Search Results (832)

Livestock manure amendment improves soil fertility and promotes carbon sequestration, but long-term application leads to heavy metal (HM) accumulation with unknown ecological consequences. Based on a 13-year field experiment in a continuous maize cropping system, we compared chemical fertilizer (NPK) with four organic amendments (cattle, pig, chicken manure, and compost) applied on an isocarbon basis. Organic amendments significantly increased total organic carbon (TOC) by 15.8–24.3% and available phosphorus (AP) by 1.9- to 6-fold relative to NPK. Compost achieved the highest maize yield. However, pig and chicken manure led to substantial accumulation of Cu and Zn due to high background levels. Despite this, grain HM concentrations remained below safety thresholds, indicating no immediate food chain risk. Metagenomic analysis revealed that HM stress acted as a deterministic filter on the soil microbiome. Cattle manure fostered the most complex co-occurrence network (average degree: 2.70), while pig manure reduced network complexity and increased modularity (>0.92), reflecting a shift toward fragmented, survival-oriented interactions. This structural reorganization was coupled with functional shifts, including enrichment of stress-tolerant taxa (Chitinophagales, Nitrosotalea) and detoxification pathways. We recommend prioritizing cattle manure or compost over raw pig and poultry manure to balance fertility, productivity, and ecological safety in black soil regions. Full article

Foliar nanofertilization is increasingly being explored as a strategy to enhance crop nutritional quality; however, dose-dependent physiological and metabolic responses remain insufficiently defined. This study evaluated the effects of conventional NPK (20:20:20) and nano-formulated NPK combined with zinc (3 and 5 g/L) on the mineral composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic profile of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L., cv. ‘Dora’) grown under controlled conditions. Physicochemical characterization of the nanofertilizer by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy confirmed nanoscale primary particle size and revealed concentration-dependent aggregation behavior at higher Zn levels. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among treatments in macro- and microelement content, total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity. The application of nano NPK combined with 3 g/L Zn resulted in the highest accumulation of total phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant capacity, suggesting stimulation of secondary metabolism. In contrast, the higher Zn concentration (5 g/L) further increased carotenoid content but was associated with elevated proline levels, indicating the onset of physiological stress. Multivariate analyses (PCA and ROC) supported dose-dependent metabolic modulation and confirmed that combinations of selected metabolites contributed to clearer differentiation between fertilization regimes. Overall, the results highlight the existence of an optimal nano-zinc application range that enhances fruit functional quality while avoiding stress-related metabolic imbalance, emphasizing the importance of physicochemical stability in nano-enabled fertilization strategies. While this study focused on a single sweet pepper cultivar, future research should explore other pepper species to evaluate whether similar dose-dependent nano Zn effects are observed. Full article

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) plays a central role in global food and nutritional security, yet its grain mineral and protein quality remain highly variable across varieties and environments. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of varieties, nitrogen (N) fertilization, foliar zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S) application, and seasonal variation on grain macro- and micronutrients (Ca, Mg, K, Zn) and protein content, adopting a system-level approach that integrates varieties, nutrient management, and seasonal variability. We hypothesized that aligning variety selection with precision nutrient management would improve grain nutritional quality while enhancing resilience to environmental variation. Significant differences among varieties (p < 0.05) were observed, with the spring-sown variety Durablank exhibiting the highest grain Zn concentration (34.70 mg kg⁻¹) compared with MV Pelsodur (23.0 mg kg⁻¹) and GK Julidur (23.8 mg kg⁻¹), representing a 50.87% varietal difference. Grain Ca, Mg, and K varied widely across varieties and seasons, with drought in 2022 increasing grain Zn, while the wetter 2023 season enhanced Mg and K accumulation. A clear yield–protein trade-off was found, where high-yielding MV Pelsodur maintained 14.3% protein while moderate-yielding Durablank reached 16.8%. Foliar Zn and S applications significantly increased grain Zn, particularly in Zn-efficient varieties. Nitrogen fertilization at 100 kg ha⁻¹ improved macronutrient accumulation by 12–20% compared with 60 kg N ha⁻¹. Significant varieties × N × season interactions (p < 0.01) highlight the need for adjusted varieties -specific nutrient management strategies. Overall, the findings demonstrate that integrating genetic selection with optimized fertilization and season-responsive management practices may contribute to improving grain nutritional quality of durum wheat. Full article

The heavy metal pollution linked to extractive activities has attracted broad public attention. To examine the current state of heavy metal pollution in river sediments around iron tailing zones, this study was carried out to evaluate the distribution features, potential sources, and environmental hazards of heavy metals (HMs, Cr, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, and Hg) in the surface sediments of rivers in the Xiangshan area of Ma’anshan City. Results indicated that, except for Cr, the mean heavy metal concentrations exceeded the soil background levels in Anhui’s Huaihe River Basin. Variability in metal concentrations among the sediments was moderate, exhibiting an uneven spatial distribution. Significant positive correlations were detected between various HMs in the sediments, suggesting a common pollution source. Source analysis findings revealed that the HMs primarily originate from agricultural fertilization, mining, and smelting activities. Evaluation results from both the single-factor pollution index and the Nemerow comprehensive index indicated that the upstream section of the Caishi River is severely polluted by HMs. The potential ecological risk index evaluation results demonstrated that 85% of sediment samples from sampling points achieved a high comprehensive potential ecological risk level for HMs, with Cd, Cu, and Hg identified as the key contributors. The human health risk assessment demonstrated that both adults and children are subjected to carcinogenic risks from heavy metal exposure, with children exhibiting a higher risk level. This study offers valuable insights into managing heavy metal contamination in river sediments adjacent to iron tailings regions. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies in human diets, often exacerbated by soil degradation, pose a significant global health challenge. Glacial flour, fine sediments produced by glacial erosion, may offer a sustainable, low-cost solution to improve soil fertility and enhance micronutrient availability in crops. This study evaluates the potential of glacial flour soil amendments from glaciers with two contrasting lithologies—basaltic Sólheimajökull (Iceland) and metasedimentary Chhota Shigri (Himalaya)—to enrich soybeans (Glycine max var. Black Jet) with essential nutrients while assessing the risk associated with potentially toxic elements. In a controlled glasshouse experiment, soybeans were grown in artificial soils amended with five doses of glacial flour (0.5–20 T ha⁻¹) and analysed for 18 elements. Results demonstrated enhanced uptake of key nutrients such as Zn, Fe, Mo, and Se, particularly in Icelandic glacial flour treatments, supporting the potential for crop biofortification. However, Himalayan flour led to arsenic (As) accumulation at higher doses, exceeding food safety limits. Multivariate clustering revealed two distinct element uptake behaviours: oxyanion-mediated and mimicking elements (Mo, Se, Sr, As) and those driven by plant demand (macronutrients, Fe, Mn, Zn). These findings highlight glacial flour’s potential for nutrient enrichment but also of potentially toxic elements, underscoring the need for source-specific screening to ensure safe agricultural application in deglaciating regions. Full article

The increased demand for food worldwide has led to the widespread use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Since the Green Revolution, the use of such chemical fertilizers has been in high demand as a nutrient input in agriculture. The increased application of fertilizer to upsurge crop yields is not suitable for the long term and leads to nutrient loss, as well as severe environmental and ecological consequences. In contrast to conventional fertilizers, nano fertilizers, which are designed at the 1–100 nm size, provide focused nutrient delivery, decreased leaching, and improved plant absorption. They accomplish this by greatly increasing crop yields, enhancing fertilizer usage efficiency, and facilitating sustainable farming in the face of obstacles, including resource scarcity, climate change, and a projected population size of 10 billion by 2050. In comparison to typical NPK fertilizers at equal nutrient rates, nano fertilizers enhanced crop yields by an average of 20–23% across cereals, legumes, and horticulture crops according to studies conducted between 2015 and 2024. In particular, using nano urea with rice increased grain yields by 28.6% with 44% less nitrogen input, and applying nano zinc to wheat increased yields by 31.2% and improved the grain’s Zn content by 41%. Through targeted foliar or soil application, nano fertilizers frequently increase nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by more than 50% as opposed to 30–50% for conventional fertilizers. Nano fertilizer is prepared based on the encapsulation of plant essential minerals and nutrients with a suitable polymer matrix as a carrier and then delivered as nano-sized particles or emulsions to the plants. Natural plant openings like stomata and lenticels in plant parts facilitate the uptake and diffusion, leading to higher NUE. This review provides an overview of current knowledge on the development of advanced nano-based and smart agriculture using nano fertilizer to improve nutritional management. Furthermore, nanoscale fertilizers and their formulation, nano-based approaches to increase crop production, the different types of fertilizers that are currently available, and the mechanism of action of the nano fertilizers are discussed. Thus, it is expected that a properly designed nano fertilizer could synchronize the release of nutrients in crop plants as and when needed. Full article

The valorization of industrial waste in agriculture represents a key strategy within the circular economy framework. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the feasibility and potential of fertilizers derived from black mass, a by-product of alkaline battery recycling, as alternative sources of Zn and Mn in citrus cultivation, evaluating their effects on fruit quality and food safety. The experiment was conducted in Pedreguer (Alicante, Spain) in ‘Navelina’ cultivar using Carrizo and C-35 rootstocks, comparing conventional fertilization with black mass-based formulations applied as sulfates (BMSs) and lignosulfonates (BMLSs). The results showed that the evaluated micronutrient sources significantly increased foliar Zn concentrations up to 17.9 mg·kg⁻¹ and Mn concentrations up to 28.1 mg·kg⁻¹, values markedly higher than those observed in the Control treatment (15.20 mg·kg⁻¹ Zn and 11.5 mg·kg⁻¹ Mn). No adverse effects on yield or fruit quality were detected: Average fruit weight remained close to 200 g per fruit, and the proportion of non-marketable fruit did not exceed 2% in any treatment. Regarding food safety, Pb, Cr, and Ni concentrations in pulp and peel were below the maximum levels established by European Union regulations, with maximum values of 0.02 mg·kg⁻¹ for Ni and 0.04 mg·kg⁻¹ for Pb on a dry matter basis, while Cd, Co, and Hg were not detected. Overall, black mass-derived fertilizers enhanced Zn and Mn availability in plants without compromising plant physiology or fruit quality and maintained safe levels of heavy metals. These results support their use as a sustainable alternative for mineral fertilization in citrus orchards and reinforce their contribution to reducing the consumption of virgin raw materials and advancing toward more circular agricultural systems. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies and low nutrient-use efficiency remain critical constraints to sustainable crop production. This study tested the hypothesis that Zn- and Cu-doped MnFe₂O₄ spinel ferrite nanoparticles can function as an efficient multinutrient nanofertilizer to enhance fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) growth and physiological performance. Zn- and Cu-doped MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The nanoparticles exhibited a cubic spinel structure with an average crystallite size of 27 nm and uniform incorporation of Zn and Cu within the MnFe₂O₄ lattice. Foliar application at different concentrations (100–500 mg/L) significantly improved seed germination, seed vigor, plant height, leaf number, stem thickness, biomass accumulation, and chlorophyll content compared with the untreated control. The 300 mg/L treatment consistently produced the greatest improvements, increasing plant height, biomass, and total chlorophyll content by more than 25–40% relative to control plants. Higher concentrations of T₅ resulted in diminished benefits, indicating a concentration-dependent response. These findings demonstrate that Zn- and Cu-doped MnFe₂O₄ nanofertilizer provides a balanced and bioavailable source of essential micronutrients, offering a promising nano-enabled strategy for improving nutrient use efficiency and sustainable fenugreek production. Full article

Micronutrient addition to soil is crucial for improving crop yield. Within the framework of the circular economy, it is necessary to seek more efficient fertilizers. This would reduce fertilizer consumption while serving as a strategy to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. This study proposes the combined use of a traditional source of a Zn fertilizer (ZnSO₄) together with wood biochar to improve lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) crop yield. An experiment was designed in which a dose of 8 mg Zn kg⁻¹ as ZnSO₄·7H₂O was added to Cambisol soil, mixed with or without biochar (5%), for lettuce growth. Among other soil properties, Zn bioavailability, microbial biomass, and available water were monitored in the soil, while photosynthetic pigments, Zn content, and biomass production were determined in plants. All treatments increased plant biomass production. Biochar treatments (biochar and biochar/ZnSO₄) increased fresh biomass by 324%, while ZnSO₄ addition resulted in a 158% increase in lettuce yield. This can be due to several factors, such as biochar being a C source, the improvement of soil water content after biochar addition, and the increase in Zn leaf content in all treatments with respect to the control soil. All of these likely had a positive effect on photosynthesis. This is corroborated by the increase in total chlorophyll, chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the treatments with ZnSO₄, biochar/ZnSO₄, and biochar. The application of biochar alone increased this property by more than 168%, with a positive impact on soil quality. Our research demonstrates that it is possible, in some cases, to prepare fertilizers combining ZnSO₄ and biochar, leading to increased plant Zn uptake and improved crop yield. Full article

The removal of cadmium from contaminated water remains a critical challenge due to its high toxicity, persistence, and limited treatability at low concentrations. In this study, we propose a novel algal–nanoparticle system that integrates cadmium adsorption by Chlorella vulgaris with zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) nanoparticle-assisted sedimentation, with the aim of addressing a significant operational challenge in algal remediation. The microalgal biomass demonstrated the capacity to remove cadmium with efficiencies exceeding 90%, facilitated by adsorption through surface functional groups. The incorporation of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles promoted the formation of dense, magnetically responsive aggregates, significantly accelerating biomass settling without the necessity for additional chemical flocculants. The strategy’s efficacy is evidenced by its enhancement of metal removal and solid–liquid separation processes, which renders it a potentially scalable and environmentally sustainable approach for the treatment of cadmium-contaminated wastewater. The strategy holds relevance for effluents derived from mining, electroplating, fertilizer production and battery manufacturing. Full article

Groundwater in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah faces considerable challenges from high salinity, elevated TDS, and nitrate contamination, primarily due to urbanization and industrial activities, making ongoing monitoring and management essential for its sustainable use in both drinking water and agriculture. The assessment of groundwater quality was conducted on 44 wells tapping two major aquifers (basaltic and alluvial) in the region, utilizing various geochemical techniques, including ICP-MS, FAAS, and XRF, to evaluate hydrochemical characteristics and identify the primary controlling factors. Key physicochemical parameters, including total dissolved solids (TDSs), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total hardness (TH), and major ion concentrations, were evaluated. The results indicate that several parameters exceed permissible limits established by Gulf and international standards, reflecting highly saline conditions that could adversely affect drinking water safety and agricultural practices. Elevated nitrate levels and other contaminants indicate a combination of geological processes, including mineral leaching, and anthropogenic activities, such as agricultural runoff. Correlations among various ions reveal complex interactions driven by both natural and human factors. High nitrate and potassium concentrations, particularly in the alluvial aquifer, combined with weak correlations with geogenic ions, indicate anthropogenic inputs. Heavy metals in groundwater were classified into two groups: those within permissible limits (Ag, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and U) and those exceeding recommended limits (Zn, Al, As, Se, and Tl). Elevated metal concentrations are primarily attributed to water–rock interactions and the fertilizer use in surrounding agricultural areas. These findings highlight the urgent need for continuous monitoring and proactive groundwater to ensure sustainable and safe use of water resources. Full article

Male fertility is declining worldwide, with notable reductions in sperm counts, emphasizing the need for new therapeutic interventions. Atranorin (ATR), a lichen-derived secondary metabolite, exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study assessed the protective effects of ATR on type 1 diabetes (T1D)-induced reproductive dysfunction in rats. T1D was induced in male Wistar rats via a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at 150 mg/kg body weight (bw). ATR significantly ameliorated T1D-related reproductive damage. At 170 mg/kg bw, ATR reduced hyperglycemia by 66% and attenuated seminal inflammation, decreasing leukocyte infiltration (−51%) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (−68%). Oxidative balance improved, as evidenced by increased total antioxidant status (TAS) (+203%) and decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (−73%), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) (−45%), and total oxidant status (TOS) (−70%). Steroidogenesis was restored through enhanced 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) (+65%) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) (+102%) activities, resulting in a 90% recovery of testosterone levels. Seminal plasma function improved, with increased fructose levels (+71%), normalized pH (7.4), and enhanced hyaluronidase (HYAL) (+71%), adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (+71%), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) (+79%) activities. Fertility biomarkers, such as adenosine deaminase (ADA) (+148%) and lactate dehydrogenase-C4 (LDH-C4) (+62%), increased, and essential minerals Zn²⁺ (+72%), Ca²⁺ (+96%), Mg²⁺ (+84%), and Se (+57%) were restored. Consequently, sperm density (+87%), viability (+69%), and motility (+189%) improved, while abnormalities declined (−46%). Histological findings confirmed the restoration of spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation. ATR effectively counteracts diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction by reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress while improving hormonal and seminal parameters. Full article

Zinc (Zn) is a mineral that plays a vital role in the growth and development processes of different plants. Although it is required in small quantities, its presence is essential in a crop. In recent years, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have garnered significant interest in agriculture due to their unique physical and chemical properties. As a result, they can be used as alternative fertilizers to help crops experiencing mineral deficiency, stress, or fungal problems. These nanomaterials can be obtained through various synthesis methods, including sol–gel, chemical precipitation, microemulsion, and green synthesis, among others. This enables managing their size, shape, and internal arrangement, establishing their ultimate characteristics and feasible uses. In this review, we will present some of the most commonly used synthesis methods for obtaining ZnO NPs, the frequently used characterization techniques, as well as some of the positive and toxic effects caused by their application in crops. Full article

Peach tree (Prunus persica L. Batsch) is a fruit species of great economic importance worldwide. Thousands of chemical leaf analyses are performed on a yearly basis to support decision-making about fertilizer application. However, traditional methods to determine nutrient content in plant tissue require a mix of strong acids, besides being time-consuming and generating polluting waste. Visible (Vis) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate techniques emerges as a potential solution to overcome limitations of traditional chemical analyses. The aim of the present study is to combine Vis-NIR spectral data and multivariate techniques to test strategies for the development of models to estimate nutrient content in peach leaves. The study estimated N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn content in the leaves of peach trees grown in two locations, namely: Pelotas and Pinto Bandeira, in Southern Brazil. Therefore, local and regional scale prediction models were developed by combining preprocessed Vis-NIR spectral data to both Savitzky–Golay first-derivative (SGD1d) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) multivariate technique. Most of the proposed prediction models showed average accuracy (R² ≥ 0.50 and <0.75, RPIQ ≥ 1.9 and <3.0). The local-1 ‘PB’ model showed higher nutrient prediction accuracy than the regional ‘PB + Pelotas’ model and the local-2 ‘Pelotas’ model. Estimates on nutrient content in peach tree leaves subjected to local, local-1 ‘PB’ and local-2 ‘Pelotas’ models fed with data collected in the same site showed better performance than calculations based on data from other sites and/or regions. Finally, the current study allowed making updates in the refinement of more sustainable techniques to set nutrient content. Full article

Potato is a vital crop in the United States, and increasing its production is essential. Due to their differences in rooting characteristics and nitrogen (N) needs, each potato cultivar generally receives specific research-based N recommendations. However, limited research exists on how other fertilizer nutrients, including micronutrients and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), affect potato yield and quality. This study evaluated the response of Mesa Russet potatoes to various pre-plant and foliar fertilizer treatments on sandy, alkaline soil in Colorado, USA for two growing seasons. Six fertilizer treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design with four replications: (1) 4-13-17-1S (control), also known as the Farmer’s Standard, (2) 3-10-13, (3) 3-10-13 + PGPR, (4) 3-10-13-1S-1Zn, (5) 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + K-acetate foliar, and (6) 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + 0-0-15-5S foliar. The results showed that treatment PGPR maximized tuber bulking rate by 1.5 g plant⁻¹ day⁻¹, and 3.3 g plant⁻¹ day⁻¹ in 2016 and 2017, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Also, treatment 3-10-13 + PGPR had the highest total and larger tuber (>114 g, >170 g and >284 g) yields in both years. In contrast, the control (4-13-17-1S) had the lowest yield in both years. Treatment 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + K-Ac foliar resulted in total yields in both years that were statistically similar to the PGPR treatment; this treatment had the highest N, P, and Zn applications compared to all other treatments. Treatment 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + 0-0-15-5S foliar exhibited marketable yields (tubers > 114 g) comparable to the PGPR treatment in both years; this treatment had the highest S application as compared to the others. Further testing of PGPRs, S, and Zn individually and in combination is needed to evaluate their impact on other Russet potato cultivars grown in sandy soils prior to broadening these recommendations. Full article