Abstract
The long-term use of chemical fertilizers negatively affects the environment and public health. Among many alternatives, applying carbon-based nanomaterials is a better option for maximizing plant growth acceleration while minimizing environmental damage. The objective of the present study is to evaluate carbon nanotubes (CNTs), functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs), and graphene oxides (GO) on soil nutrient content and plant growth. We have synthesized and applied CNTs, FCNTs, and GO in the present study on gram plant growth and soil properties. Compared with the control (no nanomaterials), a 41% increase in crop height was noted in GO-treated crops, whereas this increase was 33% and 40% in FCNT and CNT-treated crops, respectively, after 90 days of seed sowing. Among treatments, the GO-treated plants showed a twofold increase in root length compared to the control whereas, this increase was 60% and 25% in FCNTs and CNTs-treated plants. GO-treated plants showed a maximum increase in plant biomass, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activity. Compared with the control, a 52% higher SDA was noted in GO-treated soil, whereas this, increase was 32% and 19% in FCNT and CNT-treated soils, respectively. Carbon-based nanomaterial is an organic substance that can regulate the soil microenvironment and has a certain activating effect on soil enzyme activity. The findings confirmed that adding carbon-based nanomaterials especially GO, to the soil may improve gram plant growth and soil sustainability.