Nanofertiliser Increases Rosemary Oil Yield and Reduces Chemical Usage
A collaborative team of researchers from several institutes has created a nanofertiliser that boosts the yield and quality of Rosemary essential oil by 70-80%, while cutting chemical fertilizer use by the same margin. This innovation supports sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices in India with potential benefits for other commercial crops.
Key Research Highlights
- The project, led by the University of Hyderabad (UoH), was part of a Department of Biotechnology (DBT) initiative.
- Published in the journal Industrial Crops & Products, the study shows that applying nanosized macro and micronutrients to Rosemary leaves can greatly improve plant growth and oil production.
- The nanofertiliser uses design-directed mechanical milling to convert standard fertilisers into nanosized particles, enhancing nutrient availability.
Benefits of Nanofertiliser
Compared to traditional fertiliser practices, which often require high inputs and cause environmental harm, this method reduces fertilizer doses while improving efficiency. Critical nutrients such as nitrogen, iron, zinc, manganese, and copper become more accessible to the plants.
Rosemary Essential Oil Industry Relevance
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil is valued for its aroma and is widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors.
“By converting commercial fertilisers into nanosized particles through design-directed mechanical milling, the surface availability of critical nutrients, including nitrogen, iron, zinc, manganese and copper, was enhanced,” a UoH spokesperson explained.
This advancement offers a promising, cost-effective approach to sustainable agriculture, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing product quality.
Author's summary: The development of a nanofertiliser greatly improves Rosemary oil yield while cutting chemical use, marking a significant eco-friendly advance in sustainable essential oil farming.
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