Biofertilization with AFERT as an Alternative to Mineral Fertilization in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Cultivation

Abstract

Sesame cultivation has expanded in Brazil, but ensuring plant establishment and productivity through fertilization remains a fundamental challenge. In this context, the present work aims to evaluate the effects of different doses of the biofertilizer AFERT on the growth and development of sesame plants under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with six treatments and four replications. Five doses were used (2, 1.6, 1.2, 0.8, and 0.4 t ha⁻¹ of AFERT), corresponding to different percentages of fertilization with the biofertilizer AFERT (04-14-12+hydroretainer), and, as a control, the mineral fertilizer NPK (04-14-08) was used at doses of 2 t ha⁻¹ and 50 kg ha⁻¹ of KCl. The variables evaluated were the internal CO₂ concentration, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, net CO₂ assimilation rate, intrinsic water use efficiency, water use efficiency, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, number of pods, plant height, stem diameter, root length, root dry mass, number of grains per plant, and total grain weight. The biofertilizer AFERT demonstrated agronomic potential for sesame cultivation, with a productive performance equivalent [number of grains per plant (84%) and total grain weight (70%)] to that of mineral fertilization regardless of the dose used. Notably, the dose corresponding to 1.2 t ha⁻¹ promoted greater physiological efficiency, with a 36% increase in CO₂ assimilation and photosynthetic activity, without improving production components.

1. Introduction

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a crop of great global importance and is known for its oil-rich seeds that are widely used in the food and cosmetic industries [1]. It is cultivated in approximately 70 countries, especially in Asia and Africa, where the main producers include Sudan, India, Myanmar, and Tanzania, which together account for approximately 64% of the global planted area, totaling 12.8 million hectares [2]. It is a species belonging to the Pedaliaceae family and is considered one of the oldest oilseeds consumed by humanity, with potential for oil extraction, biofuel production, and meal for animal consumption as a byproduct of oil extraction, among other applications [3,4].

Sesame is a crop characterized by drought tolerance and hardiness, with easier production management than other crops, making it an excellent alternative for crop rotation [1,5]. Additionally, it is highly nutritious and can be used to strengthen human nutrition, supported by the existence of an expanding national market and its potential use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries [6,7].

In Brazil, the use of sesame cultivation has significantly increased in recent years. Between 2025 and 2026, the cultivated area increased by 1%, reaching 280 thousand hectares, and production jumped from 1159 thousand tons to 1134 thousand tons [8]. Although this decrease occurred during this current period, compared with traditional crops, such as off-season corn, this crop has shown high profitability and low production costs, especially in regions where the ideal corn sowing window is lost [9].

Currently, the crop is experiencing expansion, with an average productivity decreasing by approximately 2% in yield per hectare [8]. This decrease is associated with technical challenges, such as the lack of specific mechanization and the issue of dehiscence, which leads to seed loss during harvest and, consequently, a loss in productivity [7]. Investments in genetic improvement and management technologies are essential for increasing the productivity and competitiveness of crops [4].

Strategies that increase the amount of sesame under the conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado are important for this crop to become a sustainable alternative for the region [10]. Among the challenges associated with crops, fertilization constitutes a safe strategy that allows the establishment of a crop and ensures productivity in regions where soil and climate limitations determine the success of the crop. Among fertilization practices, the use of organomineral fertilizers or biofertilizers has become a sustainable alternative to reduce chemical fertilizers, promoting good responses in crops such as Arachis hypogaea [11], Glycine max [12], Lactuca sativa [13], Zea mays [14], Coffea arabica [15], pastures [16], and Cocos nucifera [17], among others. In terms of sesame cultivation, reports by Cristo et al. [1], dos Santos [7], Boghdady et al. [18], Abbas et al. [19], Abdelsatar et al. [20], and Noor et al. [21], show some interactions when evaluating the use of mineral and organomineral fertilizers. Currently, there is no information on the ideal dose of the biofertilizer AFERT for sesame.

This study addresses the reduction in the dosage of organomineral-based biofertilizer relative to that of mineral fertilizer and elucidates the synergistic effects of reduced fertilizers on sesame yield under controlled conditions. Unlike previous studies focused on individual treatments, this research hypothesizes that reducing the recommended levels of biofertilizer can promote physiological and agronomic responses in sesame, leading to improved seed yield. To validate this approach, it is essential to conduct specific research with sesame that allows the evaluation of the effects of organic sources on the development of the crop. In this context, the present work aims to evaluate the effects of different doses of AFERT biofertilizer on the growth and development of sesame plants under greenhouse conditions.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Experimental Characterization

The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions at the Agronomic Experimental Station of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul–UEMS, Cassilândia Unit, MS (19°05′20″ S; 51°48′24″ W and average altitude of 510 m) (Figure 1), from August 2025 to December 2025.

Air temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), and internal global radiation (W m⁻²) were recorded using an automatic weather station (E4000, Irriplus, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil) installed inside the center of the greenhouse. Internal global radiation measurements (W m⁻²) were collected from 10:00 to 17:00 (Figure 2).

2.2. Experimental Design

The experimental design used was a randomized block design with four replications. Five treatments based on the AFERT biofertilizer were employed (100, 80, 60, 40, and 20%, representing 2, 1.6, 1.2, 0.8, and 0.4 t ha⁻¹, respectively), and the control was based on complete mineral fertilizer with the formula 04-14-08 at a rate of 2 t ha⁻¹ and 133 kg ha⁻¹ of KCl. A 100% dose of AFERT is equivalent to the applied dose of mineral fertilizer. AFERT is a pelleted biofertilizer containing a mixture of organic and biological materials encapsulated in a polymer that retains water and allows for the gradual release of nutrients, minimizing leaching and volatilization [22]. Its composition includes bacteria (genera Bacillus, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, and Bradyrhizobium) and fungi (genera Trichoderma, Rhizobium, Beauveria, and Metarhizium), which complement the response to biofertilizer. The fertilizer AFERT was formulated as 04-14-12 and contains all necessary macro- and micronutrients in sufficient quantities for soil health, optimal performance, and crop production [22]. At 30 days after emergence, top-dressing fertilization was applied with 200, 160, 120, 80, and 40 kg ha⁻¹ of AFERT (02-02-30), whereas in the control treatment (mineral fertilizer), 10 kg ha⁻¹ of urea (45% N) and 100 kg ha⁻¹ of KCl (60% K₂O) were applied.

2.3. Implementation and Conduct of the Experiment

Each experimental unit consisted of a pot in which five sesame seeds of the BRS Anahí cultivar were sown and then thinned to leave only two sesame plants per pot. Under greenhouse conditions, pots with a capacity of 5 dm³ were used, filled with a substrate composed of soil collected from the surface layer (0–20 cm) of an Orthic Latoxolic Quartzarenic Neosol (NQo) with a sandy texture (120 g kg⁻¹ of clay, 40 g kg⁻¹ of silt, and 840 g kg⁻¹ of sand). After collection, the soil was air-dried, crumbled, and passed through a 2.0 mm mesh sieve. The chemical characterization of the soil is shown in

Table 1. Soil physicochemical characteristics in the experimental area of Cassilândia (Northeast region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil).

pH	Resin-P (mg dm−3)	K (mmolc dm−3)	Ca (mmolc dm−3)	Mg (mmolc dm−3)	CEC (mmolc dm−3)
5.0	5	1.2	10	6	33.2
OM (g dm−3)	B (mg dm−3)	Cu (mg dm−3)	Fe (mg dm−3)	Zn (mg dm−3)	V (%)
9	0.08	0.5	16	0.2	52

Cation exchange capacity (CEC); base saturation (V%); organic matter (OM).

. The soil moisture content was maintained close to field capacity with daily manual irrigation. Pest and disease control during the experiment was carried out according to the needs and technical recommendations for sesame cultivation.

2.4. Physiological Assessments

At full flowering of the crop, gas exchange assessments were carried out at the time of full flowering between 9:00 and 10:00 AM under supplemental light, with chamber CO₂ at 380 μmol mol⁻¹ and a photon flux density of 1000 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The evaluations were carried out with an Infra-Red Gas Analyzer–IRGA (LCi, ADC Bioscientific, Hertfordshire, UK) on five plants at random. The substomatal carbon concentration (Ci, µmol CO₂ m^− 2 s^− 1), stomatal conductance (gs, mol de H₂O m^− 2 s^− 1), transpiration (E, mmol de H₂O m^− 2 s^− 1), and net photosynthesis rate (A, µmol de CO₂ m^− 2 s^− 1) were measured. These data were subsequently used to estimate water use efficiency (WUE = A/E, µmol CO₂ mol^− 1 H₂O^− 1), intrinsic efficiency of water use (iWUE = A/gs, µmol CO₂ mol H₂O^− 1), and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (iCi = A/Ci, µmol of CO₂ m^− 2 s^− 1 µmol^− 1 m^− 2 s^− 1).

2.5. Biometric Assessments

At the time of harvest, the yield components were also determined [plant height (PH, cm), number of pods per plant (NP, unit), stem diameter (SD, mm), root length (RL, cm), root dry mass (RDM, g), number of grains per plant (NGP, unit)], and total grain weight (TGW, g). The shoot and root lengths were measured in centimeters with a millimeter ruler with 1 mm precision. The number of pods was counted manually. The stem diameter was measured using a digital electronic caliper with 0.1 mm accuracy. The fresh weights of the root system and shoots of each plant were individually analyzed on a precision balance with an accuracy of 0.001 kg. The collected samples were dried in a forced-air oven at 60 °C for 72 h, after which the dry weights of the roots and shoots were determined using an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0.001 g. The plants of individual plots were harvested and threshed via a manual thresher, and the grains were weighed and extrapolated to grain yield in g ^plot−1 at 13% humidity (wet basis).

2.6. Statistical Analysis

The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Pearson correlations were performed between all the variables, and the relationships between them were verified. First, the mean data were standardized, and then the Euclidean distance between treatments was estimated, considering all the measured variables. With these data, hierarchical clustering was performed using the UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) method in conjunction with Tocher clustering [23]. The dendrogram was cut using the Mojema method [24] with k = 1.25. The statistical analyses were performed using RBio statistical software version 236 [25].

3. Results

The results revealed significant differences in most of the measured variables between the evaluated treatments, with the exceptions of gs, iWUE, SD, NGP, and TGW (

Table 2. Comparison of the means of the variables obtained when different doses of biofertilizers were applied in relation to chemical fertilization in the sesame crop under the soil conditions of the Cerrado of southern Mato Grosso.

Treatments (t ha−1)	Ci	E	gs	A	WUE	iWUE	iCi
Min-2	249.25 a	1.31 b	0.13 a	12.44 b	10.30 a	106.61 a	0.052 a
Biof-2	286.00 a	1.79 b	0.15 a	11.23 b	6.32 b	81.20 a	0.040 b
Biof-1.6	317.75 a	2.31 a	0.18 a	11.38 b	4.98 b	69.74 a	0.036 b
Biof-1.2	272.50 a	2.96 a	0.22 a	16.92 a	5.73 b	81.06 a	0.063 a
Biof-0.8	240.50 a	2.05 b	0.11 a	12.90 b	6.43 b	118.98 a	0.055 a
Biof-0.4	291.75 a	2.47 a	0.13 a	10.92 b	4.41 b	84.67 a	0.038 b
Teste F (p value)	0.055	0.003	0.154	0.049	0.081	0.001	0.024
CV (%)	12.62	22.22	37.48	21.14	26.61	24.39	25.02
Treatments (t ha−1)	NP	PH	SD	RL	RDM	NGP	TGW
Min-2	32.25 a	64.84 a	4.27 a	19.75 a	1.97 a	295.50 a	1.280 a
Biof-2	14.75 b	41.39 b	3.58 a	24.47 a	0.79 b	243.50 a	0.888 a
Biof-1.6	12.00 b	40.21 b	4.07 a	24.56 a	0.89 b	293.25 a	0.910 a
Biof-1.2	10.75 b	39.28 b	3.69 a	21.04 a	0.60 b	243.25 a	0.878 a
Biof-0.8	10.50 b	33.69 c	2.75 b	20.75 a	0.57 b	236.75 a	0.903 a
Biof-0.4	8.50 b	29.81 c	2.29 b	20.33 a	0.43 b	220.25 a	0.878 a
Teste F (p value)	0.000	0.000	0.002	0.642	0.000	0.477	0.360
CV (%)	16.43	9.35	18.33	23.68	19.59	25.15	30.57

Ci: internal CO₂ concentration (µmol CO₂ m^− 2 s^− 1), E: transpiration rate (mmol de H₂O m^− 2 s^− 1), gs: stomatal conductance (mol de H₂O m^− 2 s^− 1), A: net CO₂ assimilation rate (µmol de CO₂ m^− 2 s^− 1), iWUE: intrinsic water use efficiency (µmol CO₂ mol H₂O^− 1), WUE: water use efficiency (µmol CO₂ mol^− 1 H₂O^− 1), iCi: instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (µmol of CO₂ m^− 2 s^− 1 µmol⁻¹ m^− 2 s^− 1), NP: number of pods (unit), PH: plant height (cm), SD: stem diameter (mm), RL: root length (cm), RDM: root dry mass (g), NGP: number of grains per plant (unit), and TGW: total grain weight (g). Different lowercase letters in the column represent statistically significant differences according to the Tukey test at 5% probability.

). The coefficients of variation were below 30%, except for gs and TGW, whose values were 37.48% and 30.57%, respectively.

The Ci, gs, iWUE, RL, NGP, and TGW did not differ among the different treatments, indicating that the doses of AFERT biofertilizer performed equally to the 100% mineral (Min-2 t ha⁻¹) fertilization when compared by the Tukey test (p < 0.05) (Table 2). For variable E, the best performances were obtained in the Biof-1.6 t ha⁻¹, Biof-1.2 t ha⁻¹, and Biof-0.4 t ha⁻¹ treatments (80%, 60%, and 20% AFERT biofertilizer treatments, respectively). For A, the best performance was achieved in the Biof-1.2 AFERT biofertilizer treatment, which surpassed all the applied treatments (Table 2). iCi was greatest in the 100% mineral treatment, and the Biof was −1.2 t ha⁻¹ and the Biof was −0.8 t ha⁻¹ in terms of the percentage of AFERT biofertilizer. With respect to stem diameter, the Biof–2 t ha⁻¹, Biof–1.6 t ha⁻¹, and Biof–1.2 t ha⁻¹ biofertilizer treatments yielded better results, although they did not differ significantly from the 100% mineral fertilization treatment, all of which demonstrated the best performance (Table 2). These positive results of the biofertilizer can be explained by the presence of a water retainer, which, in addition to promoting greater water retention, contributes to the slow release of nutrients at different doses and corresponds to the release and nutritional needs of sesame at different stages of growth. For the variables WUE, NP, PH, and RDM, the best performance was obtained in the treatment with minerals (Min–2 t ha⁻¹) used as the experimental control under the tested conditions.

With respect to Figure 3, when the measured variables were considered, there were positive Pearson correlations between iCi × A (r = 0.89, p < 0.05), SD × NGP (r = 0.88, p < 0.05), NP × TGW (r = 0.97, p < 0.001), RDM × NGP (r = 0.84, p < 0.05), RDM × TGW (r = 0.93, p < 0.01), RDM × NP (r = 0.97, p < 0.01), PH × TGW (r = 0.94, p < 0.01), PH × NP (r = 0.98, p < 0.001), PH × RDM (r = 0.98, p < 0.001), WUE × TGW (r = 0.93, p < 0.01), WUE × NP (r = 0.93, p < 0.01), WUE × RDM (r = 0.88, p < 0.05), and WUE × PH (r = 0.92, p < 0.01). However, significant negative correlations (p < 0.01) were found only between iWUE and Ci (r = −0.93).

The number of clusters was estimated using the method described by Mojema for calculation, indicating the formation of four groups. The diagram (Figure 4) indicates the relationships between treatments when allocated to different groups, which highlights the differences in relation to the behavior of each treatment. In Figure 4, the six applied treatments were grouped into four groups, among which G1 had only the mineral fertilization treatment (Min-2.0 t ha⁻¹), which showed better performance for the variables (WUE, PH, RDM, NP, and TGW). Compared with the other clusters, cluster 1 presents variables that are superior. The best performance of the variables within the groups is associated with the red colors, which represent higher values for the variables where they are present. The second group (G2) was formed by the treatments Biof-0.8 t ha⁻¹ and Biof-0.4 t ha⁻¹ of the AFERT biofertilizer (Figure 4). However, the G3 group was formed only by the Biof-1.2 t ha⁻¹ treatment of the AFERT biofertilizer, and the best results were obtained for the variables A, iCi, E, and gs. The last group (G4) was formed by the treatments Biof–2 t ha⁻¹ and Biof-1.6 t ha⁻¹ of the AFERT biofertilizer (Figure 4). The grouping shows how the treatments Min-2.0 t ha⁻¹ and Biof-1.2 t ha⁻¹ differed from the remaining treatments, as they were allocated to two different groups, G1 and G3, respectively. When we consider the magnitude of the groups’ performance, we can organize them as G1 > G4 > G2 > G3 (Figure 4).

4. Discussion

The increase in sesame crop production under the conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado is significant, as it is an alternative and sustainable crop for the region [1,7,10] because of its adaptability and resistance to drought [7]. Fertilization management constitutes a safe strategy that allows the establishment of the crop and determines productivity, where the use of fertilizers that employ residues from different production chains is a sustainable alternative in Brazil.

The use of organomineral fertilizers (biofertilizers) has been increasing as a sustainable alternative to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. This practice promotes good agronomic and economic responses in crops such as soybeans [12], lettuce [13], corn [14], coffee [15], pastures [16], and coconut [17], among other crops, which highlights the potential of these alternative sources.

The results of the present study demonstrate how the biofertilizer AFERT can contribute to sesame nutrition compared with a mineral source with the same nutritional contribution (4-14-12). The reduction in the AFERT dose was efficient and was similar when the variables Ci, gs, iWUE, RL, NGP, and TGW were measured in relation to the mineral fertilization Min-2.0 t ha⁻¹ (Table 2). The effect of the biofertilizer AFERT on sesame demonstrates that, for variables in which the doses do not differ from those of the mineral fertilizer, a decrease in the dose of AFERT, even if it is lower than that of the mineral fertilizer, does not result in a significant difference, thereby ensuring similar performance, especially for NGP (84%) and TGW (70%), which are decisive for obtaining good agricultural production. When comparing mineral and organomineral fertilization, Boghdady et al. [18] reported that the increase in the level of mineral fertilizers used was equal to that induced by treatment with biofertilizers, which replaced half the recommended dose of natural fertilizers, thus reducing environmental pollution caused by the repeated application of mineral fertilizers [26,27]. However, significant differences were detected specifically for NP, PH, SC and RDM when the biofertilizer was applied at different doses, indicating that the treatment containing the mineral source was superior in terms of these variables (Table 2). One difference between the two fertilizers that partly explains the results obtained for agronomic characteristics and photosynthetic efficiency may be related to how these fertilizers react in the soil [21]. Mineral fertilizers are rapidly released and, as a consequence, favor the variables NP, PH, and SD, which show a greater response during the initial development of the crop, and this response is maintained until the end of the experiment (Table 2) when these variables are measured [28]. However, the biofertilizer is slowly released, which contributes to the fact that, during the flowering phase of the crop, at the moment of maximum photosynthetic performance, the best performances of E and A are obtained with AFERT, and the behavior of the variables Ci, gs, iWUE, and iCi is equalized. Noor et al. [21] reported that organomineral fertilization for three consecutive years promoted an increase (74.5%) in the yield response in sesame, surpassing mineral fertilization. These results were related not only to the nutrient content of the compost but also to the improvement in the physical and biological properties of the soil.

The absence of significant differences in Ci, gs, iWUE, RL, NGP and TGW indicates that the doses of the AFERT biofertilizer were able to maintain the physiological and metabolic balance of the plants at levels comparable to those associated with complete mineral fertilization. These findings suggest that the biofertilizer provided nutrients in sufficient quantities, allowing adequate photosynthetic activity and, consequently, stimulating the plant’s physiological processes, thus promoting the performance of the sesame under the tested conditions. The stability of the internal CO₂ concentration (Ci) and stomatal conductance (gs) demonstrated that the photosynthetic apparatus operated efficiently and without significant diffusive restrictions, reflecting adequate nutrition and water balance when the experiment was conducted on the basis of the applied treatments [29].

The effect of the biofertilizer was that the greater the reduction in biofertilizer content relative to 100% of the mineral fertilization (Min-2.0 t ha⁻¹), the more negatively it influenced WUE, iCi, NP, PH, SD, and RDM, promoting better performance of mineral fertilization in these variables compared with the biofertilizer used. Similar results were reported by Silva et al. [30], who observed that when increasing doses of biofertilizer were added, it only affected plant height, with no response observed for doses above 75%. Similar results were also reported in sesame by Perin et al. [31] and Grilo and Azevedo [32], who reported a maximum plant height of 1.70 m at a dose of 600 kg ha⁻¹, with a reduction observed at higher doses. The application of steric doses via fertigation had positive effects on sesame growth, resulting in a maximum height of 1.57 m under field conditions [31]

With respect to stem diameter, larger diameters were observed in the treatments that included mineral fertilizer (Min-2.0 t ha⁻¹) and the doses of biofertilizer (Biof–2 t ha⁻¹, Biof-1.6 t ha⁻¹, and Biof-1.2 t ha⁻¹⁾. Similar results were reported by Ribeiro et al. [33] when studying the behavior of different sesame varieties in the field. In contrast, Feitosa et al. [34] evaluated the same variables (SD and PH) and observed nonsignificant results, indicating that organomineral fertilization performed similarly to mineral fertilization, as was also found in the present study for other variables.

With respect to NGP and TGW, no differences were observed between the treatments, indicating that the biofertilizer doses were capable of meeting the nutritional demand of the mineral source. Similar results were reported by Silva et al. [30] when the use of organomineral sources in sesame was compared with the use of mineral fertilization. These two variables (NGP and TGW) directly influence production, and the results show that fertilization with the AFERT biofertilizer promotes performance similar to that of mineral fertilizer, a result that highlights the beneficial effects that the biofertilizer has on the crop and how the reduction in dose does not result in reduced productivity under the tested conditions. Lotfi et al. [35] reported that an increase in the grain yield of wheat genotypes cultivated under vetch residues as an organic fertilizer source improved leaf pigmentation and photosynthetic efficiency, facilitating a longer grain-filling period and resulting in the generation of heavier grains. The application of biofertilizers significantly increased sesame productivity when we considered the response obtained for NGP and TGW. The findings of Molla et al. [36] support that surpassing the capacity of plants for nutrient absorption through excessive fertilization may diminish efficiency and contribute to nutrient losses by leaching or volatilization. This finding reinforces the importance of a balanced fertilization strategy that considers not only the needs of plants but also environmental conditions.

With respect to the parameters related to photosynthesis (A and iCi), as shown in Table 2 and Figure 4, at the Biof-1.2 t ha⁻¹ dose of AFERT, the highest values for A and the lowest for iCi were observed, along with adequate values of Ci, gs, and iWUE. These data confirm better photosynthetic efficiency when this treatment is applied. Similar results were reported by Dalastra et al. [37] and Feitosa et al. [34], who reported different behaviors among cultivars regarding the net photosynthesis rate and CO₂ concentration as a result of fertilization.

The highest value of the net CO₂ assimilation rate in the Biof-1.2 t ha⁻¹ treatment of the AFERT biofertilizer indicates that intermediate doses provided better nutritional balance, favoring photosynthetic activity and carbon fixation. Similarly, the highest values of instantaneous carboxylation efficiency in the mineral treatment and intermediate doses of biofertilizer suggest an adequate supply of essential nutrients, which optimizes Rubisco activity and the performance of the photosynthetic apparatus [20].

The observed correlations between the variables associated with photosynthesis, agronomic performance, and production components reveal close relationships that determine the behavior of the crop under the tested conditions. Strong positive correlations between iCi and A (r = 0.89, p < 0.05) and negative correlations between iWUE and Ci (r = -0.93) reflect the established photosynthetic efficiency and, as a consequence, the better performance of the crop [38]. A balance in terms of crop development was achieved, as we observed highly significant positive correlations between SD and NGP (r = 0.88, p < 0.05), between NP and TGW (r = 0.97, p < 0.001), between RDM and NGP (r = 0.84, p < 0.05), between RDM and TGW (r = 0.93, p < 0.01), between RDM and NP (r = 0.97, p < 0.01), between PH and TGW (r = 0.94, p < 0.01), between PH and NP (r = 0.98, p < 0.001), and between PH and RDM (r = 0.98, p < 0.001). SD is significantly positively correlated with NGP, indicating that the thicker the stem is, the stronger the nutrient transport capacity of the plant and the greater the number of seeds per plant, reflecting the support of vegetative growth for reproductive growth in sesame. High PH corresponds to high NP (Figure 3), high root dry matter accumulation (RDM), high grain weight (TGW), and high WUE, with positive and significant correlation values above 90%, which results in the response obtained for the sesame crop. Nguyen Quoc et al. [39] reported that the application of biofertilizers significantly improved soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and productivity compared with treatments involving chemical fertilizers, with or without biofertilizers, at the same application rate; these results are similar to those obtained in the present study.

The multivariate clustering approach revealed that the treatments promoted distinct physiological and productive responses, reflecting the effect of the fertilization dose on plant metabolism. The treatment with mineral fertilization resulted in greater water use efficiency and greater productive performance, indicating a fully balanced nutritional supply. On the other hand, the intermediate dose of biofertilizer favored variables related to photosynthetic activity, suggesting that physiological optimization occurred without nutritional excess. Moreover, the effects of lower or higher doses of biofertilizer were intermediate, indicating that nutritional balance directly influences metabolic efficiency and plant performance. Overall, the results demonstrate that adjustments in biofertilizer dosage can modulate physiological and productive responses, which are similar to those associated with conventional mineral fertilization.

5. Conclusions

The biofertilizer AFERT demonstrated productive performance (only for NGP and TGW) equivalent to that of mineral fertilization, mainly at doses ranging from 100% to 60%. The dose corresponding to 60% (Biof-1.2 t ha⁻¹) promoted physiological efficiency, with an increase in CO₂ assimilation and photosynthetic activity, without harming productive components. The results indicate that, in relation to mineral fertilization, AFERT can be a viable and sustainable alternative for the nutritional management of crops. Future studies under field conditions will allow us to verify the results obtained and compare the performance of both fertilization sources with a zero-control treatment to estimate the relative productive gains of both treatments.