What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the impact of nitrogen-phosphorus-enriched nano-sized sawdust on maize yields in sandy soil.

January 24, 2026Open Access

Integrated Soil Fertility Management Using Nano-Sized Sawdust Enhances Maize Yield and Sandy Soil Water Retention

Key Points

To evaluate the impact of nitrogen-phosphorus-enriched nano-sized sawdust on maize yields in sandy soil.
Conducted pot experiments with maize in sandy soil.
Developed nitrogen-phosphorus enriched sawdust nanoparticles and bulk particles.
Applied varying rates of mineral fertilizers along with sawdust treatments.
Measured maize growth parameters and soil health indicators.
Observed significant increases in maize biomass and nutrient content with sawdust treatments.
Maximum biomass of 50.85 g pot⁻¹ achieved with 0.75 mineral and 0.025 nano-sawdust application.
Enhanced soil water retention and reduced nutrient leaching were noted with sawdust applications.

Abstract

Abstract To assess the effectiveness of nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P)-enriched sawdust particles with different sizes for replenishing the decreased amounts of mineral fertilizers applied to maize plants growing in sandy soil, a pot experiment was carried out. Sawdust nanoparticles were created, described, and saturated with 160 mg of ammonium and phosphate solutions per liter in order to accomplish these goals. Different rates of mineral fertilizers as a fraction of fertilizer requirements of maize were applied to the soil. These fractions were also applied in the form of bulk-scale particle (< 2 mm) (bSD-MG) or nano-scale particle (< 100 nm) (nSD-MG) of woody sawdust of mango tree and the application rates were calculated on the basis of nitrogen content of sawdust. The physical and chemical characteristics of nSD-MG produced by mechanical milling and bSD-MG were examined. Maize growth parameters, nutrients content, and other chemical constituents were considered. Maize plants cultivated on the soil under investigation produced considerably more dry matter when mineral fertilizers applied alone and NP-enriched bSD or nSD were applied together. When 0.75 minerals were co-applied with 0.25 bSD or 0.025 nSD, the maximum biomass production of maize was observed. There are notable differences in the lignocellulosic compounds of maize depending on the rates at which bSD-MG or nSD-MG were applied. Significant variations in the element concentrations of maize plants as influenced by mineral co-applied with bSD-MG or nSD-MG application rates were found in the co-application effects of mineral fertilizers and NP-enriched bSD-MG or nSD-MG. Water holding capacity of the soil under study was increased as a result of bSD-MG or nSD-MG application. It can be concluded that the application of nSD-MG at a 0.025 RR rate, combined with 0.75 of the recommended mineral fertilizer dose, proved to be the most effective strategy for enhancing maize ( Zea mays cv. Single Hybrid 167) growth while simultaneously minimizing nutrient losses. This integrated approach produced the highest biomass yield (50.85 g pot⁻¹) and substantially reduced nutrient leaching, demonstrating the potential of nano-amended soil conditioners to improve fertilizer-use efficiency. These findings highlight the value of blending organic nanomaterials with reduced mineral fertilizer inputs as a sustainable practice for optimizing crop productivity and protecting environmental quality. Future research should validate these results under field conditions and explore their long-term impacts on soil health and nutrient cycling.

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