Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles/Humic Extracts From Peat and Cow Bones as an Efficient Nano Phosphorus Fertilizer for the Enhanced Growth of Cantaloupe Plant ( Cucumis melo L .)

Abstract Conventional phosphorus (P) fertilizers produce large amounts of phosphogypsum waste that contains radionuclides, causing environmental issues. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) offer several advantages over traditional P‐fertilizers, especially in terms of efficiency, environmental impact, and plant absorption. In this study, HANPs/humic extracts (nano‐P fertilizer) were synthesized using a simple method. The HANPs, shaped like nano needles and measuring approximately 5–50 nm, were produced from cow bones through thermal pyrolysis. HANPs were well‐dispersed in water‐soluble chitosan (WSC) to form a homogeneous suspension (HANPs/WSC). The nano‐P fertilizer was created by combining the humic extract suspension, obtained from alkalizing natural peat with potassium hydroxide, with the HANPs/WSC. The stability of the nano‐P fertilizer suspension was maintained because WSC acts as a bridge connecting the HANPs with humic extracts. When applied to cantaloupe plants (Cucumis melo L.), the nano‐P fertilizer resulted in significant increases of 36% in biomass (including both above ground and roots), 37% in total sugars, 32% in energy, and 22% in fruit mass compared to the control group. This study demonstrates that the tested nano‐P fertilizer can be used effectively as a P‐fertilizer and provides benefits to cantaloupe plants.