https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02465-x
Regular Article
Sol–gel-derived Mn2O3–Fe2O3 nanoparticles: physicochemical characterization and agronomic performance in fenugreek
1
Department of Agrochemicals and Pest Management, Devchand College (Affiliated to Shivaji University, Kolhapur), Arjunnagar, 416216, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
2
Department of Physics, R. B. Madhkholkar Mahavidyalaya, Chandgad (Affiliated to Shivaji University, Kolhapur), 416509, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
3
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O Box 84428, 11671, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
4
Department of Fiber System Engineering, Yeungnam University, 38541, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
a
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
b
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
c
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Received:
30
March
2026
Accepted:
13
June
2026
Published online:
2
July
2026
Abstract
The present study aims to synthesize, characterize, and agronomically evaluate a micronutrient-based Mn2O3–Fe2O3 nanofertilizer for enhancing the growth and productivity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Mn2O3–Fe2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel method, producing phase-pure nanostructured ferrite oxide with a controlled particle size. The structural and physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The agronomic efficacy of the Mn2O3–Fe2O3 nanofertilizer was assessed through seed germination, growth attributes, chlorophyll content, and yield parameters. Application of the nanofertilizer significantly improved seed germination, vegetative growth, chlorophyll concentration, and yield compared to the control. Use of this nanofertilizer yields 95% seed germination at all concentrations except for 200 mg/L and the control. These enhancements are attributed to improved nutrient availability and uptake efficiency of magnesium and iron in nanoform. Mn2O3–Fe2O3 nanofertilizer shows strong potential as a sustainable micronutrient source for improving fenugreek productivity.
Copyright comment Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
