Comparative effects of nano and chelated micronutrient fertilizers on growth, yield, and nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under sandy soil conditions
1Vegetable Crops Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 2Plant Physiology Division, Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613. Corresponding e-mail: sahar.taha@agr.cu.edu.eg
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i03.98
Full text PDF This two-season field study evaluated the impact of foliar-applied nano and chelated micronutrient fertilizers (iron, zinc, and manganese), combined with standard NPK, on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) growth, yield, and nutritional quality under sandy soil conditions in Egypt. Using a randomized complete block design, nine treatments were assessed during 2022 and 2023. Results consistently showed that nano-fertilizer applications significantly enhanced vegetative growth parameters, including plant height, leaf count, and shoot fresh weight. Specifically, the combined nano (Fe+Zn+Mn) treatment proved most effective, leading to the highest total green pod yield (5.77 tons/fed in 2022; 6.33 tons/fed in 2023) and improved total soluble solids (TSS). Furthermore, nano-fertilizers notably increased the concentrations of macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn) in both leaves and pods, indicating superior nutrient uptake and translocation efficiency. The study also revealed the positive effects of nano-fertilizers on key biochemical quality traits, including protein, fibre, fat, and ascorbic acid content. These benefits are attributed to the unique properties of nanoparticles, including their small size and high surface area, which facilitate enhanced nutrient bioavailability. This research highlights the promising potential of integrating nano-fertilizers into agricultural practices to significantly boost common bean productivity and nutritional value, thereby supporting more sustainable farming systems.
