Paper Details

Abstract

Nano-fertilizers have emerged as a promising tool for enhancing crop productivity and quality. However, the comparative effects of different nano-nutrient formulations and application methods remain mainly unexplored, particularly in crops such as leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum L.). The current study addresses this research gap by investigating the response of leek shoots to sulfur (S) and iron (Fe) nano-fertilizers applied individually and in combination using two distinct methods: foliar application and fertigation. We hypothesized that the combined application of sulfur and iron nano-fertilizers would enhance leek growth and biochemical attributes more effectively than individual nano-fertilizer treatments, and that nutrient delivery method would significantly influence plant responses. Despite increasing interest in nano-fertilizers, limited information is available regarding the combined use of sulfur and iron nanoparticles in leek cultivation, particularly under different nutrient delivery systems such as foliar application and fertigation. The experiment was conducted during the 2023-2024 growing season in a dedicated nursery located in the Al-Hay Al-Asri area in the center of Al Diwaniyah Governorate. A two-factor factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor consisted of four nano-fertilizer treatments (control, nano-S, nano-Fe, and nano-S+Fe), while the second factor comprised four application treatments, namely foliar application once, foliar application twice, fertigation once, and fertigation twice. Key morphological parameters, including plant height, number of leaves per plant, total leaf area, fresh shoot weight, and leaf chlorophyll content, were significantly improved in plants treated with nano-fertilizers compared to the control group. Notably, the combined treatment with foliar sulfur and iron resulted highest plant height (37.26 cm) and leaf number (14.10 leaf plant-1), while fertigation resulted higher plant heights compared to foliar spray. Additionally, twice foliar spray of nano-fertilizer significantly improved fresh shoot weight and chlorophyll content. Biochemical analysis also showed significant improvements in the contents of total protein, soluble sugars, total phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenes. The nano combined (S + Fe) achieved peak levels of total protein (8.56% with twice fertigation) and soluble sugars (14.55% by one fertigation). Total phenolic, flavonoid and terpene contents were significantly higher in nano-fertilizer treated plants compared to control, especially when applied through fertigation. The enhancement of growth, photosynthetic pigments, primary and secondary metabolites suggested that sulfur and iron nano-fertilizers improved both physiological performance and biochemical functionality of leek plants. These responses may be attributed to improved nutrient availability and uptake efficiency associated with nano-scale nutrient delivery. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that sulfur and iron nano-fertilizers can effectively enhance growth performance, physiological status, and biochemical quality of leek, with treatment efficacy varying according to nutrient combination and application method

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