title: Synthetic apatite nanoparticles as a phosphorus fertilizer for soybean (Glycine max).
abstract: Some soluble phosphate salts, heavily used in agriculture as highly effective phosphorus (P) fertilizers, cause surface water eutrophication, while solid phosphates are less effective in supplying the nutrient P. In contrast, synthetic apatite nanoparticles could hypothetically supply sufficient P nutrients to crops but with less mobility in the environment and with less bioavailable P to algae in comparison to the soluble counterparts. Thus, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the fertilizing effect of synthetic apatite nanoparticles on soybean (Glycine max). The particles, prepared using one-step wet chemical method, were spherical in shape with diameters of 15.8 ± 7.4 nm and the chemical composition was pure hydroxyapatite. The data show that application of the nanoparticles increased the growth rate and seed yield by 32.6% and 20.4%, respectively, compared to those of soybeans treated with a regular P fertilizer (Ca(H2PO4)2). Biomass productions were enhanced by 18.2% (above-ground) and 41.2% (below-ground). Using apatite nanoparticles as a new class of P fertilizer can potentially enhance agronomical yield and reduce risks of water eutrophication.
authors.affiliation: Carbon Management & Sequestration Center, School of Environment & Natural Resources, the Ohio State University, 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Ruiqiang
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Carbon Management & Sequestration Center, School of Environment & Natural Resources, the Ohio State University, 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Rattan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lal
mesh_terms: D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium / Q000737:chemistry; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry*; D005068:Eutrophication; D005308:Fertilizers; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D012996:Solutions; D013025:Glycine max / Q000254:growth & development*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D005308:Fertilizers; D012996:Solutions; D017886:Durapatite; D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium