This collection includes most of the ASU Theses and Dissertations from 2011 to present. ASU Theses and Dissertations are available in downloadable PDF format; however, a small percentage of items are under embargo. Information about the dissertations/theses includes degree information, committee members, an abstract, supporting data or media.
In addition to the electronic theses found in the ASU Digital Repository, ASU Theses and Dissertations can be found in the ASU Library Catalog.
Dissertations and Theses granted by Arizona State University are archived and made available through a joint effort of the ASU Graduate College and the ASU Libraries. For more information or questions about this collection contact or visit the Digital Repository ETD Library Guide or contact the ASU Graduate College at gradformat@asu.edu.
The developing world has witnessed a rapid growth in crop production since the green revolution in the 1960s. Even though the population has almost doubled since then, food production
has tripled; most of this growth can be attributed to crop research, fertilizers, infrastructure, and
market development. Although the green revolution…
The developing world has witnessed a rapid growth in crop production since the green revolution in the 1960s. Even though the population has almost doubled since then, food production
has tripled; most of this growth can be attributed to crop research, fertilizers, infrastructure, and
market development. Although the green revolution came with benefits, it has been widely
criticized for its negative impact on the environment. The excessive and inappropriate use of
fertilizers has led to human and livestock diseases, polluted waterways, loss of soil fertility, and
soil acidity. Even though the green revolution was started to ensure food security, it has
unintended consequences on human health and the surrounding environment.
This dissertation focuses on the surface characteristics of graphene nanomaterials
(GNMs) and their application in agriculture. Among the nutrients needed for crops, some can be
easily obtained from the environment (e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, etc.), while others, like
nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often requires supplementation by fertilizers.
However, conventional fertilizers have caused problems associated with soil pH changes,
stunted plant growth, and disrupted beneficial microbial processes. Implementing
nano-fertilizers, which can act as controlled-release fertilizers, is important. GNMs have shown
some promising characteristics for the controlled release of drugs and other chemicals.
Therefore, in the first part of this study, the loading capacity of the three macronutrients (N, P,
and K) over GNMs of different surface chemistry was characterized. In the second part of this
thesis, the effect of graphene oxide (GO) addition on wheat germination was evaluated. Rapid
germination is essential for crop establishment to ensure low-cost and high-quality products and
keep in check the sustainable use of resources in commercial agriculture. The results of this
thesis indicated that the application of GO significantly enhanced the seed germination potential of the wheat crops. It not only increases the root weight but also improves its volume. Future work
should focus on the impact of surface chemistry of GNMs on germination, which, when
combined with the materials’ ability to bind nutrients, could help better guide the use of GNMs in
agriculture.
