Global Food Demand Research Articles

Benefits of Probiotics—Biodetoxification

The rapid growth of the world’s population is generating escalating demands for food production. Global food demand is expected to increase by 35% to 56% between 2010 and 2050. Therefore, food mass production is becoming more challenging. The chemicalization of food production, processing, transport, packaging, and storage is almost impossible to avoid. These factors, along with environmental pollution, contribute to the increase in food product contamination. Xenobiotics appearing in food, including a variety of toxic substances (heavy metals, acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and pathogens (pathogenic bacteria, fungi, molds, and yeast-producing mycotoxins) can threaten consumers’ safety and have negative economic implications. In this regard, the introduction of effective detoxification methods appears to be very important. It can be accomplished by physical, chemical, and biological means. Many reports have proved that probiotics are useful in food biodetoxification. Probiotics effectively reduce food contamination (at various stages of food production) and, moreover, annihilate toxins present in the human body. Many in vitro studies have confirmed the biodetoxification properties of probiotics, demonstrating that they diminish the toxic effects of the main types of food contaminants (heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, mycotoxins, nitrates and nitrites, acrylamide, alkylphenols, biogenic amines, and dioxins). Probiotics produce various bioactive compounds, including antimutagenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic compounds. Their protective and beneficial influence on human microbiota can modulate host inflammatory processes, inhibit carcinogenesis, and modify immune resistance. Detoxification with probiotics is environment-friendly and, unlike physical and chemical methods, does not adversely affect the nutritional value and quality of food. In addition, probiotics in food are associated with well-known human health benefits; therefore, as a functional food, they have gained common consumer acceptance. The large-scale application of biodetoxification methods in both agriculture and the food industry is a challenge for the future. Based on contemporary research, this review provides the mechanism of probiotic biodetoxification, possible applications of various probiotics, and future trends.

Microbial consortium involving Pseudomonas and Bacillus: strain selection and the effect of co-cultivation on biocontrol activity against phytopathogens and the composition of metabolic extracts.

Agricultural sustainability is vital to meet the growing global demand for food; therefore, the search for more sustainable options to replace traditional chemical products has gained attention due to their benefits. The sector has applied innovative microbial consortium approaches as a niche for exploring new bioproducts and metabolic pathways through microbial interactions. Thus, this study sought to select two endophytic bacterial strains with biocontrol activity to study their metabolic interactions in culture. For this, co-cultivation and axenic culture assays were carried out to evaluate the inhibition of Corynespora cassiicola, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Moniliophthora perniciosa, and Colletotrichum truncatum. After the production of antiphytopathogenic compound tests, two strains were selected: P. putida MG36 and B. amyloliquefaciens SS14. These bacteria were cultivated under three distinct conditions: axenic cultivation of SS14, axenic cultivation of MG36, and co-cultivation. The metabolites were extracted and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that both strains exhibited significant antifungal activity. B. amyloliquefaciens SS14 demonstrated 65% inhibition against C. truncatum, while P. putida MG36 showed 58% inhibition against S. sclerotiorum. Analysis of the chemical profiles revealed the presence of exclusive and shared metabolites, such as iturin A4 (antifungal lipopeptide) and macrolactin A (bioactive polyketide), under different culture conditions. In conclusion, P. putida MG36 and B. amyloliquefaciens SS14 show promise as biocontrol agents against phytopathogens, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Biochemical basis of resistance toward maize insect pests of different feeding guild and their inter-guild interactions.

Biochemical compounds and signaling molecules act as direct and indirect defenses against maize pests of different guilds and crucial for natural enemies' interactions. Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important multipurpose cereal crop that contributes to global feed and food demands and is persistently under the attack of several pests of different feeding guilds. However, concerns over the drawbacks of extensive pesticide use in natural ecosystems, including health hazards and the need for cost-effective pest control strategies, are growing. Wide opportunities are available to harness native plant resistance and natural enemies for insect pest management. In this context, it is critical to understand the biochemical basis of maize genotype resistance to insects from various feeding guilds as well as their inter-guild interactions. The critical role of various herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) in mediating tritrophic interactions between maize plants, insect pests, and their natural enemies should be considered when developing strategies for pest management. This review synthesizes the important maize defense systems against different feeding guild pests, shedding light on recent progress and insights into the long-recognized maize defense compounds. In addition to the tritrophic interactions facilitated by HIPVs in the maize ecosystem, there has also been a focus on examining the impacts of inter-guild interactions resulting from damage caused by pests from varying feeding guilds onindirect defense systemsmediated by maize plants.

Environmental and safety aspects of nanotechnology in genetically modified crops for sustainable agriculture.

The rising global demand for food poses a significant threat to environmental health through both biotic (e.g., pests, pathogens) and abiotic (e.g., drought, salinity) stresses. Therefore, the adoption of innovative strategies is essential to ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices and to enhance crop resilience against environmental challenges. This review investigates how the integration of nanotechnology with genetically modified (GM) crops can offer solutions to agricultural challenges by improving crop resilience and productivity. While genetic modification has faced limitations in achieving consistent results due to environmental variability and species-specific differences, nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool to enhance GM crop performance. In this study we critically explore the underlying mechanisms of combining nanotechnology with GM crops to enhance plant growth and development and their resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, nanotechnology also play a crucial role in targeted gene delivery, precise genome editing, and controlled regulation of gene expression in GM plant cells. Overall, the emerging role of nanotechnology in GM crops is paving the way for innovative solutions in agriculture. By leveraging nanotechnology, researchers are exploring novel approaches to enhance productivity, combat plant diseases, and improve plant resilience to environmental stress for sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, in this review we also highlighted the environmental impacts and safety issues associated with using nanotechnology in crops in order to establish more resilient and sustainable farming practices.

Bibliometric insights into the science of lab-grown meat as alternative protein

PurposeThis study is aimed at identifying the current research trends and topics in cultured meat as an alternative protein source. The global demand for protein is increasing due to continued population growth and dietary changes. Sustainable solutions, such as lab-grown meat, are an option to meet this need while minimizing environmental impact and harnessing technological resources.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a bibliometric analysis using data collected from the Scopus database to identify research trends and the main contributions in the field of knowledge. In total, 210 documents were processed in Excel, VOSviewer and PowerBi software.FindingsThe study revealed an exponential growth in the number of publications after 2019, with the United States and the UK as the most influential countries on the subject. New terms were found in the publications as “meat substitute” and “nutritional value.” Alternative protein is an option that researchers envision for the food crisis in a sustainable context.Practical implicationsPractical implications affecting various stakeholders linked to traditional meat production are identified. In addition, cooperative mechanisms must be put in place to establish regulations for the artificially grown meat.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature with an overview of current meat crop production as an alternative protein crop evolving to meet global food demand.

Links between international market trends, agricultural intensification and extreme sedimentation rates in a transboundary South American coastal lagoon.

Links between international market trends, agricultural intensification and extreme sedimentation rates in a transboundary South American coastal lagoon.

OZONE AND AQUA REGIA SEED TREATMENTS ENHANCE GERMINATION IN TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.) AND ROSELLE (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Global food demand has surged, necessitating innovative agricultural practices to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure food security. This study investigates the effects of pre-sowing treatments, including ozonated water and aqua regia, on the germination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds. A randomized complete block design was used, comparing treatments to a deionized water control. Seeds were subjected to one-minute exposures, and germination metrics were assessed over 10 days. Results indicated that the ozone treatment significantly enhanced tomato seed germination rates compared to the control and aqua regia (Kruskal-Wallis, p ≤ 0.01). While statistical significance was not observed for all treatments in roselle, a trend towards improved germination with ozonated water and aqua regia was noted. Germination indices, including germination percentage, rate, and synchrony, were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), revealing distinct treatment effects. PCA highlighted that the ozone treatment promoted rapid and enhanced germination in tomato, correlating with metrics such as emergence rate and peak germination percentage. Aqua regia demonstrated efficacy in roselle, likely due to scarification of the seed coat. The study suggests that optimized ozone treatments can serve as a biostimulant, enhancing germination velocity, while aqua regia effectively improves germination in species with hard seed coats. These findings contribute to understanding the potential applications of pre-sowing treatments for improving crop production and sustainability.

Agronomic performance and stability of Padjadjaran hybrid maize in different agroecosystems

The development of high-yielding hybrid maize is a strategic step to address global food demand amidst climate change. This study evaluates the agronomic performance of 14 maize genotypes—10 newly developed F1 hybrids and 4 commercial checks—under two planting densities (95,000 and 55,000 plants/ha) across three agroecosystems (lowland, midland, and highland). The objectives were to identify superior and adaptive genotypes and analyze genotype × environment interactions using AMMI and GGE biplot methods. Genotype G12 exhibited the highest yield (338.4 g/plant) at high density, especially in the highland, but showed poor stability. In contrast, G5 demonstrated consistent performance and stability across environments. This study highlights G5’s potential for broad adaptation and provides insights for breeding programs targeting maize productivity in diverse agroecosystems.

Data-Driven Insights into the Pet Industry: Market Dynamics, Trade Policies, and Sustainable Growth Strategies

The pet industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by evolving consumer preferences, increased disposable income, and shifting societal attitudes toward pet ownership. This transformation is particularly evident in rapidly developing economies like China, where urbanization and an expanding middle class have accelerated the industry’s expansion. From a global perspective, North America and Europe continue to dominate the pet industry, with well-established markets and regulatory frameworks that shape industry trends. Meanwhile, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are becoming major contributors to the industry's growth, presenting new opportunities and challenges for businesses and policymakers. To address these challenges, this study employs a combination of factor analysis, time series forecasting (ARIMA, LSTM), and policy impact assessment (Difference-in-Differences) to provide comprehensive insights into the pet industry's trajectory. Our research aims to: (1) analyze historical growth patterns and key influencing factors in China’s pet industry, (2) forecast global pet food demand using advanced predictive modeling, (3) evaluate the impact of international trade policies on China’s pet food exports, and (4) develop feasible strategies for the sustainable growth of China’s pet food industry. By integrating econometric modeling with deep learning techniques, this study bridges the gap between traditional statistical analysis and modern AI-driven market forecasting, offering valuable insights for industry practitioners and policymakers alike.

SmartBerry for AI-based growth stage classification and precision nutrition management in strawberry cultivation

Agriculture is vital for human sustenance and economic stability, with increasing global food demand necessitating innovative practices. Traditional farming methods have caused significant environmental damage, highlighting the need for sustainable practices like nutrition management. This paper addresses the emerging integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, focusing on the specific challenge of growth stage classification of strawberry plants for optimized nutrition management. While AI has been successfully applied in various agricultural domains, such as plant stress detection and growth monitoring, the precise classification of strawberry growth stages remains underexplored. Accurate growth stage identification is vital for timely nutrient application, directly impacting yield and fruit quality. Our research identifies common gaps in existing literature, including limited or inaccessible datasets, outdated methodologies, and insufficient benchmarking. To overcome these shortcomings, we introduce a robust greenhouse-based dataset covering seven distinct strawberry growth stages, captured under diverse conditions. We then benchmark multiple state-of-the-art models on this dataset, finding that EfficientNetB7 achieves a testing accuracy of 0.837-demonstrating the promise of AI-driven approaches for precise and sustainable nutrient management in horticulture.

The combined effect of decreased stomatal density and aperture increases water use efficiency in maize

Stomata play a crucial role in balancing carbon dioxide uptake and water vapor loss, thereby regulating plant water use efficiency (WUE). Enhancing WUE is important for sustainable agriculture and food security, particularly for crops such as maize (Zea mays L.), as climate change and growing global food demand exacerbate limitations on water availability. Genetic factors controlling stomatal density and levels of the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) in leaves, which affect stomatal aperture, are key determinants of stomatal conductance (gs) and intrinsic WUE (iWUE). In this study, we demonstrate that stomatal density and stomatal aperture have a combined effect on gs and iWUE in maize. Using near-isogenic lines (NILs) and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants, we show that combining reduced stomatal density and reduced stomatal aperture can improve iWUE without compromising photosynthesis. This effect is pronounced at both, optimal and high temperatures. These findings highlight the potential of targeting multiple stomatal traits through genetic stacking to enhance WUE, offering a promising strategy for crop adaptation to water-limited environments.

Agriculture, food security, and sustainability: a review

Agriculture is pivotal in securing global food security and sustainability, especially in pressing challenges such as climate change, population growth, and resource depletion. This review examines the interconnections between agriculture, food security, and sustainability, focusing on current challenges, innovations, and strategies to address these critical issues. The global demand for food is projected to increase substantially, necessitating agricultural systems that boost productivity and ensure environmental sustainability. However, conventional farming practices have exacerbated soil degradation, water scarcity, and greenhouse gas emissions, posing significant threats to long-term food security. This review aims to evaluate the role of sustainable agricultural practices in enhancing food security while mitigating environmental impacts. It also identifies existing gaps in farming systems and explores innovative solutions to promote resilient and sustainable food systems. A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and global agricultural reports was conducted. The analysis focuses on key themes such as sustainable farming practices, the impacts of climate change on agriculture, advancements in agrotechnology, and the socio-economic dimensions of food security. Synthesized findings provide actionable insights into best practices and emerging trends. Sustainable agriculture offers a viable pathway to address the dual challenges of food security and environmental conservation. Precision farming, agroecology, and regenerative agriculture enhance productivity while preserving resources and reducing ecological footprints. Integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and genetic innovations, can optimize agricultural efficiency. However, global food security requires coordinated efforts among governments, the private sector, and local communities to implement equitable resource distribution and climate-resilient policies. Future research should prioritize scalable, region-specific solutions that align with sustainability principles to ensure a secure and resilient global food system.

Hydroponics: An Innovative Approach to Sustainable High-Value Crop Cultivation

Hydroponics is an innovative and sustainable agricultural technique that enables the cultivation of high-value crops without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions. This method has gained prominence due to its ability to enhance crop yield, optimize resource utilization and contribute to food security. Hydroponic systems including Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), aeroponics and aquaponics provide controlled environments that minimize the use of water, pesticides and fertilizers while ensuring faster plant growth and superior nutritional quality. This review explores the characteristics of hydroponic farming the economic viability of high-value crops and the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT and precision agriculture. The findings indicate that hydroponics can significantly reduce dependency on arable land, mitigate environmental degradation and support urban agriculture. Despite its advantages, challenges such as high initial investment costs and energy consumption and the need for technical expertise remains the key barriers to widespread adoption. With growing global food demands and climate change concerns; hydroponics presents a viable solution for sustainable agriculture. Future advancements in automation and renewable energy integration can further enhance its feasibility. This study underscores the potential of hydroponic farming as a transformative approach to modern agriculture ensuring long-term sustainability and economic profitability in global food production.

Biosynthesis of Phosphorus Nanoparticles for Sustainable Agroecosystems: Next Generation Nanotechnology Application for Improved Plant Growth.

The rising global food demand needs novel approaches to increasing agricultural yield while minimizing environmental effect. Phosphorus (P) is important for almost all the physiological and biochemical processes in plants. However, the phosphorus availability in soil is limited in soil due to fixation. Excess application of phosphorus-based fertilizers causes environmental hazards like eutrophication, soil degradation, damage to the aquatic ecosystem, and groundwater pollution. One of the most remarkable approaches to counter these issues could be an application of nanotechnology with special regard to nano application of phosphorus nano particles. Phosphorus nanoparticles are expected to enhance phosphorus bioavailability, thereby improving nutrient-use efficiency. These nanoscale fertilizers facilitate controlled released of phosphorus, improved plant growth, germination, and increased crop yield. Other benefits include reduced use of conventional fertilizers, therefore preventing environmental degradation in conjunction with supporting the cause of sustainable agriculture. Despite these potential benefits limited research has explored the detailed application of phosphorus nanoparticles in agriculture. This review has embarked upon the synthesis, sources, and interaction of phosphorus nanoparticles with plants, by highlighting their potential in improving seed germination, crop yield, and bioremediation. Various sources of phosphorus nanoparticles are discussed and their eco-microbiological advantages examined. The introduction of phosphorus nanoparticles in agricultural practices can be a transformative step toward a cost-effective and sustainable agroecosystem.

Biofertilization and Bioremediation—How Can Microbiological Technology Assist the Ecological Crisis in Developing Countries?

The increasing global demand for food caused by a growing world population has resulted in environmental problems, such as the destruction of ecologically significant biomes and pollution of ecosystems. At the same time, the intensification of crop production in modern agriculture has led to the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers to achieve higher yields. Although chemical fertilizers provide essential nutrients and accelerate crop growth, they also pose significant health and environmental risks, including pollution of groundwater and other bodies of water such as rivers and lakes. Soils that have been destabilized by indiscriminate clearing of vegetation undergo a desertification process that has profound effects on microbial ecological succession, impacting biogeochemical cycling and thus the foundation of the ecosystem. Tropical countries have positive aspects that can be utilized to their advantage, such as warmer climates, leading to increased primary productivity and, as a result, greater biodiversity. As an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easy-to-apply alternative, biofertilizers have emerged as a solution to this issue. Biofertilizers consist of a diverse group of microorganisms that is able to promote plant growth and enhance soil health, even under challenging abiotic stress conditions. They can include plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and other beneficial microbial consortia. Bioremediators, on the other hand, are microorganisms that can reduce soil and water pollution or otherwise improve impacted environments. So, the use of microbial biotechnology relies on understanding the relationships among microorganisms and their environments, and, inversely, how abiotic factors influence microbial activity. The recent introduction of genetically modified microorganisms into the gamut of biofertilizers and bioremediators requires further studies to assess potential adverse effects in various ecosystems. This article reviews and discusses these two soil correcting/improving processes with the aim of stimulating their use in developing tropical countries.

Can the molecular and transgenic breeding of crops be an alternative and sustainable technology to meet food demand?

The gradual increase in the worldwide population represents various challenges, and one of the most alarming being the food demand. Historically technological advances led to the development of crops that meets the requirements and demands. Currently, molecular breeding unlocks the genetic potential of crops for their improvement, positioning it as a key technology for the development of new crops. The implementation of OMICs sciences, such spatial and single cell transcriptomics is providing a large and precise information, which can be exploited for crop improvement related to increasing yield, improving the nutritional value; designing new strategies for diseases resistance and management and for conserving biodiversity. Furthermore, the use of new technologies such CRISPR/CAS9 brought us the ability to modify the selected regions of the genome to select the superior's genotypes at a short time and the use of artificial intelligence aid in the analysis of big data generated by OMICS sciences. On the other hand, the application of molecular improvement technologies open up discussion on global regulatory measures, the socio-economic and socio-ethics, as the frameworks on its global regulation and its impact on the society create the public perception on its acceptance. In this review, the use and impact of OMICs sciences and genetic engineering in crops development, the regulatory measures, the socio-economic impact and as well as the mediatic information on genetically modified crops worldwide is discussed along with comprehensive insights on the potential of molecular plant breeding as an alternative and sustainable technology to meet global food demand.

Performance of Automatic Watering System for Bean Sprout Based on Microcontroller ATmega 328p

Technological advancements in agriculture are crucial to meeting the increasing global food demand. Mung bean sprout (Vigna radiata) cultivation requires efficient irrigation to ensure optimal growth. This study designs and evaluates an automatic irrigation system based on the ATmega 328P microcontroller to address the challenge of watering every four hours. The system integrates water flow sensors, relays, and solenoid valves controlled by C-based software in the Arduino IDE. Nine different irrigation test combinations were conducted to determine the most effective strategy. Each treatment had three levels and was tested in triplicate. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA (α = 0.05), followed by the DMRT test to evaluate treatment interactions. Results indicate that the system operates consistently in regulating water flow, improving irrigation efficiency, and reducing human intervention. The best performance was achieved using 50 liters of water with a shower nozzle, yielding the highest production capacity. The system improves irrigation efficiency, prevents over- and under-watering, and enhances crop yield. Analysis shows that water quantity and spraying method influence the yield ratio value in a complex pattern. The W2N3 combination produced the highest value (3.6), while W1N1 had the lowest (2.4). Overall, their interaction significantly affects irrigation effectiveness. Keywords: Agricultural automation, Automatic irrigation, Microcontroller ATmega 328P, Mung bean sprouts (Vigna radiata), Performance testing.

Integration of RF-SVM Hybrid Machine Learning Model and IoT for Water Demand Prediction and Irrigation Automation: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research

The management of water resources in agriculture is significantly hindered by the increasing global demand for food. Consequently, employing hybrid machine learning-based intelligent systems has emerged as a feasible approach for enhanced accuracy and efficacy in water demand forecasting. This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) focussing on the Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms, which are commonly utilised in hybrid models, to examine recent research on the application of hybrid machine learning models in water demand prediction. Relevant materials were identified, evaluated, and analysed through the IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar databases as part of the systematic literature review procedure. The results indicate that the RF-SVM hybrid technique, when integrated with real-time data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices, enhances the accuracy of water demand prediction relative to a standalone model. Data integration, computational complexity, and restricted model interpretability are persistent challenges. The practical application is further impeded by the diversity of environmental data utilised in these studies and the limitations of extensive testing. The study identified potential areas for further research, including the development of more comprehensible and adaptive hybrid models, as well as the integration of data from several sources to enhance prediction accuracy and robustness. This study is expected to provide recommendations for practitioners and researchers on the optimal utilisation of intelligent systems in sustainable agricultural water management.

Halal Practices vs Food Heritage: A Case Study of Keropok Lekor Operators in Terengganu, Malaysia

As global demand for halal food continues to grow, Terengganu’s food heritage must navigate the modern requirement for halal certification, especially for products, such as Keropok Lekor, which are exported beyond local markets. Hence, this study aims to examine the sustainability of halal practices in the context of food heritage, specifically focusing on Keropok Lekor operators in Terengganu, Malaysia. While existing literature has primarily addressed halal certification and supply chain management, there is limited exploration of how traditional foods like Keropok Lekor fit within the broader halal framework and cultural heritage. Therefore, a semi-structured interview was conducted with two Keropok Lekor operators in Terengganu. Hence, the interview process has been recorded, and then the recording has been transcribed using the NVIVO software. The theme has then been identified throughout the transcript. The themes used to analyze the transcript have been food heritage, halal practices, and challenges. By exploring Keropok Lekor as food heritage, investigating the halal practices among the operators, and understanding the challenges they face in maintaining these practices, the study provides insights into the intersection of cultural preservation and halal compliance. With the increasing global demand for halal-certified products, it is crucial to explore how traditional food producers navigate the delicate balance between heritage and halal standards. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge about the sustainability of halal practices in the food industry.

Long-Term Year-Interval Effect of Continuous Maize/Soybean Intercropping on Maize Yield and Phosphorus Use Efficiency.

The increasing global food demand, the degradation of one-third of agricultural land, and climate change pose significant threats to food production. Maize and soybean intercropping can enhance yields and land use efficiency, yet the year-interval effects of continuous intercropping on yield, yield sustainability, and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) remain unclear. This study evaluates the effects of continuous maize/soybean intercropping over year intervals on yield, PUE, and sustainability. A seven-year field trial (2017-2023) was conducted on acidic soil, comparing two cropping systems: maize monocropping and maize intercropped with soybean. The results showed that continuous maize/soybean intercropping outperformed maize monocropping across all year intervals. Over the first, third, and seventh year intervals, maize yield increased by 37%, 35%, and 58%, respectively, with a 55% average increase over the seven years. Intercropping also enhanced P use efficiency, as evidenced by AE, RE, PFP, and CPF increases. In the first year, AE, PFP, RE, and CPF increased by 48%, 37%, 27%, and 16%, respectively; after the third year interval, these metrics improved by 40%, 35%, 26%, and 14%; and after the seventh year interval, they rose by 60%, 58%, 24%, and 10.5%. The average AE, RE, and PFP increases over seven years were 53%, 52%, and 27%, respectively, while CPF increased by 13%. The SEM analysis further confirmed the substantial impact of the seventh year intercropping interval on maize yield, sustainability, and PUE. This study demonstrates that continuous maize/soybean intercropping can enhance maize yield, PUE, and sustainability, with the seventh year interval offering the most pronounced benefits. These findings provide valuable insights for improving food security and nutrient management challenges.