Search Results (208)

This study investigated the effects of four selenium fertilizers (nano-Se, EDTA-chelated Se, organic Se, and microbial Se) at three concentrations (50, 25, and 12.5 mg·L⁻¹) on garlic (Allium sativum L. cv. ‘Xusuan 918’) through foliar application during critical growth stages. Comprehensive evaluation combining agronomic traits, yield components, nutritional quality (soluble sugars, vitamin C), and selenium accumulation revealed distinct fertilizer-specific responses. Organic Se at 50 mg·L⁻¹ (O1) maximized vegetative growth (21.83% increased plant spread), while 25 mg·L⁻¹ microbial Se (M2) showed optimal yield enhancement (10.04% higher bulb dry weight vs. CK). Notably, 50 mg·L⁻¹ nano-Se (N1) achieved simultaneous improvement in nutritional quality and selenium biofortification (29-fold bulb Se enrichment). Principal component analysis integrated with membership function method identified N1 treatment (D-value = 0.571) as the most effective protocol for selenium-enriched garlic production, demonstrating the importance of fertilizer selection for crop-specific selenium management strategies. Full article

Soil salinization and selenium (Se) deficiency threaten global food security. This study developed a composite bioinoculant combining ACC deaminase-producing Serratia liquefaciens and biogenically synthesized nano-selenium (SeNPs) to alleviate saline–alkali stress and enhance Se nutrition in rice (Oryza sativa L.). A strain of S. liquefaciens with high ACC deaminase activity was isolated and used to biosynthesize SeNPs with stable physicochemical properties. Pot experiments showed that application of the composite inoculant (S3: S. liquefaciens + 40 mmol/L SeNPs) significantly improved seedling biomass (fresh weight +53.8%, dry weight +60.6%), plant height (+31.6%), and root activity under saline–alkali conditions. S3 treatment also enhanced panicle weight, seed-setting rate, and grain Se content (234.13 μg/kg), meeting national Se-enriched rice standards. Moreover, it increased rhizosphere soil N, P, and K availability and improved microbial α-diversity. This is the first comprehensive demonstration that a synergistic bioformulation of ACC deaminase PGPR and biogenic SeNPs effectively mitigates saline–alkali stress, enhances soil fertility, and enables safe Se biofortification in rice. Full article

Springtails are adapted to life in the pore space of soil, where humidity in moist soil is close to saturation. Drought is the most important limiting factor for springtails; however, their molecular and physiological adaptations to low humidity are not well understood. The present study explored the global proteomic drought response of the springtail, Folsomia candida (Isotomidae, Collembola). In relatively dry soil (−360 kPa), adult springtails initially lost body water but re-established the normal body water content over the following two weeks. Nano LC–MS/MS analysis identified a total of 1729 unique proteins. Proteomic analysis and pathway enrichment found that the proteome generally did not show a dramatic induction of proteins in response to drought stress. After an initial down-regulation of pathways related to metabolism and growth, these pathways gradually returned to the same levels as in moist soil. Other pathways such as the cytoskeleton pathway, which is important in cell proliferation and differentiation, were predominantly down-regulated throughout the experiment in drought-exposed animals, which correlated with essentially no somatic growth of the springtails in dry soil. This study facilitates the understanding of the consequences of climate change on soil functioning and fertility. Full article

The interactive effects between nano-silicon dioxide (n-SiO₂) and elevated CO₂ (eCO₂; 645 ppm) on soybean physiology, nitrogen fixation, and nutrient dynamics under climate stress remain underexplored. This study elucidates their combined effects under ambient (aCO₂; 410 ppm) and eCO₂ conditions. eCO₂ + n-SiO₂ synergistically enhanced shoot length (30%), total chlorophyll (112.15%), and photosynthetic rate (103.23%), alongside improved stomatal conductance and intercellular CO₂ (17.19%), optimizing carbon assimilation. Nodulation efficiency increased, with nodule number and biomass rising by 48.3% and 53.6%, respectively, under eCO₂ + n-SiO₂ versus aCO₂. N-assimilation enzymes (nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase) surged by 38.5–52.1%, enhancing nitrogen metabolism. Concurrently, phytohormones (16–21%) and antioxidant activities (15–22%) increased, reducing oxidative markers (18–22%), and bolstering stress resilience. Nutrient homeostasis improved, with P, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn elevating in roots (13–41%) and shoots (13–17%), except shoot Fe and Zn. These findings demonstrate that n-SiO₂ potentiates eCO₂-driven benefits, amplifying photosynthetic efficiency, nitrogen fixation, and stress adaptation through enhanced biochemical and nutrient regulation. This synergy underscores n-SiO₂ role in optimizing crop performance under future CO₂-rich climates, advocating nano-fertilizers as sustainable tools for climate-resilient agriculture. Full article

Zinc deficiency is a major contributor to hidden hunger, affecting billions of people worldwide, particularly in vulnerable populations. Agronomic biofortification with zinc is a promising strategy to increase both crop productivity and the nutritional quality of food, especially in countries like Brazil, where tropical soils are often deficient in this micronutrient. This review analyzes the main technologies applied in the zinc biofortification of edible crops in Brazil, including fertilizer types, application methods, doses, and the use of innovative approaches such as nano-fertilizers and biofertilizers. The results show that the foliar application of zinc sulfate at doses of 600 g ha⁻¹ increased zinc concentration in grains by 25–40% without reducing crop yields. Additionally, the use of zinc nanoparticles increased wheat grain zinc content by up to 30% and biomass production, while biofertilizer application with diazotrophic bacteria raised zinc concentration in maize grains by 12.7–18.2%. These technologies demonstrate potential for enhancing zinc use efficiency and improving the nutritional quality of crops. Standardizing biofortification practices is essential to maximize their impact on food and nutritional security, contributing to the prevention of zinc deficiency in human populations. Full article

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. is an important economic plant. With its wild populations on the brink of extinction and the area of salinized soil increasing sharply, farmers have gradually used saline soil to carry out artificial cultivation of the licorice. However, the salt stress has led to a significant decrease in the yield and quality of its medicinal organ (root), seriously restricting the sustainable development of the licorice industry. Therefore, we investigated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a nano-fertilizer to enhance root biomass and bioactive compound accumulation under salinity. Our results indicate that under 160 mM NaCl stress, the application of 30 mg/kg ZnO NPs increased the root biomass of the licorice and the contents of glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizin, and total flavonoids in the roots by 182%, 158%, 87%, and 201%, respectively. And the ZnO treatment made the enzyme activities of SOD, CAT, and POD exhibit increase, and made the levels of superoxide anions, electrolyte leakage, soluble sugar, and proline reduce. These results demonstrate that ZnO NPs not only enhance salt tolerance but also redirect metabolic resources toward medicinal compound biosynthesis. Our findings provide a mechanistic basis for utilizing nanotechnology to sustainably cultivate the licorice in marginal saline environments, bridging agricultural productivity and pharmacological value. Full article

Background: Soil degradation and nutrient depletion critically impact pecan (Carya illinoinensis) production, reducing yield and soil fertility. Colloidal nutrition, a novel approach involving nano-scale nutrient formulations, could offer potential for soil restoration. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of colloidal nutrition on key physical, chemical, and biological soil health parameters in pecan tree cultivation. Methods: Soil from two orchards with 30-year-old pecan trees was used where different nutrition treatments were applied: conventional and colloidal. The variables considered included physical, chemical, and biological properties for the assessment of soil health indicators. Results: The colloidal treatment showed low salinity (2020: 2.04; 2021: 0.88 dS/m) and higher levels of humic acids (1.52 g C/100 g soil), available water depth (2020: 305.11, 2021: 350.00 m³/ha), and soil organic matter (2020: 2.10%; 2021: 2.11%). Furthermore, 6 of the 17 phytopathogens that were examined were not detected in the colloidal treatment. Conclusions: This study enhanced our understanding of the improvements that colloidal treatment could potentially provide to the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil health in pecan orchards. Full article

Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise year after year, contributing significantly to global warming—an escalating crisis that demands urgent attention. In order to address this issue, it is crucial to investigate the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions from farmland and crop yield and quality through comprehensive regulation of the soil micro-environment by inputting water, fertilizer, gas, and heat. Therefore, we conducted field experiments in 2024 to examine the effects of different water, fertilizer, gas, and heat conditions on the yield, quality, greenhouse gas emissions, net global warming potential (NGWP), and greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI) of processing tomatoes in Xinjiang, China. This study established two irrigation water temperatures (T0: the local irrigation water temperature, approximately 10–15 °C; and T1: warming irrigation, 20–25 °C), two humic acid application rates (H0: 0% and H1: 0.5%, % as a percentage of total fertilizer application), and three aeration methods (A0: no aeration, A1: Venturi aerated, and A2: micro–nano aerated) during the growth period. The results showed that the number of fruits per hectare (NP), vitamin C (VC) content, titratable acidity and lycopene content were all significantly increased with increasing temperature, application of 0.5% humic acid, and aeration. Warming has little effect on GHGI, while humic acid application and aeration have significant and extremely significant effects on GHGI. The GHGI of humic acid treatment was 7.70% lower than that of H0, and the GHGI of micro–nano aeration and Venturi aeration treatment was 18.95% and 6.85% lower than that of A0, respectively. We employed a comprehensive evaluation model that focused on overall differences to assess yield, quality, economic benefits, and environmental impact (GHGI, global warming potential). The optimal strategy identified comprised 20–25 °C irrigation, micro–nano aeration, and 0.5% humic acid, which collectively achieved the highest scores in yield, quality, and emission reduction. This study establishes a theoretical and technical foundation for the sustainable and efficient production of tomatoes in the arid regions of Northern Xinjiang. Full article

Global food security is facing numerous severe challenges. Population growth, climate change, and irrational agricultural inputs have led to a reduction in available arable land, a decline in soil fertility, and difficulties in increasing crop yields. As a result, the supply of food and agricultural products is under serious threat. Against this backdrop, the development of new technologies to increase the production of food and agricultural products and ensure their supply is extremely urgent. Agricultural nanotechnology, as an emerging technology, mainly utilizes the characteristics of nanomaterials such as small size, large specific surface area, and surface effects. It plays a role in gene delivery, regulating crop growth, adsorbing environmental pollutants, detecting the quality of agricultural products, and preserving fruits and vegetables, providing important technical support for ensuring the global supply of food and agricultural products. Currently, the research focus of agricultural nanotechnology is concentrated on the design and preparation of nanomaterials, the regulation of their properties, and the optimization of their application effects in the agricultural field. In terms of the research status, certain progress has been made in the research of nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, nano-sensors, nano-preservation materials, and nano-gene delivery vectors. However, it also faces problems such as complex processes and incomplete safety evaluations. This review focuses on the horticultural industry, comprehensively expounding the research status and application progress of agricultural nanotechnology in aspects such as the growth regulation of horticultural crops and the quality detection and preservation of horticultural products. It also deeply analyzes the opportunities and challenges faced by the application of nanomaterials in the horticultural field. The aim is to provide a reference for the further development of agricultural nanotechnology in the horticultural industry, promote its broader and more efficient application, contribute to solving the global food security problem, and achieve sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Rice is a major crop for half of the world’s population, and nitrogen (N) fertilizers play a crucial role in its production. However, imbalanced N fertilizer uses and traditional fertilization practices have led to low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), increased N footprints, and reduced rice yields and farmers’ income. There are limited studies where the integration of both agronomic and molecular advancements to enhance NUE is discussed, particularly in developing countries. This review highlights novel agronomic and molecular strategies to enhance NUE, rice yields, and profitability, while minimizing environmental impact. The agronomic strategies include the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework, enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers (EENFs), nano-fertilizers, biochar-based fertilizers, biological N fixation, and sensor-based fertilizer management in major rice-growing countries. The molecular mechanisms focus on N uptake, assimilation, and utilization, highlighting the role of hormones, key genes, transcription factors (TFs), and regulatory pathways. Moreover, we examine promising rice genotypes and cultivars with improved NUE and grain yield. Additionally, this paper offers deep insights into recent advancements in molecular genetics, such as multi-omics approaches (transcriptomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics), the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), Quantitative Traits Loci mapping (QTLs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis, and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR-Cas9)-mediated genome editing, which serve as valuable tools for developing rice cultivars with enhanced NUE and grain yield. Full article

Seed productivity and quality are the bases of modern agriculture. To determine the optimal conditions in terms of seed production and quality, the effect of foliar plant biostimulant treatments (at the beginning and in the middle of the peduncle formation phase and at the beginning of flowering) based on amino acids (Multimolig M and Aminosil), silicon (Si) (Siliplant), selenium (nano-Se), a Rhodotorula glutinis soil yeast formulation, and a fertilizer (Wuxal Macromix), plus an untreated control (only water-sprayed plants), were assessed on Beta vulgaris seed plants grown in an open field in the Moscow region in 2022–2023. Silicon and nano-Se foliar supply led to the highest seed production and viability, as well as positively affecting the yield and quality of the microgreens produced from the latter seeds. Despite the stability of the size distribution of small- and large-sized seeds, only the application of Si increased the occurrence of the large-sized seed class by up to 53%, while R. glutinis fostered a homogenous distribution of seeds among the different diameter classes. The application of all of the biostimulants, except R. glutinis, provided a decrease in oxidative stress in the seeds (reflected in a significant reduction in proline levels), especially for the small-sized seed class, with the highest beneficial effects being caused by Aminosil and Siliplant. All of the treatments were beneficial in terms of chlorophyll and betalain pigment accumulation but did not significantly affect the microgreens’ antioxidant status. The beneficial effect of the biostimulants revealed provides the basis for beetroot seed production and quality improvements to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations aiming to fight hunger and improve human health and well-being. Full article

Transport and vehicle traffic are closely connected with particulate matter (PM) pollution, inducing various fractions into the atmosphere, some of them forming significant deposits on the surface of the car. They are washed away during carwash-inducing slurries collecting the PM deposits, which are characteristic of a large area. Crystalline PM matter was investigated by XRD coupled with polarized optical microscopy (POM). Organic matters were investigated by Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and gas chromatography, GC-MS. Their microstructure and elemental composition were investigated by SEM-EDX. The crystalline features contain mainly quartz, calcite, and clay (muscovite and kaolinite) particles having traces of goethite and lepidocrocite. Slurry particle size distribution was established by sieving on the following meshes: 63 µm, 125 µm, 250 µm, 500 µm, 1000 µm, 2000 µm, and 4000 µm. Coarse fractions of 250–4000 μm are dominated by quartz and calcite particles. The quartz and calcite amount decreases with particle size, while the muscovite and kaolinite amount increases in the finest fractions of 0–125 μm. Organic matter was evidenced, firstly, by FTIR spectroscopy, revealing mostly CH₂; C=O, and NH₄ bonds that are more intense for the fine particulate fractions. The organic deposits form mainly amorphous crusts associated with micro- and nano-plastic particles related to the phthalates and traces of the washing detergents. Atomic Force Microscopy revealed their size range between 60 and 90 nm and evidenced nanoparticles within samples. The nanofractions adhere to the bigger particles in humid environments, assuring their immobilization to reduce their hazardous potential. Carwash slurry blending with fertile soil ensures proper grass seed germination and growth at mixtures of up to 60% slurry, allowing its sustainable reconversion as soil for landfill and dump rehabilitation, preventing the PM emission hazard. Blended compositions containing more than 60% slurry have noxious effects on the grass seeds, inhibiting their germination. Full article

Nanotechnology has been a source of innovation in various fields in recent years, and its application in agriculture has attracted much attention, particularly for its potential to enhance crop growth and optimize nutritional quality. This study systematically investigated the effects of nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe₂O₄ NPs) on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growth, nutrient dynamics, and biochemical responses, highlighting their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional fertilizers. The results showed that an optimum concentration of 50 mg/kg soil significantly improved photosynthetic efficiency, biomass accumulation, seed yield, and nutritional quality, with 1000 seed weight and total yield increasing by 12.3% and 15.6%, respectively. In addition, we hypothesized that NiFe₂O₄ NPs would activate the antioxidant system and increase plant resistance. According to the risk assessment, the target hazard quotient (THQ = 0.081) is well below the safety threshold of 1. These findings provide strong evidence for the application of NiFe₂O₄ NPs as next-generation nano-fertilizers, offering a dual advantage of improved agronomic performance and biosafety. However, further research is needed to optimize their application strategies and assess potential long-term environmental impacts. Full article

The drip emitter is a fundamental component of the drip irrigation system, and its performance directly influences the efficiency of water–fertilizer–gas (WFG) coupling irrigation. However, the precise mechanism through which WFG coupling affects emitter clogging and system uniformity remains unclear. To address this, this study conducted a hydraulic performance test of the drip irrigation system based on micro-nano aerated drip irrigation technology. The clogging patterns of emitters and system uniformity were compared and analyzed under non-aerated drip irrigation and WFG coupling drip irrigation conditions. The results indicate that WFG coupling significantly alters the micromorphological structure and microbial diversity of clogged emitters. This change reduces clogging and can delay the clogging process of different types of emitters, thereby extending their service life by up to 29%. Additionally, it effectively improves the uniformity of the drip irrigation system. These findings highlight the potential of WFG coupling as an effective strategy to mitigate emitter clogging and optimize drip irrigation system performance. Full article

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of various foliar fertilization treatments on the growth of new shoots, photosynthetic characteristics of leaves, and mineral nutrient content in the leaves of ‘Marselan’ grapevines. Five distinct combinations of nano zero-valent iron (n ZVI), compound sodium nitrophenolate (CSN), and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH₂PO₄) were administered through foliar application to ‘Marselan’ grapevines cultivated in the Wuwei region of the Hexi Corridor, with water spray serving as the control treatment. The results showed that T5 treatment (15 mg·L⁻¹ n ZVI + 0.4 g·L⁻¹ CSN + 2.5 g·L⁻¹ KH₂PO₄) significantly increased the leaf area and SPAD value of ‘Marselan’ grapes; T4 treatment (15 mg·L⁻¹ n ZVI + 0.4 g·L⁻¹ CSN + 1.67 g·L⁻¹ KH₂PO₄) significantly increased the internode length of new grape shoots. T5 treatment was favorable to increase the basic coarseness of new grape shoots, the net photosynthetic rate of the leaves, and stomatal conductance; leaf transpiration rate was the highest under the T4 and T5 treatments; T3 (15 mg·L⁻¹ n ZVI + 0.4 g·L⁻¹ CSN + 1.25 g·L⁻¹ KH₂PO₄), T4, and T5 treatments could improve leaf initial fluorescence at different periods. At 45 days after flowering, the maximum photochemical efficiency under the T3 and T4 treatments reached the highest value throughout the period, and the T3 treatment improved leaf potential maximum quantum yield. Meanwhile, the leaf nitrogen and phosphorus content under the T5 treatment were the highest in the five periods. Additionally, the contents of potassium (K), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in the leaves increased significantly under the T4 and T5 treatments. The following conclusions emerged from a comprehensive analysis: the T4 treatment was the best, and the T5 treatment was the second most effective. Full article