Selenium biofortification in edible mushrooms whose consumption is rising with increasing interest in healthy diets as a strategy to mitigate Se deficiency in the human diet. This study investigated the effects of Se supplementation (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg kg−1) in the growing medium on yield, morphological traits, and mineral composition of two edible mushroom varieties: white button (Agaricus bisporus L. Sing) and chestnut (Agaricus brunnescens). Increasing Se concentrations slightly improved the fresh weight of both species, with a statistically significant enhancement observed only in the white button variety. Selenium treatments had a marginal impact on cap diameter in the white button mushrooms, while no significant changes were observed in cap length, stipe diameter, or stipe length for either variety. Selenium concentration increased significantly in both species with the increasing Se doses; however, chestnut mushrooms consistently accumulated approximately twice the amount of Se compared to the white button mushrooms. The application of 0.2 mg kg−1 Se significantly increased N concentration in both varieties. In the chestnut variety, 0.1 mg kg−1 Se slightly reduced P and K, whereas the same dose significantly increased Ca in the white button variety. Magnesium and S concentrations were unaffected by Se treatments, while Fe and Zn levels increased in the white button mushrooms. These results suggest that Se biofortification enhances Se accumulation especially in chestnut mushrooms without major yield loss and improves some nutrients (N, Ca, Fe, Zn).

Titanium, a beneficial element, has shown potential in promoting plant growth, stress resilience, and nutrient uptake in various crops. This study aims to investigate the effective concentration (500, 1000, and 1500 ppm for cabbage; 50, 100, 150 ppm for capsicum) and application method (seed or foliar) of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) in combination with different nutrient sources (chemical fertilizers only; integration of chemical fertilizers with vermicompost) on yield and physiological attributes of cabbage and capsicum. The data from two-year open-field experiments, laid out in randomized block design, revealed that application of nano-TiO2 @1000 ppm through seed treatment with integration of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost significantly increased net head weight, harvest index, protein, and chlorophyll contents (a & b) in cabbage. On the other hand, foliar application of nano-TiO2 @500 ppm with chemical fertilizer recorded maximum value of gross head weight in cabbage. On the other hand, in capsicum, integration of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost along with seed treatment of nano-TiO2 @50 ppm enhanced pericarp thickness, ascorbic acid, protein, and chlorophyll contents (a & b); and foliar spray with nano-TiO2 @100 ppm increased number of fruits per plant, although the effect on ascorbic acid in cabbage and fruit shape index in capsicum was non-significant. Results of study confirmed that yield and physiological metrics of cabbage and capsicum were improved by efficient nutrient management, when nanoparticles are applied along with integration of organic and inorganic sources. The given module fostered the vision of combining sustainable nutrient strategies and nanoparticles application for enhancing vegetable productivity.

Small sample blocks of low density fiberboards (insulating boards), impregnated with urea as fertilizer and, then, treated with a reclaimed polystyrene solution, were used to act as slow release fertilizer system. Forty five pots of 5-liter capacity were filled with soil (sand: 20%, silt: 30%, clay: 50%) and used for sowing of Festuca seeds. The pots were divided in 3 groups: a) pots without adding fertilizer, used as controls, b) pots where 5 fiberboard blocks, impregnated successively with the urea fertilizer and reclaimed polystyrene solutions, were put in pots to act as a slow-release fertilizer, and c) pots where aqueous solution of urea was applied just after the germination of Festuca seeds so that the same dry urea mass to be contained in each pot as in b. The pots were placed in a greenhouse and an irrigation system was established to irrigate the Festuca germinating seeds for the period of July 2022 till May 2023 (9 months). The above ground organic material developed in the pots was cut four times during the whole period of experiment and the dry biomass was determined. The results showed that the B-pots produced more above ground biomass of the plants Festuca than the control pots (A-pots). It was concluded that small fiberboard samples, being treated with urea and reclaimed polystyrene solution, have the potential to act as slow release fertilizers.

Field experiments were conducted during the kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 using a factorial randomized block design. The experiment included three levels of NPK nutrients and three application timings as the first and second factors, respectively, to determine the optimal NPK requirement and timing based on nutrient use efficiency. Experimental results revealed that the application of 125:62.5:62.5 kg ha−1 of N:P2O5:K2O (F3) resulted in higher growth and yield parameters, along with increased grain yield and total nutrient uptake. Among the nutrient application timings, T3 (25% N and K + 100% P as basal, 25% N and K at 20–25 DAS, 25% N and K at 40–45 DAS, and 25% N and K at 55–60 DAS) outperformed the other schedules. Even though the application of 125:62.5:62.5 kg ha−1 of N:P2O5:K2O (F3) resulted in higher agronomic efficiency (16.42, 32.83, and 32.83 kg kg−1), apparent recovery efficiency (39.47, 14.63, and 88.23%), nutrient requirement (1.930, 0.325, and 2.079 kg q−1) for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively, and a response yardstick of 8.208 kg kg−1, it may not have been the most economical treatment. However, a higher yield response (2052 kg ha−1) was observed with the application of 100:50:50 kg ha−1 of N:P2O5:K2O (F2). Among the nutrient application timings, T3 recorded higher partial factor productivity (51.14, 102.27, and 102.27, respectively), yield response (1193 kg ha−1), and response yardstick (5.963 kg kg−1) compared to the other two timings and the farmer’s practice.

Advances in research on mineral nutrition interactions among scion–rootstock combinations support the development of more precise fertilization strategies. This study evaluated soil fertility dynamics in a high-density mango orchard with cultivars ‘Palmer’, ‘Tommy Atkins’, ‘Kent’, and ‘Keitt’ grafted onto the polyembryonic rootstocks Capucho, Coquinho, and Espada. The experiment followed a 4 × 3 factorial scheme, with five replications and two plants per plot. Soil samples were collected at 180, 360, and 540 days after transplanting to determine pH, available P and K+, exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+, potential acidity (H + Al³+), Cu2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Na+, and electrical conductivity. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and multivariate analysis. Most soil chemical attributes were not significantly influenced by scion–rootstock combinations over time, indicating that soil fertility during orchard establishment was mainly affected by fertilization management and nutrient uptake. However, significant interactions were observed for exchangeable Ca2+ and Cu2+ at 360 days, as well as for pH and H + Al³+ at specific periods, demonstrating that certain scion–rootstock combinations can modulate soil chemical dynamics. Overall, soil pH, Ca2+, and Cu2+ remained within recommended ranges for mango cultivation, while electrical conductivity indicated absence of salinity. Multivariate analysis showed that soil variability was primarily associated with fertility-related nutrients and secondarily with micronutrient availability. These results indicate that rootstock–scion combinations exert limited but measurable effects on soil fertility during orchard establishment in irrigated semi-arid systems under tropical conditions relevant to modern high-density mango production.

Efficient energy use and carbon management are central to promoting sustainable agricultural practices. A two-year field experiment was conducted to compare direct and residual effect of soil applied Zn, B, S, and foliar applied Zn and B on system productivity, profitability, energy budgeting, and carbon efficiency in a cluster bean–mustard cropping system. Thirteen treatments, comprising soil and foliar applications of Zn, B, and S at varying levels, were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Direct and residual effect of soil application of 4.0 kg Zn ha−1, 1.5 kg B ha−1, and 60 kg S ha−1 significantly improved system productivity, carbon budgeting, and energy indices of the two-year cluster bean–mustard system. The combined foliar application of Zn and B also significantly improved net energy output, energy profitability, and human energy profitability, while reducing specific energy. Maximum carbon output during I and II year (9031.42 kg ha−1, 8617.64 kg ha−1) and carbon sustainability index were achieved with soil-applied 1.5 kg B ha−1 and 0.25% foliar Zn application. Economic analysis revealed that the 4.0 kg Zn ha−1 treatment consistently achieved the highest gross returns, net returns, and benefit–cost ratio across both years. Overall, the strategic application of Zn, B, and S improved energy and carbon efficiencies, yield attributes, and profitability in cluster bean-mustard cropping, offering a sustainable and climate-resilient model for nutrient-depleted soils in India.

Low emergence and poor vigor in canola (Brassica napus L.) are common challenges for growers, and seed pelleting is an effective approach to address them. This study aimed to identify the optimal combination of nano-superabsorbent materials for seed pelleting, thereby enhancing water absorption and improving the emergence of canola seeds. The treatments included four levels of seed pelleting: control (seed-free pelleting), nanoparticles of TiO2-rutile (0.05 mM), and Aquazorb superabsorbent polymer enriched (KNO3) (0.5%), and a combination of TiO2 rutile (0.05 mM) and AQ (KNO3) (0.5%), and water deficit at four levels (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of FC). The results demonstrated that emergence percentage, seedling traits, and biochemical traits were significantly affected by the interaction of moisture regime and pellet materials (TiO2-rutile (0.05 mM) and AQ (KNO3) (0.5%). The highest emergence rate (0.228), number of leaves (10), root dry weight (0.133 g), shoot dry weight (0.133 g), chlorophylla (2.33 mg/g), and chlorophyllb (0.96 mg/g) were achieved with seeds pelleted using a combination of TiO2-rutile (0.05 mM) and AQ (KNO3) (5%) under severe water stress (25% FC). These compounds significantly improved pellet sphericity and dissolution time. Seed pelleting reduced water stress treatment effects during germination and accelerated seedling establishment by aiding in seed water absorption, enhancing the seedling's ability to utilize phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc. Therefore, a combination of TiO2-NP rutile (0.05 mM) and AQ (KNO3) (0.5%) is recommended for rapeseed pelleting. Planted seeds reduce damage from drought stress and lead to increased yield and reduced annual costs for farmers.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency severely limits common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield, especially during reproductive stages. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of leaf P spraying on photosynthetic performance, nutritional status, and growth in common bean plants facing P deficiency at the reproductive phase. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using hydroponics with three treatments: P-sufficient plants (P500), P-deficient plants (P20), and P-deficient plants receiving leaf P spraying (P20+P). We assessed leaf P and nitrogen concentrations, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b), photochemistry (maximum and effective quantum efficiency of PSII), and leaf gas exchange (net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, intercellular CO2 partial pressure, intrinsic water use efficiency) at 4, 8, and 12 days after spraying. Additionally, mesophyll conductance, dark respiration rate, maximum carboxylation rate of RuBisCO and the maximum electron transport rate were measured for assessing how P deficiency impaired photosynthesis. Biomass production and pod development were evaluated at pod formation. P deficiency significantly decreased leaf P and nitrogen contents, chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency, stomatal and mesophyll conductance, and the overall photosynthetic capacity, resulting in impaired growth and reduced pod production by 52%. Leaf P spraying significantly reduced these losses, reducing the pod dry mass gap to 16%, restoring pod weight to P-sufficient levels, and boosting overall biomass by 18%. Leaf P spraying led to a rapid, yet partial restoration of nutrient concentrations and photosynthetic traits within 4–8 days, enhancing biomass accumulation and pod yield. These positive effects diminished by 12 days post-application.

Agricultural practices increasingly seek sustainable solutions to enhance crop productivity. This study evaluates the efficacy of organic foliar sprays derived from Moringa oleifera L., and Caralluma tuberculata L. in comparison with the synthetic plant growth regulator gibberellic acid (GA3) and an untreated control. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of these treatments on the growth, yield, and nutrient profile of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) through a pot experiment. The results demonstrated that applications of GA3 and Moringa oleifera L. leaf extract significantly enhanced plant height, reaching 139.66 and 130.3 cm, respectively, compared to the control. In contrast, Caralluma tuberculata L. extract had a lesser effect. Yield parameters were also highest in the GA3 and Moringa oleifera L. treatments. Nutritional analysis revealed a significant increase in the concentration of all measured nutrients except sodium, which showed no significant differences among treatments. Principal component analysis indicated strong positive correlations for the GA3 and Moringa oleifera L. treatments with improved growth, yield, and nutrient composition, while Caralluma tuberculata L. and the control were negatively correlated with these parameters. In conclusion, both GA3 and Moringa oleifera L. extract positively influenced okra productivity, whereas Caralluma tuberculata L. extract exhibited adverse effects on growth and yield.

The Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) is a diagnostic tool designed to identify nutritional imbalances in plants and, when combined with soil analysis, supports more accurate fertilizer recommendations. This study aimed to apply CND standards to assess the nutritional status of dwarf cashew trees cultivated under rainfed conditions in Brazil. Leaf samples (fifth and sixth mature leaves from fruiting shoots at the onset of flowering) were collected and analyzed for macro- and micronutrients as well as sodium concentrations. From a database of 248 samples, 33 outliers were excluded using Mahalanobis distance. The mean cashew nut yield of 1,485 kg ha−1 was used to define the high-yield subpopulation (48% of the orchards). Based on this subpopulation, critical levels and sufficiency ranges for nutrients and sodium were established, enabling the evaluation of plant nutritional status and providing a basis for refining fertilizer recommendations for dwarf cashew.