Synthesis, Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Applications as Nano-fertilizers on Some Quality Characters of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by co–precipitation method. FE-SEM revealed the morphology of synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a size range of 20–30 nm, EDS confirms the elemental composition of ferric oxide nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis which confirmed the crystal structure corresponding to magnetite (Fe3O4). FTIR reveals the functional group of active compounds present in the synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles. The shift in the Raman spectra testifies the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles. The iron oxide nanoparticles are given to ginger plants and their performance based on biochemical parameters showed promising response, indicating good cellular health of the plants when compared to iron chelated supplementation. The simplicity and versatility of the present approach using nano-fertilizers as plant supplements is a smart farming approach. Increasing the iron content in food may also helps in biofortification as it enhances iron storage in edible plants therefore addresses the problem of iron-deficiency anemia, one of the most prevalent human micronutrient deficiencies globally.