Magnesium Oxide Nano Particles Effects on Utilization of Soil Phosphorus by Maize (Zea mays L.) Plant

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is the structural component of chlorophyll and polysaccharides and also an activator of several enzymes. Magnesium plays an important role in photosynthesis. An attempt was made in the present investigation on utilizing this property for increasing rate of photosynthesis of maize plant and subsequently higher root exudations which enhance the microbial activities in soil. Green house experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of MgO nano particles spray on maize plant (Zea mays L.) in three benchmark soils of India which are phosphorus (P) deficient. Results revealed that application of MgO nano particles spray 10 mg/L (viz. 15, 28, and 35 days after sowing) enhanced the enzymatic activities like phytase and phosphatase particularly in roots of P deficient plant. With the application of both P doses (viz. 0, 13, 26, and 52 mg kg-1) and MgO nano particles spray increased the different growth parameters of plants like root length, root volume, dry weight of shoot and root etc. irrespective of soils. The results can enhance our understanding on the role of MgO nano particles spray in plant root exudation and as well as the availability of soil P. These findings are of great help towards building a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of MgO nano-particles on phosphorus nutrition of plant and soil health.