DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v24i4.1

Keywords: Layered double hydroxide, fertilizer, seed germination

Abstract

Nanofertilizers are now a cutting-edge tool in agricultural research. Sustainable and efficient agricultural practices are critical to meet the world's food demand while having as little impact as feasible on the environment. Hence, this study applied calcium aluminum layered double hydroxide (Ca-Al LDH) to the grain corn (Z. mays) to raise the growth rate, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content. This study aimed to compare the impact of synthesized Ca-Al LDH nanoparticles with the conventional nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer, aluminium nitrate (AlNO3)3, and the control plant. Note that six weeks after the application of the nanofertilizer, the plants experienced a positive morphological growth rate, but when compared with NPK fertilizer, the nanofertilizer fell into the second position. The critical concentration that satisfactorily increases the growth parameter of plants was achieved at the dose concentration of 50 mg/L for NPK fertilizer and Al(NO3)3 as well as 100 mg/L for Ca-Al LDH nanofertilizer. Furthermore, the chlorophyll b and carotenoid content for plants treated with 50 mg/L Ca-Al LDH were revealed to be higher than 50 mg/L of NPK fertilizer, resulting in longer length measurements of the plant leaf. To emphasize, Ca-AL LDH nanoparticles have a remarkable potential to boost soil fertility and crop productivity while minimizing ecological issues.