MSc in Environmental Sciences Thesis Defence by Muhammad Jahandad Khan

Title of the thesis:

“Design, Development, and Environmental Analysis of Template-Assisted Nano-Fertilizer on Potato Application”

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are a critical food crop globally, particularly in regions like Atlantic Canada, where they play a key role in local agriculture and the national economy. However, the intensive cultivation of potatoes raises concerns regarding soil degradation, nutrient leaching, and inefficiencies in conventional fertilization practices. Traditional fertilizers often lead to nutrient loss due to leaching, runoff, and volatilization, causing negative environmental impacts such as water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. In response, this study investigates the use of slow-release nano fertilizers, specifically hydroxyapatite-based (HA) hybrid formulations, to enhance nutrient-use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in potato farming. The research includes two interconnected experiments. The first experiment evaluates the leaching behavior of slow-release nano fertilizers composed of HA and nano urea (NU) in sandy loam soil. The goal is to understand how different HAP-to-NU ratios (2:1, 4:1, and 8:1) influence nutrient retention and reduce leaching, with a focus on nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. The results demonstrate that higher HA ratios and longer calcination times lead to reduced nutrient leaching, offering a more controlled release of nutrients and better nutrient retention in soil. The second experiment investigates the effects of these slow-release nano fertilizers on potato growth, yield, and N₂O emissions in a greenhouse setting. Five fertilizer treatments, including a control, conventional fertilizer, and three ratios of HA to NU (1:1, 1:4, 1:8), were applied to assess their impact on plant growth parameters and environmental effects. The results show significant improvements in plant height, tuber weight, and N₂O emissions, with the 1:4 ratio proving to be the most effective in promoting growth while minimizing emissions. Overall, this research suggests that HA-based slow-release nano fertilizers have the potential to enhance nutrient-use efficiency and reduce fertilizer-related environmental impacts in potato cultivation, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilization methods.

Date/Time/Location: December 9, 2025, 9:00 am via web conferencing

If you wish to attend the public presentation, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca to receive the link.