Foliage-Sprayed Nano-Chitosan-Loaded Nitrogen Boosts Yield Potentials, Competitive Ability, and Profitability of Intercropped Maize-Soybean

Abstract The progressive reduction of synthetic agrochemical fertilizers is one the key factors in shift from conventional agriculture to sustainable farming. Nitrogen (N) ruling element development agricultural production, but its use mineral form or excessive causes several environmental issues. Since release N nanocomposites coincides with their uptake by crops, loss reduces while enhancing plant due nano application. Additionally, an intercropping legume cereal as eco-friendly pattern could improve and rationalize nitrogenous inputs. Therefore, a two-year field trial was conducted determine efficacy nano-chitosan-loaded (CS-NNPs) for saving amounts applied maize-based on maize-soybean land productivity. Methods In randomized split-plot design three replicates, patterns, addition sole levels were implemented. Intercropping involved intercrop configurations [planting maize rows (M) alternated soybean (S) patterns 4M:2S, 2M:4S, 3M:3S)], planting crop (SMC) (SSC). fertilization treatments included adding 288 kg ha −1 (MN100%) two CS-NNPs composite involving 216 + 2 foliar sprays (MN75% 2CS-NNPs), 144 3 (MN50% 3CS-NNPs). Under tested treatments, agronomic traits, indices, economic benefits estimated. Results Findings revealed that application SMC × MN75% 2CS-NNPs, followed 4M:2S 2CS-NNPs showed highest growth, biological yield, grain yield maize. interaction SSC 2M:4S resulted seed components, straw soybean. Application MN100%, MN50% 3NNPs, 3M:3S MN100% recorded maximum total equivalent ratio. While applications achieved coefficient, land-use efficiency, area time ratio, percent difference. Likewise, both interactions system productivity index. Better advantage compared monocrop since actual values positive higher than zero all fertilization. Fertilizing 3CS NNPs grown under had aggressivity values. Conclusion shortfall accompanying 25% compensated CS-NNPs. Thus, intercropped soybeans can be rationalized. This undoubtedly has good payoff growers conservation environment. production systems, it advisable fertilize plants using instead nitrogen when chitosan-loaded twice (0.48 ) applied.