Agriculture plays a crucial part in supplying the world's food requirements and maintaining rural lives but conventional farming methods frequently result in soil deterioration, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions etc. Therefore, it is crucial to use sustainable farming methods to provide food security while protecting the environment. A potential strategy to address the waste management challenges is recovering and recreating valuable non-renewable resources into sustainable products.
Micronutrient deficiencies pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity and human nutrition, impacting crop yields and food quality. In particular, deficiencies of essential micronutrients such as boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) can lead to decreased yields and compromise crop health. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for sustainable and productive agriculture.
Micronutrient deficiencies have emerged as a significant challenge in Indian agriculture. The soil is degrading day by day due to the adoption of intensive cropping practices, unbalanced fertiliser application, and overuse of urea etc. It is estimated
that over 50% of Indian agricultural soils are deficient in micronutrients, leading to reduced crop
yields and quality, and posing a threat to food security and economic growth.
In a study, soil samples from 508 districts around the nation were analysed (Shukla et al.) and the results showed that 36.5%, 12.8%, 7.1%, 4.2%, and 23.2% of the soils, respectively, had deficiencies in important micronutrients like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and boron (B). Zn and B deficits were present in more than half of the districts, demonstrating the problem's pervasive prevalence. Along with the declining trend of Zn in the soils, Fe and Mn shortages have also increased.
Agricultural crops deplete 188,000 tonnes of micronutrients annually on average (Shukla et al.). Proper micronutrient management is essential to resolve this problem, taking into account various aspects like crop kinds, soil types, the severity of the deficit, and suitable sources, techniques, rates, and treatment cycles. Studies have shown that including micronutrients in balanced fertilisation schedules improves the NPK fertilisers' internal usage efficiency, increasing crop productivity and output.
A novel approach to modern agriculture, nano-micronutrient fertilisers can increase crop output by utilising the potential of nanotechnology. Although nanotechnology has many uses in a variety of scientific disciplines, its use in agriculture has received very little attention globally. However, recent studies have looked at the effects of different sulphur fertilisers combined with nano-micronutrient fertilisers, notably nano-zinc, nano-iron, and nano-manganese, on the morpho-physiological characteristics of crops like chickpeas. (Janmohammad and Sabaghnia)
Applying recycled nano micronutrient fertilisers effectively creates new opportunities for sustainable agriculture. These fertilisers increase plant growth and production by enabling efficient nutrient uptake and utilisation by the plants. Additionally, their targeted and customised strategy guarantees that particular crop and nutrient deficits are addressed, resulting in optimised nutrient availability and diminished environmental effect.
Among the essential micronutrients, manganese (Mn) plays a vital role in various physiological processes in plants, including photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and nutrient uptake. However, Mn deficiency is a widespread issue in many agricultural regions, affecting crops such as wheat, maize, and rice. It is very common in soils with low Manganese content, heavily weathered tropical and sandy soils, and organic-rich soils with high pH. Additionally, deficiency symptoms can occur in mineral soils with pH values above 6.5, including calcareous soils and those heavily limed.
Significant effects of Mn shortage include decreased crop output and weakened plant health. For instance, Mn deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in field crops, including cereals, sugar, beetroot, potatoes, oilseed, peas, etc. and it is widespread throughout northern Europe. Interveinal or blotched chlorosis in old and young leaf blades, interveinal necrosis in young leaf blades, and stunted growth are all signs of a manganese deficiency. Temperature, soil moisture, and light intensity are a few examples of variables that might affect how severe a deficiency is.
Innovative strategies have surfaced to solve the issue of Mn deficiencies and promote sustainable agriculture. Aloe Ecell has created a novel solution by recycling spent primary single-use batteries to create Mangnify, a carbon negative nano manganese sulphate fertiliser. This eco-friendly procedure not only offers a long-term supply of manganese sulphate but also addresses the problem of waste management and pollution produced by disposing of batteries.
Field Trials were conducted on wheat (T. aestivum) in the Kemla, Gudli, and Bundi regions of Rajasthan to assess the effectiveness of nano manganese sulphate in enhancing crop output. These places were chosen due to their potential for increased agricultural productivity and recognised vulnerability to manganese deficiency. This research paper aims to present the findings of the field trials specifically focusing on the effectiveness of nano manganese sulphate fertiliser in mitigating Mn deficiency and its impact on wheat crop productivity.
The study aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the field trial results, including detailed observations on crop growth, nutrient status, and overall agricultural performance. By shedding light on the efficacy of recycled nano manganese sulphate fertiliser derived from primary single-use batteries, this study not only addresses the pressing issue of micronutrient deficiencies but also showcases the potential for innovative and environmentally friendly solutions in agriculture.