Overview

Nano fertilizers are emerging as substitute fertilizers for soil restoration, conservation of phosphorous nutrients, and reduction the fertilizer imports. The nano Di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer (n-DAP) is conceptualized and demonstrated successfully at the lab level. The n-DAP was prepared by a novel method, cryo-milling at ARCI without altering the chemical structure, and tested for efficacy at the University of Hyderabad. The cryo-milled n-DAP with particle size  5000 times lesser but specific surface area 14000 greater than that of commercially available DAP (C-DAP) enhanced the growth of monocot (wheat) and dicot (tomato) plants. The improved agronomic factors such as higher leaf biomass, longer shoot, shorter root, and extraordinary efficacy were observed with n-DAP for 75% lesser input than C-DAP. 

Key Features

  • Nano technological solution to agriculture to reduce the excessive use of fertilizers.
  • Production of nano fertilizers by cryo-milling process
  • Better performance.
  • Extraordinary efficacy of cryo-milled n-DAP for 75% lesser input than commercial DAP
  • Feasible process for up scaling

Potential Applications

  • Agriculture sector

Status

IPDI : 5 

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) : 3

  • Processing and properties are validated at laboratory scale
  • Pilot scale production is under progress

Intellectual Property Development Index (IPDI)

Level 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Description Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles Shortlisting possible applications Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application Coupon level testing in simulated conditions Check repeatability/consistency Prototype testing in real-life conditions Check repeatability/consistency Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial) Initiate technology transfer Support in stabilizing production
Status

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Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

TRL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Description Basic Principles Concept Formulation Proof of Concept Lab Validation Relevant Environment Prototype Demo Operational Demo System Qualified Proven / Market Ready
Status

  1. Singh NRR, Sreedhara SudhakaraSarma, Tata Narsinga Rao T, Pant H, Srikanth VVSS, and Kumar R* (2021) Cryo-milled nano-DAP for enhanced growth of monocot and dicot plants. Nanoscale Advances, 3, 4834 – 4842