The present study investigates the potential efficacy of CNCU as an environmentally friendly, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for Zea mays L.

 

The efficacy of CNCU was compared with commercial urea at different doses, and 1 mg/g of CNCU showed the best results.

 

The pot studies further confirmed that the application of CNCU enhances the growth and development of Zea mays L., showing higher values for germination percentage and index, plant height, biomass, and chlorophyll than bare NU and commercial urea.

 

Furthermore, the protein, total phenolic content, and free radical scavenging activity were also observed to be highest in plants fertilized with CNCU.

 

 

The findings imply that coating nano-urea with chitosan could not only improve plant growth, acting as a slow-release fertilizer, but also help mitigate the environmental issues associated with the use of conventional urea.