Coimbatore: The Agricultural University of Tamil Nadu (TNAU) is conducting field trials to study the feasibility of using drones to apply nanourea liquid to crops at its agricultural research station in the Bhavanisagar region . If drones could be used to apply the fertilizer over several hectares, it would be useful for the farmers.
Last year, the Indian Farmer Fertilizer Cooperative (Iffco) developed a nano-urea-based liquid that can be sprayed onto foliage. Unlike commercial urea, which comes in 50 kg bags with 46% nitrogen, from which plants only absorb 30% to 35%, nanourea liquid is presented in a 500 ml bottle and n “Not much affect the composition of the soil,” said KS Subramanian, director of research and founding head of the nanotechnology department, TNAU.
Iffco says the 500ml bottle could be mixed in 200 gallons of water, which would be enough for one acre. The cost of nanourea has yet to be set for commercial use in the country, TNAU officials said when asked for a cost comparison. TNAU studies the effectiveness of drone use by evaluating the quantum of increased yield and health of rice and corn plants to check how well nitrogen is absorbed by the leaves
“We need to check if 500ml is really enough for an acre, if the drone can lift and fly efficiently with this load, if the wind will affect the spraying and if the nitrogen is effective for the plant when sprayed from it. high at that quantum, ”Subramanian said.
Considering the labor shortage, this could be revolutionary for farmers who grow millets, pulses and peanuts, etc., he said. “Thanks to nanotechnology, we have reduced nitrogen use and fertilizer waste.
Last year, the Indian Agricultural Research Council helped conduct field trials of liquid nanourea, which has been manually applied in 11,000 locations across the country through Krishi Vigyan Kendras. It was not only easy to use, but also the yield increased by 7% to 8% compared to conventional practice. There were also no associated environmental problems.
The TNAU, which had helped the EU government’s biotechnology department develop guidelines for the use of nanoproducts in agriculture and food products, scientifically validated the biosafety of nanourea. Subsequently, the Ministry of Agriculture notified the product in February. TNAU and Iffco are trying to increase awareness of liquid nanourea through virtual programs.
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