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2016 - 20172
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Subject: Soil Science × Author: Parminder Singh × Start date: 2004 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Copper substituted nano-phosphate mineral for its use as a novel fertilizer
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2017) Parminder Singh; Kukal, S. S.
    Copper containing nanomaterials in apatite-mineral receptacles are envisioned as environmental compliable nutrient supplier to plants. Therefore, this study aimed to fabricate apatite mineral using wet chemistry technique followed. The selected apatite was functionalized, and brought to nanoform by top-down method. The Copper based products were obtained by reacting apatite receptacles in nanostate with copper (Cu2+) which were characterized through nanotechnology tools. Scanning and Transmission Electron micrographs depicted roughly rectangular to square rhomboidal structures existing as short and long columns, thick plates-like and needle-like aggregatesand particle shapes varied from roughly spherical, oval, oblong to cylindrical/ tubular for nano-apatite samples. The SEM-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) detected perceptible adsorption of copper on apatite and confirmed occurrence of 6.69 percent of Cu atom in nanoapatite receptacle. While the SEM-X-ray mapping exhibited spheroid shaped distribution of Cu2+on nanoapatite receptacle. TheFT-IR spectra depicted the characteristic symmetric and asymmetric valence oscillations of the phosphate bond. The HAp showed strong X-ray reflections and most intense peaks appeared in the range of 2θ ~ 12.4 to 40º.The XRD pattern of nanohydroxyapatite shows the occurrence of broad and diffuse peaks which indicate towards low crystallization degree of the sample crystals further accentuating their nanoscale crystal size. Moreover, copper substitution resulted in increase in the peak count only at 002 while it decreased the peak height of (300), (202), (130) these (h,k,l) planes The in vitro hydroponic based corn-seed germination test showed the potential of the nano-product to support plant growth. Therefore, the Cu adsorbed nano-apatite receptacles can be utilized as a beneficial plant-nutrient supplier.
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    Adsorption-desorption of zinc in soils and its availability as influenced by phosphorus in maize
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2016) Parminder Singh; Saini, Sat Pal
    An investigation was undertaken on three different treated soils from long term experiment of Maize-wheat cropping sequence (1971) to study the adsorption-desorption of zinc in soils and its availability as influenced by phosphorus in maize. Three soils selected were Soil I (100%N), Soil II (50% NPK) and Soil III (100% NPK) and were tested for pH, EC, OC, available P, available K, available N, microntutrients and texture. A pot experiment was conducted at screen house with application of different levels of P (0, 30, 60 and 120 mg kg-1 soil) and Zn (0, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg kg-1 soil). Plant samples were analyzed for P and Zn concentration and their uptake. Soil III had highest dry matter yield, highest P uptake and lowest Zn uptake. Available P and dry matter was significantly and positively correlated, where as Zn uptake and dry matter showed significant negative correlation. Soil III with highest content of phosphorus showed the higher adsorption of Zn, adsorptive capacity, extent of Zn adsorption (n), bonding energy constant (K) and adsorption maxima (Y). Zinc dynamics were studied at different times (5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480 and 960) minutes. The faster rate of Zn desorption during the first four hour may be attributed to desorption of Zn from macro-aggregates or the outer surfaces of micro-aggregates, whereas, the slower rate of desorption after four hour may correspond to desorption and diffusion of Zn from inside macro or micro aggregates. Experimental data was fitted into four kinetic models among which Elovich model was considered to be best suited.