Impact Of Magnesium Nanoparticles On Nutrient Uptake And Yield Performance Of Arid Crops: A Comparative Study On Moth Bean, Mung Bean, Cluster Bean, Pearl Millet And Sorghum

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of magnesium nanoparticles (Mg NPs) on the uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulphur (S) and the consequent yield performance of five major arid crops, namely moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia), mung bean (Vigna radiata), cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Field and controlled environment experiments were conducted following a randomized block design at the Research Farm, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, during the Kharif season. Magnesium nanoparticles were applied as foliar sprays at two concentrations (10 and 20 mg L⁻¹), and their effects were compared with an untreated control. The effects of Mg NP application on nutrient uptake (N, P, and S), enzymatic activities, plant growth, and yield attributes were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in nutrient uptake across all crops treated with Mg NPs, with the highest increases in nitrogen and phosphorus uptake observed in leguminous crops, while sulphur uptake was more pronounced in pearl millet and sorghum. Yield improvement ranged from 18% in moth bean to more than 40% in pearl millet compared to the control treatment. Additionally, Mg NP application markedly improved chlorophyll content, root biomass, and key enzymatic activities such as acid phosphatase, nitrate reductase, and arylsulphatase, indicating improved nutrient mobilization and metabolic efficiency. Overall, the findings establish magnesium nanoparticles as a promising nano-fertilizer for arid and semi-arid cropping systems, offering a sustainable strategy to enhance nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity under nutrient-stressed conditions.