Evaluating the Efficacy of Nano-Encapsulated Urea on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield in Zea mays

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 2, February 2026 | pp. 1–5

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120201

Research Article

Title: Evaluating the Efficacy of Nano-Encapsulated Urea on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield in Zea mays

Names of Authors: Adegoke, O. A.¹, Ibrahim, M. K.², and Chen, X.³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. ²Department of Soil Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. ³Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.

Abstract: Nitrogen loss via leaching and volatilization remains a significant impediment to sustainable maize crop production globally. This study evaluated the comparative efficacy of nano-encapsulated urea versus conventional prilled urea on the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and overall grain yield of Zea mays over two cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design with four replications was established using five nitrogen application rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N/ha). Soil analysis showed a significant modification in mineral nitrogen dynamics within the top 0-30 cm layer. The nano-encapsulated formulations demonstrated a slow-release profile, matching the peak vegetative demand of the crop. At the 90 kg N/ha threshold, the nano-urea variant increased total chlorophyll contents by 24.5% and total leaf area index by 18.2% compared to standard treatments. Grain yield under nano-fertilization reached an optimum of 6.84 metric tons/ha, representing a 14.3% increase over traditional applications at identical nitrogen rates. Furthermore, agronomic nitrogen efficiency increased from 22.4 kg grain/kg N to 34.8 kg grain/kg N. Volatilization losses of ammonia were reduced by approximately 38.5%, indicating high environmental compatibility. The study concludes that nano-encapsulated nitrogen delivery systems can substantially optimize crop performance while reducing structural fertilizer inputs.

Keywords: Crop nutrition; Nitrogen recovery; Nanotechnology; Fertilizer optimization; Sustainable agronomy; Crop yield.

Manuscript Timeline: Received October 12, 2025; Revised December 05, 2025; Accepted January 10, 2026; Published February 15, 2026.

Citation: Adegoke, O. A., Ibrahim, M. K., and Chen, X. (2026). Evaluating the Efficacy of Nano-Encapsulated Urea on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield in Zea mays. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(2), pp. 1–5.

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