A comparison of microwave and ultrasound routes to prepare nano-hydroxyapatite fertilizer improving morphological and physiological properties of maize (Zea mays L.)

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have a remarkable potential to be used as nano-fertilizers with great effects on improving the yield of plants. These nano-compounds were synthesized using microwave and ultrasound methods, which decrease the particle size distribution of the products. To investigate the effects of two types of simple and triple superphosphate fertilizers on some properties of maize plant (Zea mays L.), a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized block design. The fertilizer treatments included in this study were simple superphosphate, triple superphosphate, microwave nano-hydroxyapatite, and ultrasound nano-hydroxyapatite and examined at five concentration levels. The results showed that the application of nano-hydroxyapatite phosphate fertilizers improved the growth and physiological properties of maize plant. This would raise better results in comparison to the simple and triple superphosphate fertilizers. Considering the positive effects of nano-hydroxyapatite fertilizers and high production levels, the results of this experiment revealed that the synthetic nano-hydroxyapatite methods prevent phosphorus loss; therefore, it is recommended to use nano-phosphate fertilizers in food resource management to achieve a favorable quantitative yield. Moreover, they can be regarded as a favorable solution to deal with the environmental problems.