined with Azospirillum, urea-doped CMI-PO₄ NPs alone, conventional urea, and an untreated control. Agronomic and biochemical parameters, including proline content (0.3883 mg g⁻¹), soluble protein associated with photosynthetic efficiency (0.9343 mg g⁻¹), superoxide dismutase activity (0.7022 mg g⁻¹ FW), peroxidase activity (0.1370 mg g⁻¹ FW), and lipid peroxidation (−0.9048 mg g⁻¹ FW), were analyzed to evaluate plant stress responses. The results demonstrated that urea-doped CMI-PO₄ NPs, particularly when integrated with Azospirillum, significantly enhanced nutrient availability, water-holding capacity (up to 80%), and plant physiological performance compared to conventional treatments.
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Reference
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