Concept Of Sustainable Agriculture Research Articles

Ensuring environmental security in agriculture

The article examines the position of the food and agricultural organization of the United Nations regarding support for agriculture to reach the level of environmentally safe sustainable development. It is very relevant, due to the fact that at this stage of the development of civilization, there is an increase in the consumption of natural resources, which leads to an ecological burden on agricultural systems and, as a result, various problems in the provision of ecological and food security arise, the solution of them requires a comprehensive approach.
 The article examines in which directions the legal regulation of environmental security in agriculture is carried out and analyzes the current legislation according to the following criteria: ensuring environmental security during the use of certain natural resources in the implementation of agricultural activities: land, water, atmospheric air, etc.; ensuring environmental security in the process of using auxiliary means in the implementation of agricultural activities: agrochemicals, pesticides, etc. The following groups: ensuring environmental security in the process of using machinery, technologies, equipment, the latest developments, etc. in the implementation of agricultural activities and ensuring environmental security in the disposal of agricultural waste, will be analyzed in detail in further scientific works. It is worth noting that in each selected group internal division is possible according to individual characteristics. Special attention is paid to the legal regulation of environmental security in the process of land use, because it is the main means of agricultural production.
 In the work, special attention is paid to the analysis of the legislation on ensuring environmental security in the process of using pesticides and agrochemicals in the implementation of agricultural activities, since environmental and food security directly depends on their use. It is noted that some provisions are controversial, do not have specific requirements for ensuring environmental security and do not meet the modern requirements of sustainable development of agriculture.
 The concept of sustainable agriculture is considered and ecologically safe, natural methods of increasing productivity and pest control are proposed. It is noted that for the development of sustainable agriculture, all the specified methods should be reflected in the environmental policy of the state and, subsequently, in the legislation.

Effect of potassium nitrate, licorice extract and planting date on field emergence and growth of maize (Zea mays L.) in spring season

Low temperature and high relative humidity in the spring season led to decrease of field emergence ratio and growth in maize. Planting dates and seeds stimulation can be appropriate fix. Field experiment was conducted in the two spring seasons of 2022 and 2023. Randomize complete block design with split-plot arrangement and four replications was used. Planting date treatments (February 15th, March 1st and 15th and April 1st, 15th) were placed in main plots. Seeds stimulation treatments (potassium nitrate 6 mg L−1 + licorice extract 6 g L−1 as well as treatment of soaking with distilled water only) were placed in subplots. Seeds stimulation (potassium nitrate+licorice extract) or planting date of February 15th were superior at traits of field emergence ratio, days to 75% tassel and silk, days to physiological and full maturity, leaf area index, plant dry weight and crop growth rate in both seasons. Interaction treatment of stimulation (potassium nitrate+licorice extract) and planting date of February 15th excelled at traits above (86.2 and 86.9%), (87.0 and 86.0 day), (91.2 and 91.0 day), (113.5 and 110.0 day), and (113.5 and 110.0 day), respectively. It can be concluded that seed stimulation contributes to enhancing plant growth in adverse conditions in the spring season by increasing the field emergence ratio and plant growth rate over a wide range of environmental conditions. Determining the appropriate planting date contributes to utilizing the prevailing environmental conditions and raising the efficiency of metabolic processes in increasing plant dry weight. Also, using natural materials to stimulate seeds to withstand adverse conditions, which boosts the concept of sustainable agriculture. It can be recommended soaking the seeds with potassium nitrate+licorice extract when planting in the spring season.

Sustainable approach for seed stimulating and sowing date to enhance field emergence and growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Sorghum cultivation is often accompanied by low field emergence rates and weak seedlings, which may be due to genetic or environmental stress. A factorial experiment was conducted in the spring and fall seasons of 2022 using a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement and four replications. Planting dates (spring season: Feb. 15th, Mar. 1st, 15th, and Apr. 1st, 15th; fall season: Jun. 15th, Jul. 1st, 15th, and Aug. 1st, 15th) were allocated to the main plots. Seeds stimulation treatments (35% banana peel extract + 100 mg L−1 citric acid and distilled water soaking treatment only) were allocated to the subplots. The interaction treatment (banana peel extract + citric acid) with the planting date of April 15 showed the highest field emergence (74.2%), 75% flowering (86.0 day), plant height (163.9 cm), and days to physiological and complete maturity (111.0 and 131.0 day), respectively. The banana peel extract + citric acid soaking treatment with the planting date of July 1st showed the highest field emergence (91.3%), plant height (185.1 cm), leaf area index (7.6), and dry weight per plant (398.8 g). It can be concluded that the seeds primed with banana peel extract + citric acid before planting improved growth characteristics and could be a solution to environmental challenges, which also promote the concept of sustainable agriculture. It can be recommended seeds soaking with a combination of banana peel extract and citric acid to enhance emergence and growth when planting in April 15th for the spring season and July 1st for the fall season.

Penerapan Pertanian Regeneratif pada Perkebunan Kopi

Agronomy not only studies cultivation technology and agricultural production, but also examines the application of agricultural concepts and systems that continue to develop. The rapid and fundamental transformation of the agricultural system called the green revolution is based on the use of high inputs to increase agricultural production. The use of inputs that are not environmentally friendly and the emergence of environmental awareness encourages the transformation of agricultural systems into environmentally friendly agriculture such as ecofarming, organic farming, alternative farming, sustainable agriculture and regenerative agriculture. This article reviews the concepts of sustainable agriculture, degenerative agriculture, regenerative agriculture and the practice of implementing regenerative agriculture on coffee plantations. Degenerative agriculture is an agricultural practice that causes productivity to continue to decline as a result of a decrease in the carrying capacity of the agroecosystem, including soil, plants and other flora, fauna, microbes, climate and society. Sustainable agriculture aims to maintain a desired or improved level of ecosystem function, while regenerative agriculture aims to regenerate, renew, and further improve soil function and ecosystem capabilities in an ever-increasing process. The ecological pillars of regenerative agriculture include (1) soil health, (2) biodiversity, and (3) livestock-crop integration. Regenerative coffee plantation practices include the use of superior clones or varieties, grafting, planting shade trees and mixed crops, and livestock integration.Keywords : Biodiversity, degenerative, integrated, sustainable, regenerative agriculture

Application of biofertilizer to realize sustainable agricultural program: a review

The agricultural sector is a force to encourages the rise in the economic level of an agricultural country, such as Indonesia. However, agricultural programs that are not followed carefully can undermine the order of an agrarian state. Therefore, the concept of sustainable agriculture was introduced and has become a commitment for many countries in the world. One application of sustainable agriculture is the use of effective and environmentally friendly fertilizers. Biofertilizer is considered an alternative to chemical fertilizers that have more advantages. Biofertilizers contain a consortium of microbes that are beneficial to plants. In addition, biofertilizers can improve soil fertility. Many studies prove the effectiveness of biofertilizers in increasing crop yields. Currently, biofertilizers have been widely used in Indonesia, but sometimes the potential of laboratory-tested biofertilizers cannot be found in the field. Another issue is shelf life. This review focused on the effectiveness and shelf life of the biofertilizer. In this review, we try to collect data from previous studies and compile it into a framework that can help overcome the constraints of biofertilizer applications. The analysis was carried out with the introduction of biofertilizers, constraints in the practice of their use, and strategies to overcome those obstacles. Obstacles to the use of biofertilizers can be overcome by selecting potential microbes in order to survive in the soil. The addition of organic matter can also be done to add nutrients to the soil. In addition, storage of the product under adjusted conditions can maintain its effectiveness.

Implementasi ‘Petualangan Tani Kecil’ pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar untuk Keberlanjutan Pertanian di Masa Depan

As time goes by, the younger generation's interest in agriculture is decreasing. Therefore, agricultural learning needs to be carried out among elementary school students, because learning must be instilled from an early age. This activity aims to introduce the concept of sustainable agriculture to elementary school students through practice-based active learning. This service aims to provide an understanding of the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in order to achieve a more sustainable future economically, socially and environmentally. This service approach focuses on learning through simple agricultural practical activities that are relevant to the school environment and students' daily lives. The result of this activity is that elementary school students become more aware of the importance of agriculture in the future. Apart from that, they know how the agricultural process starts from planting, caring for and harvesting.

Analysis of the structure of the acreage of the European Union countries with the concept of sustainable agriculture. Germany

This article is devoted to the analysis of the impact of changes in the structure of acreage and the land use system on the sustainability of agriculture in Germany. It is established that the land management system in Germany is decentralized, with regional and local authorities responsible for land issues. According to the German Law on Land Management, land plots must be used taking into account environmental, economic and social needs. This means that land use must be sustainable and meet the needs of local communities and ecosystems. Germany has historically been one of the largest markets for organic products. As of 2020, the share of land under organic farming in the country is 9.6% (1592.7 thousand hectares). In 2001–2020, the area of land under organic farming increased by 56.8%. In general, the land management system in Germany is sustainable and focused on meeting environmental, economic and social needs. The country is actively taking measures to preserve and improve soil quality, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, preserve biodiversity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Germany is also actively developing organic farming and precision farming, which makes it possible to use land resources more efficiently and reduce the negative impact on the environment. However, despite all these measures, the analysis of the reports of the German Government, the OECD and the FAO shows that the country still has problems with pollution of water resources, biocenoses and a decrease in soil fertility.

Evaluation Analysis of Agricultural Extension of Vegetable Fungicides for Rice Plants in Sidomojo Village, Krian District, Sidoarjo Regency

The evaluation of extension practices pays close attention to the changing mindset in agriculture. This evaluation can strengthen understanding of the relationship between the use of plant-based fungicides and the concept of sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of vegetable fungicide extension for rice plants in Sidomojo Village, Krian District, Sidoarjo Regency with a focus on evaluating extension results to improve understanding and practical application in local agriculture. The determination of the research area was carried out purposively, namely in Sidomojo Village, Krian District, Sidoarjo Regency, for the reason that it is one of the rice plant centers in Krian District, Sidoarjo Regency. The sample was taken from 20 respondents who had participated in previous extension activities. The analysis method uses quantitative descriptive analysis with Likert scale. The evaluation of the extension program on the use of vegetable pesticides in Krian sub-district also shows that most farmers are satisfied with the extension materials and facilities, but there is still a need to improve the competence of extension workers. Overall, the extension program was rated as effective, with 60% of farmers responding effectively.

Response Of Growth And Production Of Shallot To The Genus Of Mycorrhiza And Npk Fertilizer

Mycorrhizal biofertilizer is a biotechnology agent and bio protector that is environmentally friendly and supports the concept of sustainable agriculture. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of growth and production of shallots on the application of the genus Mycorrhizae and N,P,K fertilizers. This study used a completely randomized design method with two factors: The first factor was the application of the mycorrhizal genera Glomus (M1), Gigaspora (M2), Acaulospora (M3), and the Mycorrhizal Consortium (M4); and the second factor is 0-gram NPK fertilizer (NPK0), 25-gram NPK fertilizer (NPK25), 50-gram NPK fertilizer (NPK50), 75-gram NPK fertilizer (NPK75). The results of the identification of Glomus spore form is obovoid, the spore wall is more than one layer, yellow in color. Gigaspora spore form is globose, spore walls do not have an inner wall, and the spore is yellowish cream in color. Acaulospora spore is elliptic, has 2 spore walls, spores are yellow. The results of mycorrhizal responses and doses of NPK fertilizer on the growth and production of shallots were not significantly different according to the analysis of variance in all observation parameters, but some treatments consistently produced the highest results among other treatments. The highest treatment was M1.NPK50 produced an average number of shallots of 50 pieces, the number of shallot bulbs averaged 13.4 and the diameter of shallot bulbs averaged 4.9.

Assessing the Effects of Whey Hydrogel on Nutrient Stability in Soil and Yield of Leucosinapis alba and Hordeum vulgare

Agriculture and related crop production are highly dependent on climate and economic factors, and agricultural intensification is associated with a dramatic increase in the consumption of fertilizers. A significant amount of the elements from the most commonly used fertilizers is degraded and lost due to climatic and environmental factors. The soil application of novel whey-based hydrogel represents an innovative approach toward efficient fertilizing and soil water balance that resonates with the concepts of sustainable agriculture and circular economy of waste products. Results of previous research show the positive effect of whey-based hydrogel on water retention after the various levels of hydrogel have been applied into artificial soil. With a view to verifying the effect of the whey hydrogel on soil quality and related crop cultivation in real conditions, the pot experiment compared two different doses of whey hydrogel with control soil, with the conventional NPK treatment of soil and with a mixing strategy combining the conventional NPK treatment with hydrogel application. The controlled pot experiment was conducted with haplic Cambisol, with white mustard (Leucosinapis alba) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) as the testing crops. Soil pH, organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), available forms of the essential macronutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mg), and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined in Cambisol samples before and after the experiment. The crop yields of barley and mustard were compared among the various treatments of experimental soils. Results demonstrated that the amendment of whey-based hydrogel increased the bioavailable nutrients’ concentrations, which persisted even after the harvest. The nutritional quick boost after the whey-based (co)-application significantly increased the experimental crop yield.

Traditional Practices Pertaining to Sustainable Agriculture in North East India: A Review

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s rural economy. Sustainable agriculture needs to emerge at an accelerated pace integrated with technical and traditional knowledge. The advent of the concept of sustainable agriculture in the late eighties in the Indian agricultural scenario has evoked interest in indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) that uses natural products to solve the problems pertaining to agriculture and allied activities. Since the past centuries, farmers have grown food and survived in harsh environments through the knowledge gained from their ancestors, where such a rich tradition of indigenous traditional knowledge has been interwoven with the agricultural practices followed by them. The northeast region is known for its rich natural scenic beauty, diversity, ethnicity, rare and unique wildlife, people, and culture. The traditional knowledge that the people possess in these regions is a precious resource that is shared through generations. However, such knowledge remains largely unreported, especially from the northeastern region, and has slowly been lost over time. Such knowledge needs to be harnessed along with some technical inputs to make sustainable development faster. There is a need to document and record such traditional knowledge which can act as a foundation for the creation of modern technology. This paper highlights the role and challenges of agriculture to the economy, the indigenous cultivation practices, and the traditional practices in Northeast India for sustainable agriculture.

Atributos físico-químicos de um latossolo vermelho distroférrico submetido a sucessões de culturas

ABSTRACT No-till farming is the practice closest to the concept of sustainable agriculture. The minimum soil movement and continuous contribution of crop residues to the farming system reduce erosion, mitigate the greenhouse effect, increase the organic matter content, and improve the physical and chemical quality of the soil. This study aimed to assess the effect of five-year succession cropping on the physical and chemical attributes of oxisol. The crops were sown for five consecutive years in the same plots, using a randomized block design in split plots with four replicates. The plots were crops grown in succession to soybean, namely Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis), Congo grass intercropped with maize (Zea mays L.), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), maize, and slender leaf rattlebox (Crotalaria ochroleuca). The subplots were the following sampled soil layers: 0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 cm. The physicochemical attributes of these three soil layers were evaluated. Pearl millet cycled K efficiently, providing the soil with K concentrations equivalent to those of the K fertilization treatments. No single crop or intercrop increased the soil P concentration. Congo grass stood out for its ability to increase the Mg concentration. The 0-5 cm soil layer had the best physicochemical attributes based on the accumulated organic matter.

Karakterisasi Pertanian Berkelanjutan di Pulau Kecil

The character of Hiri Island, which is located in the cluster of small islands in North Maluku in the study of sustainable crop cultivation practices, has yet to be documented in the Islands Agriculture database. This research reveals local farmers' cultivation practices using production inputs. The methods used are observation and interviews. Respondents were determined by deliberate methods. Research variables included sustainable agriculture indicators such as land conservation, agroforestry, integrated pest control, protective crops, crop nutrient management, and crop diversification. Data were obtained through a closed questionnaire with "Yes" or "No" questions. The answer "Yes" was given a score of 1, while the answer "No" was a score of 0. Next, the data is tabulated and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results showed that farmers on Hiri Island maintain agricultural productivity by implementing sustainable agricultural practices with several indicators such as water source management 42%, integrated pest control 50%, crop diversification 65%, crop nutrition management 65%, land conservation 75%, and agroforestry 83%. Farmers on this island have implemented the concept of sustainable agriculture, but it needs to be done continuously by maximizing cultivation practices on small islands.
 
 Keywords: hiri, small island characteristics, archipelago agriculture

GREEN BONDS AND THE GOALS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This article discuss the possibility of using green bonds as a way to promote sustainable family agriculture, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to which Brazil has made a commitment since the signing of 2016 Paris Agreement. This study aims to analyze the viability of using green bonds as a way to promote sustainable family agriculture, seeking to achieve the objectives of sustainable agriculture proposed by SDG number 2 of the 2030 Agenda. The specific objectives are to present a concept of sustainable agriculture, specify the procedure of green bond emissions, and demonstrate the viability of using these green bonds by the rural family producer as a way of promoting its production with sustainable techniques. As for the methodology applied, an inductive approach was used in the investigative phase, and the Cartesian method was employed in the data treatment phase. The research confirmed the initial hypothesis that, indeed, the use of green bonds to promote sustainable family agriculture and instrumentalize the Sustainable Development Goals is viable.

Climate smart agriculture for sustainable productivity and healthy landscapes

In rural areas of developing countries, more than 70% of the population still depends on agriculture. However, economic crises, unscientific land allocation and climate change issues have hindered attempted gains in agricultural productivity and related rural development outcomes. Technology-driven breakthrough has usually pushed agriculture to the brink of another development that can affect not only plant diversity and yield, but also climatological and socio-economic outcomes. The concept of sustainable agriculture has become increasingly popularized as research and farming communities believe that productivity with environmental and social consequences need to be judiciously balanced. Agriculture of developed nations has practically benefitted of this concept worldwide during the 1990 s. In order to be successful worldwide, extensive research must be conducted not only for large-scale farms in developed nations but also for small-scale farms in developing nations. Climate smart agriculture conserves biodiversity by adopting coherent, multifunctional, and multi-cropping approach through design oriented spatial planning and flow among them. Here, a spatiotemporal data driven paradigm for sensing monitoring and directing agricultural ecosystem has been proposed to optimize the use of climate smart circular agricultural system.

THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY ON THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE OPINION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS

Understanding and assessing the impact of agricultural production on the environment is an important issue. Many analyzes were carried out to assess awarenass of inhabitants of rural areas. This awarensees of agricultural producers is of the main importance because it is connected with applided agricultural practices which infuence the immediate surroundings of farms. This is important in the level of understanding and acceptance of agricultural activities by the local community. The aim of the research was to determine farmers’ awareness and perception of the impact of their agricultural production on the local environment, depending on their characteristics. In total, 310 farms from four voivodships with the greatest potential for agricultural production were surveyed using the interview questionnaire. The research was conducted in 2019 and 2020. Most of the questions were closed questions, with answers on a 5-point Likert scale. The chi-square test of independence was used to compile the results. It was found that there is a relationship between the income situation of farmers and their knowledge of the concept of sustainable agriculture and the perception of the impact of agriculture on the economy, natural environment, culture and local community.

Экономика, организация и управление предприятиями, отраслями, комплексами

The article studies the concepts of sustainable agriculture and the factors of internal and external systems influencing its formation. Having surveyed the principles of sustainable agriculture, the author clarified that the agricultural sustainability largely depends on the efficient management of natural systems and resources. The work presents a conceptual model for sustainable agriculture and rural areas defined as a socio-economic-natural complex system that includes three subsystems as agrarian-economic, rural-ecologic, and rural-social subsystems. The purpose of the integrated system is to coordinate the interaction and interconnection between the rural subsystems and their components to achieve harmony between agricultural production, the rural environment, and the well-being of peasants and rural residents. The modern methods of sustainable agriculture, and therefore sustainable resource management, mean the resource-saving, organic, biodynamic, climatically optimized, regenerative agriculture, relate to sustainable intensification and resource-saving agriculture. To form the agricultural sustainability in the northern region, the author proposes new approaches to its development such as the integrated farming system, agroforestry, site specific crop farming, integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management.

Sustainability and Strategy of Vegetable Crops Enterprises Based on Integrated Pest Management (Case Study in Mekarsaluyu Village, Cimenyan Subdistrict, Bandung Regency)

Crop enterprises in Mekarsaluyu Village, Cimenyan Subdistrict, Bandung Regency have contributed to the economic activities of the local community. However, current vegetable crop enterprises are not suitable for the sustainable agriculture concept and face several obstacles in its sustainability, such as the availability of water, access to capital, farmers’ concern for environmental sustainability, as well as the role of farmer groups and farmer group association. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable agricultural production subsystem that can help control pests on vegetable crops, with the use of pesticides as a last resort. This study aims to assess the sustainability status and formulate a farming management strategy based on IPM. The sustainability status was analyzed using the uses the RAP-IPM (Rapid Appraisal for Integrated Pest Management) method which is a modification of the RAPFISH (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries), and strategy was analyzed using the SWOT and the QSPM method. Respondents were determined by purposive sampling. The sustainability status of vegetable farming based on IPM tends to be quite sustainable with a sustainability index value of 58.23% and the prioritized management strategies are (1) strengthening farmer institutions including farmer groups and farmer groups associations, marketing institutions, and business groups agriculture in meeting the need for vegetable demand in the market; (2) development of environmentally friendly integrated pest control based control technology and preparation of effective and efficient alternative production facilities including land management, labor requirements, planting area in accordance with factual conditions in the field; and (3) strengthening agricultural financing institutions to meet the needs of agricultural production facilities and infrastructure.

Vernonia amygdalina Extract Loaded Microspheres for Controlling Phytophthora palmivora

The adverse effects of modern fungicide consumption have caused many issues in the agroecosystem. Hence, under sustainable agriculture concepts, it is important to research alternatives to the currently used fungicide. The use of secondary metabolite-containing herbal extracts for treating plant diseases has become the latest trend in sustainable and green agriculture. However, the poor solubility and volatile nature of many compounds cause practical issues when using them in the field. Hence, bioactive compound delivery through nano- or micro-particles has become a successful technique to improve the solubility and delivery of secondary metabolites to targeted sites. In the current study, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract from dried leaves of Vernonia amygdalina was tested against Phytophthora palmivora isolated from Durian (Durio zibethinus) root rot. Further, the potential of enhancing the effect of V. amygdalina EtOAc treatment through microspheres loaded with V. amygdalina EtOAc extract was also investigated. The microspheres encapsulated with Eudragit® E were synthesized under different electrospray conditions to obtain the microspheres with the highest efficacy. The poison media assays evaluated the fungal growth inhibition efficiency of the V. amygdalina EtOAc crude extract and the synthesized microspheres. The study reveals that the V. amygdalina EtOAc extract has the potential to suppress the growth of P. palmivora. Interestingly, the synthesized microspheres showed immense growth inhibition in P. palmivora, with a 61.10 µg/mL decrease in ED50 compared to the direct usage of V. amygdalina EtOAc extract.

Synthesis and surface morphology of banana biochar-based nano-fertilizer and its effect on first stages of growth parameters of cucumber, broccoli, and red okra

Smart agro-practices over the years have revolutionized the agriculture sector and promoted the concept of sustainable agriculture. One such practice is use of agro-waste biochar in agricultural, environmental, and climatic operations. The viability of using a biochar-based nanocomposite as a support fertilizer for the gradual release of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in various media is examined in this study. The banana peel biochar (BPBC) and its nanocomposite (BNF) were prepared using a simple yet comprehensive chemical process. Synthesized materials were evaluated using FT-IR and SEM/EDX. Physical attributes as well as fertilizer basic characteristics were determined and prepared nanocomposite demonstrated noticeably better water absorbance ratio (68%), equilibrium water content (78.97%), and swelling ratio (3.64 g g−1) than biochar, which is advantageous for preserving soil water levels. The salt index values (0.087mmhos/cc) of the created nanocomposite performed better when compared to the conventional fertilizers due to their safer application. Long-term availability of all doped minerals to the plants, during experimental cycle, was revealed by slow-release nutrient studies in water and soil, which is ideal for promoting germination and growth. The findings of this research revealed that prepared BNF showed improved germination parameters i.e., time for 50% germination (3.4, 3.3, 4.4 days), germination index (3.1, 3.5, 2.4), final germination percentage (91.7, 100, 83.3%), mean germination time (4.0, 3.9, 4.9 days), for cucumber, broccoli and okra, respectively. In addition to that the prepared BNF facilitated enhanced shoot and root length in all the three vegetables as compared to conventional fertilizers. The dose optimization studies depicted that best results of germination as well as plant growth parameters are facilitated by BNF (37.5 kg/ha) owing to enhancement in soil quality by supplying additional organic matter in addition to provision of nutrients on slow-release.