Impact of nano-chelated micronutrients and biological fertilizers on growth performance and grain yield of maize under deficit irrigation condition

Introduction
The study investigates the impact of nano-chelated micronutrients and biological fertilizers on the growth performance and grain yield of maize under deficit irrigation conditions. Conducted in Moghan, northwest Iran, the research highlights the importance of sustainable crop production in semi-arid areas through effective nutrient management and irrigation strategies.

Methods
A field experiment was designed with three irrigation levels (100%, 50%, and 25% field capacity) and various fertilizer treatments, including control (no fertilizer), nitrogen and phosphorus biofertilizers, nano-chelated boron and zinc, complete nanofertilizer, and bulk NPK fertilizer.

Results
The results showed that the application of complete micronutrients and nano-chelated zinc significantly improved various morphophysiological traits, including leaf area, ear length, and chlorophyll content. Deficit irrigation (up to 50% field capacity) did not significantly reduce grain yield compared to full irrigation, indicating a potential water management strategy for semi-arid regions. The study concludes that combining precision irrigation with nano-fertilizers can enhance water use efficiency and productivity in maize production systems.