Nano DAP: Benefits, Concerns and Methods of Application

Co-author: Ganesh Saini

“Nano DAP – where innovation meets efficiency, empowering you to achieve more with less.”

For all crops, Nano DAP is a reliable source of readily available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P2O5), and it aids in addressing nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency issues in standing crops. The Nano DAP formulation has phosphorus (16.0% P₂O₅ w/v) and nitrogen (8.0% N w/v).

Nano DAP (Liquid) is a unique Nano fertilizer that was approved by the Government of India under FCO (1985) on March 2, 2023. It is an indigenous and non-subsidized fertiliser with a nutrient utilization efficiency greater than 90% under ideal field conditions.

The advantage of Nano DAP in terms of surface area to volume is due to its particles being less than 100 nm in size. It may easily access the seed surface, stomata, and other plant openings because to this special characteristic.

Higher seed vigor, more chlorophyll, greater photosynthetic efficiency, and higher quality seeds result from enhanced Nano DAP absorption and spreadability within the plant system.

What is Nano DAP?

 DAP is a commonly used phosphate-based fertilizer made by reacting Ammonia with Phosphoric acid, which contains Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Nano-DAP is a new type of fertilizer that uses nanoparticles to deliver these nutrients. It has been designed to be more efficient, reduce costs, and be more sustainable for agriculture.

What is the difference between DAP and Nano DAP?

 DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and Nano DAP (Nanotechnology-based Diammonium Phosphate) are both fertilizers used in agriculture, but they differ in terms of their particle size and potential benefits.

Particle Size:

• DAP: Diammonium Phosphate is a conventional fertilizer that consists of larger granules or particles. These particles are typically in the range of 1-4 millimeters in size.
• Nano DAP: Nano DAP, as the name suggests, is a nanotechnology-based version of DAP. It has much smaller particles, typically at the nanoscale, which are on the order of 1-100 nanometers in size.

Usage:

• DAP: Conventional DAP releases its nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) relatively slowly over time as the granules break down in the soil. It provides a steady supply of nutrients to plants over an extended period.
• Nano DAP: Nano DAP is designed to have enhanced nutrient release properties due to its smaller particle size. The nanoscale particles have a larger surface area, which can potentially lead to quicker nutrient release when compared to traditional DAP. This rapid nutrient release can promote faster plant growth and improved nutrient uptake.

Efficiency and Uptake:

• DAP: Conventional DAP may have a slower rate of nutrient uptake by plants since it relies on microbial and soil processes to release nutrients from the larger granules.
• Nano DAP: Nano DAP may offer improved nutrient availability and uptake by plants due to its smaller particle size, potentially resulting in better crop yields and nutrient utilization efficiency.

Environmental Impact:

• DAP: Conventional DAP can be associated with nutrient runoff and leaching, which can contribute to water pollution if not managed properly.
• Nano DAP: The use of nano-fertilizers like Nano DAP may have implications for environmental and health safety, as the behavior and impact of nanoparticles in the environment and on human health are still subjects of research and concern.

Benefits of Using Nano-DAP

The use of nano-DAP has various advantages:

1. Reduced Subsidy Burden and Import Dependence on Fertilizer Because of its improved use-efficiency, nano-DAP can assist the government lower its fertilizer subsidy burden. This also means that there will be reduced reliance on fertilizer imports.
2. Reduced Input Costs Nano-DAP can help cut agricultural input costs, allowing farmers to double their income.
3. Greater agricultural sustainability, by boosting nutrient uptake, lowering water use, and cutting environmental losses, nano-DAP can increase agricultural sustainability.

Nano-DAP can also be combined with other nano-fertilizers like as nano-urea, nano-potash, nano-zinc, and nano-copper to increase agricultural benefits.

Concerns about using Nano DAP

While there are certain advantages to employing nano-DAP, some drawbacks are:

• Increased Nanoparticle concentration in Soil and Crops continued usage of nano-DAP may result in a rise in nanoparticles in soil and crops, with uncertain consequences for the environment and human health.
• Health Risks When nano-sized particles are present in excessive numbers, they can be hazardous to one’s health. As a result, it is critical to ensure that farmers and consumers are safe when using nano-DAP.

Recommended Doses and Methods of Application

Dosages of Optimal Nano DAP

 The appropriate dosage of Nano DAP is determined by several parameters:

1. Crop type
2. Soil conditions
3. Nutrient requirements

Application of Nano DAP liquid as seed or root treatment followed by one to two foliar sprays at critical growth stages can result in 50-75% reduction of conventional DAP application crops.

Types of Treatment for Nano DAP

Seed Treatment: This could be used at 3-5 ml per Kg (0.03-0.07 oz/lb) of seeds by dissolving in the required quantity of water to form a thin film on the seed surface. Leave for 20-30 minutes; Shade dry it and sow it.

Seedling/Tuber/Sett treatment: Could be applied at 3-5 ml per liter of water. Dry it in the shade and then transplant it.

Foliar Spray: This could be used at 2-4 ml per liter of water at a good foliage stage. An additional spray at the pre-flowering stage can be applied in long during and high phosphorus-requiring crops. Apply 2^nd Foliar spray at the Pre-Flowering / Late Tillering stage for better response in high phosphorus-requiring crops.

Methods of Application for Nano DAP

(*One Cap of Nano DAP Bottle= 25 ml)

Nano DAP (Liquid): It can be used at 250 ml – 500 ml per acre (0.6 to 1.2 l per hectare) per spray.

Knapsack Sprayers: 2-3 caps (50-75 ml) (1.6-2.5 ounces) of Nano DAP liquid per 15–16-liter (3.9-4.1 gallon)  tank; 8-10 tanks normally cover 1-acre crop area.

Boom / Power sprayers: 3-4 caps (75-100 ml) (2.5-3.4 ounces) of nano DAP per 20–25-liter (5.2-6.6 gallon) tank; 4-6 tanks normally cover 1-acre crop area.

Drones: 250 -500 ml (8-16 ounces) of nano DAP liquid per tank of 10–20 liter (2.6-5.2 gallon) volume to cover a 1-acre area.

References

https://www.iffco.in/en/world-s-first-nano-DAP-liquid-fertiliser-dedicated-to-the-nation