Chiang Mai Journal of Science

     Fertilizers enhance crop yield but can become pollutants if overused. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of HA nanoparticles in promoting the growth and yield of rice in comparison with commercial fertilizers. HA nanoparticles with concentrations of 100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg were mixed into soils that used to grow rice. The commercial fertilizers were also applied at the same concentrations. The results revealed that plant height and leaf width were higher in rice grown in soil with HA nanoparticles at 500 and 1000 mg/kg. HA nanoparticles at concentrations of 1000 mg/kg gave better yield than commercial fertilizers. The treatment in which 1000 mg/kg of HA nanoparticles was applied showed enhanced number of grains per panicle, weight of 1000 grains, amylose content, and aroma compound (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline) content in grains. Rice plants exposed to HA nanoparticles at concentration of 1000 mg/kg gave better yield than those in commercial fertilizers treatment groups. The results from this study suggest that HA nanoparticles could be utilized as phosphorus nano fertilizer to enhance rice growth and yield. However, it is important to consider potential environmental implications and the long-term effects of using HA nanoparticles as fertilizer. More research needs to be done on application of HA nanoparticles as fertilizer to understand more about its fertilizing effect as well as its effect on the environment.