Multifunctional Environmental Smart Fertilizer Based on l-Aspartic Acid for Sustained Nutrient Release.

Occupational safety assessment of biogenic urea nanofertilisers using in vitro pulmonary, and in vivo ocular models

Efficient nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) management enhances crop yield while minimizing environmental impact. Nano-fertilizers are reported to ensure sustained nutrient release, optimize nutrient absorption and improve nutrient use efficiency, leading to higher crop productivity and profitability. A two year field trial was conducted under semi-arid conditions in India to evaluate the effect of foliar-applied nano-DAP on the growth, productivity, profitability and nutrient use efficiency of rainfed maize. The treatments comprised conventional fertilizers at varying N and P levels [0, 50, 75, and 100% recommended dose of N and P] with and without foliar application of nano-DAP. Application of 100% recommended NPK (90-45–45 N-P-K kg ha -1 ) through conventional fertilizers along with foliar sprays of nano-DAP (N 100 P 100 K+ nano-DAP) resulted in higher grain yield (3058 kg ha -1 ) and economic returns (US $ 473 ha -1 ). Notably, the N 75 P 75 K + nano-DAP treatment produced yield and economic returns comparable to those obtained with 100% recommended NPK, either alone or in combination with nano-DAP. This demonstrates that two foliar sprays of nano-DAP can reduce N and P inputs by 25% without compromising on yield or profitability. Higher agronomic use efficiency of N (26.9%) and P (48.4%), apparent recovery efficiency of N (42.6%) and P (11.3%) were also observed under N 75 P 75 K + nano-DAP. Furthermore, N 75 P 75 K + nano-DAP treatment reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 24.5% and energy consumption by 15.4%, highlighting its potential for sustainable maize production with reduced environmental impact compared to N 100 P 100 K treatments.

Integration of multi-omics approaches for understanding the Maize (Zea mays L.) foliar priming responses to Nano-urea plus (NUP) colloidal liquid fertilizer

The imbalance in nutrient release from conventional fertilizers and plant nutrient uptake leads to a surplus accumulation of nutrients in the soil. A key approach to tackle this issue involves the engineering of nano-enabled fertilizers for the controlled release of nutrients to crops. In this context, it is important to understand the strategies for designing and utilizing nano-enabled fertilizers that can effectively regulate nutrient release and enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE). This review focuses on nano-structured materials that serve as nutrient carriers: nano-clays, hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles, mesoporous silica, carbon-based nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials. In addition, the nutrient release mechanisms in controlled release fertilizers (CRFs)/slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) are discussed. The discussion and perspectives presented emphasizes the need for standardized and comprehensive fertilizer evaluation systems, design of multifunctional nanomaterials, and the creation of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers to improve NUE.

Controlled‐release fertilizers (CRFs) offer a sustainable pathway to enhance nutrient use efficiency while reducing the environmental burdens associated with conventional fertilizers. By delivering nutrients in synchrony with plant demand, CRFs minimize volatilization, leaching, and eutrophication and support soil microbial function. Biopolymer‐based matrices have emerged as promising candidates due to their biodegradability and tunable properties, yet their low mechanical strength and high permeability require reinforcement and improved processing strategies. Advances in coating technologies, ranging from chemical to solvent‐free physical methods, have been key to improving CRF performance. Although chemical coatings are effective, their reliance on organic solvents motivates a shift toward greener techniques such as melt blending, spray coating, and extrusion. Melt blending is particularly attractive for its simplicity and compatibility with three‐dimensional (3D) printing, enabling precise control of architecture and release kinetics. Remaining challenges include optimizing material formulations and tailoring release profiles to specific crops and environments.

The paper presents the results of studies of the peculiarities of the water regime and drought resistance of 6 species of the genus Hemerocallis L. introduced into the South-Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of Ufa Federal Research Center of Russian Academy of Sciences. The objects of study were H. citrina Baroni, H. dumortieri E. Morren, H. fulva (L.) L., H. lilioasphodelus L., H. middendorffii Trautv. et C. A. Mey., H. minor Mill. The experiments were carried out during the growing seasons of 2020-2021 on the basis of the laboratory for the introduction and selection of flowering plants. In the course of the experiments, the seasonal dynamics of such indicators of the water regime as total water content, water retention capacity and water deficiency in leaves of Hemerocallis were determined. The analysis of the parameters of the water regime is based on the method of artificial wilting and the method of saturation of plant samples. The data obtained were processed using standard statistical methods using Microsoft Excel 2003. As a result of the research, based on the average values of water holding capacity, total water content and water deficit, we developed a scale for changing the parameters of the water regime of leaves for a comparative assessment of the drought resistance of Hemerocallis, which makes it possible to differentiate daylily taxa into groups with varying degrees of drought tolerance (high, medium and low). Thus, H. citrina and H. fulva were assigned to the group with a high degree of drought tolerance; H. dumortieri, H. lilioasphodelus, H. middendorffii, H. minor were assigned to the group with an average degree of drought tolerance. Under the same soilclimatic and agrotechnical conditions, the range of indicators of the total water content of Hemerocallis was 68.8-83.6%, water-holding capacity - 19.8-65.1, water deficit - 2.2-13.62%. In general, all the studied species of daylily are promising for cultivation in the forest-steppe zone of the Bashkir Pre-Ural.

Modification of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) to soluble dietary fiber (SDF) improves not only the various health benefits but also the functional properties for improved product development. This research aimed to examine the effects of sonication treatment on the functional and physicochemical properties with possible structural changes in chia seeds dietary fiber. Central composite design was applied to optimize the sonication treatment process (amplitude 55%, time 20 min, and temperature 40°C) based on the oil holding capacity (OHC) and water holding capacity (WHC) as responses. Under these optimum conditions, ultrasound-treated IDF exhibited better functional and physicochemical properties such as OHC, WHC, glucose adsorption capacity (GAC), and water retention capacity (WRC) than untreated IDF. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy further confirmed the structural changes in treated and untreated IDF to explain the changes in the studied parameters.

Biochar-based slow-release nitrogen fertilizers (BSRFs) have been arousing a great deal of interest from researchers and academics, but many of these fertilizers do not possess water-retention capacity. In this work, a polymer matrix has been introduced into NH4+-loaded biochar (N-BC), using microwave (MW) irradiation, for the purpose of acting as a superabsorbent polymer to improve soil water-retention capacity. The polymer matrix is composed of cotton stalks (CSs), acrylic acid (AA), 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and bentonite (bent.). N-BC was prepared via the adsorption of NH4+ onto BC, and its adsorption behavior was investigated. The structure and properties of the resulting samples were characterized using various characterization methods. Results suggest that BSRFs could significantly improve the water-holding and water-retention capacity of soil. BSRFs effectively reduced the nitrogen-release rate (69.8% of nitrogen was released after 30 days), and possessed low nitrogen-leaching-loss amounts (10.3%), low nitrogen migrate-to-surface-loss amounts (7.4%), and high nitrogen-use efficiency (64.27%), as compared to NH4Cl and N-BC, consequently effectively promoting cotton plant growth. The soil burial degradation test of BSRFs indicated that BSRFs possessed good degradability. BSRFs may therefore have promising applications in modern, sustainable agriculture, while MW irradiation is an important strategy with which to produce BSRFs.

With global food security central to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), a growing population and shrinking resources are intensifying pressure on agriculture. To sustain productivity amidst declining soil fertility, biodiversity loss, increasing pest and disease incidences, and environmental degradation, agricultural science must refine technologies and adopt a sustainable approach that balances innovation with responsible resource use. Additionally, agriculture significantly contributes to climate change, accounting for a notable share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Zeolites, a group of versatile crystalline aluminosilicates, offer a promising solution to these challenges. Their properties as ion exchangers, water absorbers, and slow-release nitrogenous fertilizers can enhance agricultural sustainability. Zeolites can improve nitrogen use efficiency, enhance soil structure, and mitigate saline soil conditions by retaining nutrients and water and releasing them slowly to plants. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and improves resource use efficiency. However, the widespread use of zeolites in agriculture requires careful consideration. Mapping zeolite deposits is essential for sustainable extraction and use. Potential risks such as toxic surfactant leaching must be evaluated to prevent environmental contamination. Comprehensive field experiments are necessary to understand the long-term effects of zeolite application on soil health, microorganisms, and fauna in the rhizosphere. In conclusion, zeolites hold significant promise in promoting sustainable agricultural practices by improving soil health, enhancing nutrient use efficiency, and mitigating environmental impacts. Rigorous research is needed to ensure their safety and efficacy, integrating zeolites into agricultural systems for sustainable productivity and to address the challenges of traditional intensive farming.

The possibility of reusing water treatment residue (WTR) was examined as an alternative material for sand that is now widely used as a growing medium. Physical properties such as water retention curve, relative gas diffusivity (D/D0), saturated hydraulic conductivity, porosity, available water-holding capacity and bulk density were compared between WTR and sand. D/D0, water retention capacity, total available water-holding capacity, total and capillary porosities, and bulk density were higher for WTR than for sand. This is attributed to creation of intra- and inter-aggregate pores through binding of silt and clay particles in the flocculation process of aggregates in the WTR. These physical characteristics of the WTR endorse a high possibility of reusing the WTR as an alternative for sand as a growing medium.

Aim:The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of foliar fertilizer application as a supplement to conventional inorganic fertilization on rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield.The research aims to assess whether the integrated use of foliar and soil-applied fertilizers can enhance nutrient use efficiency, promote physiological responses, and ultimately improve grain yield.This study sought to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable nutrient management strategies in rice production systems. Methodology:The study was conducted on a 476 m rice field located in Ramon, Isabela, Philippines, ideal for rice cultivation.The hybrid rice variety LP 937 was selected for the experiment.A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed to assess the effects of different treatments, with three replications to ensure statistical reliability.The experimental area was divided into three blocks, each measuring 11 m 24 m, and further subdivided into eight plots of 3 m 4 m.Spacing between plots was maintained at 1.5 meters, and a 1-meter gap was left between blocks to minimize interference and facilitate management.Results: The application of the recommended fertilizer rate combined with foliar micronutrients (Treatment 6) produced the tallest plants, although differences were not statistically significant across all treatments.No significant differences were observed for tiller number, panicle length, filled grains, or 1000-seed weight.However, Treatment 5 (RCM + foliar Zn, Ca, B) showed the highest grain yield (4.17 kg/sampling area) and a 12.29% yield increase compared to the control (Farmer's practice). Conclusion:This study demonstrates the potential of integrating RCM-based fertilization with targeted foliar micronutrient application (Zn, Ca, B) to enhance rice yield.The 12.29% yield increase observed in Treatment 5 suggests that this approach can be a valuable strategy for improving rice productivity.Further research is needed to optimize the timing and rates of foliar application under varying environmental conditions.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2022-23 at Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, R.B.S. College, Bichpuri, Agra (U.P.) the investigation entitled ‘Enhancing nutrient use efficiency through nano-fertilizer in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)’. The variables involved in this study were T1 (Control (P+K) only),T2 (Control (P+K) only+ 1000 ml NN/ha at 30-35 DAS+1000 ml NN/ha at 60-65 DAS), T3 (50% RDN+500 ml NN/ha at 30-35 DAS+500 ml NN/ha at 60-65 DAS), T4 (50% RDN+1000 ml NN/ha at 30-35 DAS+1000 ml NN/ha at 60-65 DAS), T5 (75% RDN+500 ml NN/ha at 30-35 DAS+500 ml NN/ha at 60-65 DAS), T6 (75% RDN+1000 ml NN/ha at 30-35 DAS+1000 ml NN/ha at 60-65 DAS), T7 (RDN+500 ml NN/ha at 30-35 DAS+500 ml NN/ha at 60-65 DAS), T8 (RDN+1000 ml NN/ha at 30-35 DAS+1000 ml NN/ha at 60-65 DAS) and T9 (Recommended doses of fertilizers). These 9 treatments were compared in a “Randomized Block Design” with three replications. The experimental result revealed that 100% RDN (@ 60 kg ha-1) when applied with two spray of nano-nitrogen fertilizer @1000 ml ha-1 at 30-35 and 60-65 DAS (T8) played a vital role for overall improvement in crop growth and development and the maximum grain yield (56.88 q ha-1) and maximum net return was obtained with crop fertilized with 100% RDN + two foliar sprays of nano-nitrogen fertilizer @1000 ml ha-1 at 30-35 and 60-65 DAS followed by T7 (100% RDN + foliar spray of nano-nitrogen fertilizer @ 500 ml ha-1 at 30-35 and 60-65 DAS). The maximum net return ₹ 120448 ha-1 and B:C ratio (3.71) were also obtained.

In-depth exploration of nanoparticles for enhanced nutrient use efficiency and abiotic stresses management: Present insights and future horizons

The study determined the effect of using FertiGroe® Nano N (18-0-0), Nano P (0-18-0), and Nano K (0-0-38) nanofertilizers on the growth and nutrient use efficiency of tissue-cultured ‛Saba’ banana (Musa ABB) plantlets. For 7 wk, conventional fertilizers (CF) and FertiGroe® nanofertilizers (NF) were applied to the plantlets at graduated level of the recommended rate (RR). Vegetative growth was monitored weekly. At the end of the experiment, samples were collected for dry matter partitioning and leaf tissue analysis. Fertilizer treatment significantly improved pseudostem growth and dry matter production of ‛Saba’ banana plantlets. Plantlets applied with neither conventional fertilizer (CF) nor nanofertilizer NF (control) produced significantly shorter and thinner pseudostem, and less dry matter compared to plantlets that were applied with NF or CF, regardless of the recommended rate (RR) used. Despite having significantly shorter and thinner pseudostem, plantlets applied with NF at 50% RR and 75% RR produced dry matter comparable to plantlets applied with CF at 75% RR and 100% RR by allocating more dry matter to the leaves. Foliar P concentration was not limiting to the plants and its nutrient concentration in the leaves did not vary significantly across the treatments. N uptake was highest in plantlets applied with NF at 75% RR (0.187 g) and CF at 75% RR (0.158 g), 100% RR (0.167 g) and 125% RR (0.173 g). K uptake was highest in plantlets that received NF at 50% RR (0.355 g) and 75% RR (0.358 g) and CF at 75% RR (0.353 g). Nutrient use efficiency of the plantlets was measured using apparent nutrient recovery. Apparent potassium recovery of the plantlets applied with NF was higher compared to that of plantlets applied with CF. The computed optimum RR for FertiGroe® N nanofertilizer was 23.5% lower than the computed optimum RR for CF. FertiGroe® N nanofertilizer can also increase apparent nitrogen recovery by 36.87% compared to CF.

The food and edible oil demand is increasing continuously and is expected to be doubled by 2050, while the production system and natural resources are continuously deteriorating. In this context enhancing nutrient use efficiency is the need of the hour for increasing crop productivity and reducing the nutrient waste, which is very high presently. The efficiency means the ability of a system to convert inputs into preferred outputs or to minimize input requirement losses. Enhancement of nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by plants could lessen fertilizer input, reduce the nutrient losses, and boost up the crop productivity. There is scope to increase the mustard productivity up to 2,000.0 kg/ha, from present national average of 1,145 kg/ha enhancing input use efficiency in which fertilizers nutrient sources have great role to play. Nutrient use efficiency enhancement is prerequisite not only for primary nutrients but also for secondary and micronutrients for oilseeds Brassica. Mustard, in general, is very sensitive to micronutrient deficiency, specially zinc and boron. The response of various ideotype to the applied micronutrients varies considerably. The precise information of the bio-physiological mechanism for adaptation to nutrient stress will help in enhancing NUE at plant level. It is important to exploit the potential of organic manures, composts, crop residues, agricultural wastes, bio-fertilizers, and their synergistic effect in combination with chemical fertilizers. This is needed for improving balanced nutrient supply and their use efficiency for increasing productivity, sustainability of agriculture, and soil health. INM improves the nutrient uptake by mustard and hence enhances the use efficiency of various nutrients from the soil.