Evaluating the impact of nano-zinc and nitrogen fertilizers on growth, yield, nutritional quality and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation in Western Uttar Pradesh

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world’s most staple crops, but its productivity is increasingly constrained by widespread deficiencies in soil nutrients, particularly zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N). This study evaluates the effectiveness of nano-fertilizers (NFs) in addressing these deficiencies under field conditions in Western Uttar Pradesh (WUP), India. Approximately, 50 % of cultivated soil in India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including WUP, suffers from Zn and N deficiencies. The experiment tested the foliar application of Nano-Urea (N-U) and Nano-zinc (N-Zn) and their interactions with various recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) combinations. The combination of two sprays of N-U and N-Zn with 100 % RDF (T12) resulted in the highest plant height (105.93 cm), number of tillers (317.8 m-2), CGR (22.315 g m-2 day-1) and grain yield (5.59 t ha-1) among all treatments. Moreover, this treatment increased Zn concentrations in grains (34.89 mg kg-1) and straw (9.17 mg kg-1), ensuring higher nutritional quality compared other treatments. Economic analysis showed that T12 provided the highest net returns of ?104579 ha-1 and B:C ratio 3.29, making it the most economically viable option. However, the 100 % RDF (T2) treatment also showed promise as a sustainable alternative, requiring less N input while maintaining productive yields and economic viability. Adopting the superior treatment in Zn- and N-deficient zones could increase yields up to 15 %. The finding demonstrates the synergy between N-U and N-Zn in enhancing nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity and profitability, promoting a sustainable approach for wheat cultivation for nutrient-deficient soils of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.