Quantitative impact of manganese fertilizer across different growth stages on simultaneous reduction of soil arsenic and cadmium accumulation in rice grains.

The research was conducted from 2022 to 2024 on the premises of K.V. Marchenko, a private farm enterprise located in the Sovetsky urban district of Stavropol Krai. The scientists focused on the Alekseich and Ksenia winter wheat varieties. The primary focus of the study was on innovative agrochemical products. Throughout the study period, winter wheat was preceded by a crop of the same variety. Mineral fertilizers were selected as the key element for analysis. The field experiment examined modern agrochemicals: Potassium Humate "Souffleur" and Polydon Bio Profi. Polydon Bio Profi is a liquid organomineral fertilizer containing a unique complex of active ingredients and is a highly effective means of improving soil health and increasing crop yields. Potassium Humate "Souffleur" is a complex concentrated organomineral fertilizer based on humic acids. The experiment was a two-factor study. Factor A is agrochemicals, factor B is cultivars. Ammophos and ammonium nitrate were used in the experiment as mineral fertilizers. The experiment was a production experiment, the area of the experimental plots was 5.0 hectares, three replicates. The highest accumulation of nitrogen in winter wheat plants was observed at the tillering stage, reaching 3.61%, after which the nitrogen level decreased to 0.50% by the time the grain was fully ripened. The highest yield was recorded with the use of the fertilizer combination fon + Polydon Bio Profi, which led to a significant increase in yield compared to the control variant, while with the use of another studied dose, the increase in yield was insignificant. The use of agrochemicals had a positive effect on the yield of winter wheat, regardless of the plant variety. Compared to the control variant, the addition of fon + potassium humate increased the yield by 0.20 t / ha, while the use of fon + Polydon Bio Profi increased it by 0.30 t / ha. In the variant with the Alekseich variety, agrochemicals contributed to an increase in yield by 0.21-0.28 t/ha, and in the variant with the Ksenia variety, by 0.20-0.38 t/ha.

Livestock manure is not only a major global source of greenhouse gases from agriculture but also an important source of nutrients for crop production. Judicious management of livestock manure should deliver an effective way to both promote crop growth and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we show using the global change analysis model (GCAM) integrated assessment model augmented with a pyrolysis module (GCAM-pyrolysis) that biochar production from global livestock manure may intensify agricultural systems through a 10% (median, 3-27% CE) increase in crop yields. GCAM-pyrolysis estimates that in 2050 widespread pyrolysis of livestock manures will cause an expansion of 415,000 km2 of cropland for food production (median, 376,000-473,000 km2 CE) compared to the reference scenario, at the expense of forests, pastures, and crops purposely grown to produce bioenergy (corn, sugar, palm fruit, oil crops), to produce an additional 5.1 Pcal (median, 3.2-6.7 Pcal CE) of food. Biochar presents significant opportunities in allowing productive land use change and increased crop production while increasing carbon dioxide removal and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, widespread adoption of pyrolysis may require food equity and land conservation regulations to mitigate its undesirable effects, such as an estimated increase in staple food prices in certain regions.

Abstract Background and Aims Subsoil constraints are a widespread limitation to agricultural production in southern Australia, reducing rooting depth and access to water and nutrient resources. The addition of organic amendments and gypsum to dispersive soils has been shown to enhance soil structure and crop nutrition, with potential to significantly increase crop yields. The spatial variation of soil types and constraints within paddocks necessitates zone-specific amelioration strategies that are more cost-effective. Methods Intact soil columns were collected from two distinct soil zones of a single paddock to explore the variation in crop response to several traditional and novel ameliorants under controlled conditions. Ameliorants were incorporated at a depth of 15—30 cm, prior to planting wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. cv. Mace). Resulting changes in physicochemical soil properties and yield components were then quantified. Results The performance of amendments on soil properties and plant productivity depended on the soil zone. In Soil Zone 1, combinations of organic amendments and selected biochar products increased root growth into the dispersive subsoil, and increased yields by up to 55% relative to the control. In contrast, although all amendment combinations reduced dispersion in Soil Zone 2, no benefits to crop growth or grain yield were observed. Conclusions These findings highlight that the agronomic effectiveness of soil amelioration depends strongly on underlying soil characteristics. Tailored interventions that account for within-paddock soil variability are essential for maximising crop response and ensuring the economic viability of amelioration in heterogeneous landscapes.

Salt barriers produce optimal effects in increasing crop yield and reducing salinity in semi-arid and coastal areas compared to other regions: A meta-analysis

Glyphosate is indeed one of the most extensively used herbicides worldwide, valued for its effectiveness in controlling weeds and increasing crop yields. However, its widespread use has prompted ongoing debates and research regarding its environmental and ecological impacts. Concerns include potential effects on non-target plant species, soil health, aquatic ecosystems, and overall biodiversity. Some studies suggest that glyphosate may influence soil microbial communities and have unintended consequences on beneficial insects and wildlife. As a result, many countries and organizations are reevaluating regulations and promoting integrated weed management practices to balance agricultural productivity with ecosystem sustainability.

Micronutrient malnutrition persists as a global health burden, while conventional biofortification approaches suffer from low efficiency and environmental trade-offs. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a foliar-applied selenium–zinc nanocomposite (Nano-ZSe, a mixture of zinc ionic fertilizer and nano selenium) for synergistic Se/Zn co-biofortification in Brassica chinensis L., using a controlled pot experiment that integrated physiological, metabolic, molecular, and rhizosphere analyses. Application of Nano-ZSe at 0.18 mg·kg−1 (Based on soil weight) not only increased shoot biomass by 28.4% but also elevated Se and Zn concentrations in edible tissues by 7.00- and 1.66-fold (within the safe limits established for human consumption), respectively, compared to the control. Mechanistically, Nano-ZSe reprogrammed the ascorbate-glutathione redox system and redirected carbon flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, suppressing acetyl-CoA biosynthesis and reducing abscisic acid accumulation. This metabolic rewiring promoted stomatal opening, thereby enhancing foliar nutrient uptake. Simultaneously, Nano-ZSe triggered the coordinated upregulation of BcSultr1;1 (a sulfate/selenium transporter) and BcZIP4 (a Zn2+ transporter), enabling synchronized translocation and the tissue-level co-accumulation of Se and Zn. Beyond plant physiology, Nano-ZSe improved soil physicochemical properties, enriched rhizosphere microbial diversity, and increased crop yield and economic returns. Collectively, this work demonstrates that nano-enabled dual-nutrient delivery systems can bridge nutritional and agronomic objectives through integrated physiological, molecular, and rhizosphere-mediated mechanisms, offering a scalable and environmentally sustainable pathway toward functional food production and the mitigation of hidden hunger.

Background. The article is devoted to the search for effective ways of a reasonable approach to the chemicalization of agriculture, which will increase crop yields without increasing the doses of applied mineral fertilizers and pesticides. The materials of the analysis and generalization of the results of long-term studies of bionutrients safe for humans and animals synthesized using the triethanolammonium salt of orthocresoxyacetic acid and 1-chloromethylsilatran are presented. The conducted studies have shown that it is possible to achieve high yields of industrial crops that do not depend on the constantly increasing values of mineral fertilizers and pesticides introduced into the soil. An increase in sugar beet yield of up to 20% is recorded when processing seeds and fruiting plants with bionutrients. This is due to an increase in germination energy, and, as a result, seed germination improves. At the same time, the sugar content in plants increases by 0.7 ...1% without the use of additional doses of mineral fertilizers. A similar effect was obtained on sunflower: the yield increase was 18...20%. the weight of seeds from one basket and the weight of 1000 seeds and their oil content increased. Bionutrients restrained the spread of fungal diseases, which makes it possible to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides. Thus, silatrans and other organosilicon compounds can become important components of agricultural technologies that do not harm the ecosystem, but can improve metabolic processes in plant organisms, increase the efficiency of using nutrients from mineral fertilizers and reducedependence on pesticides used in agriculture. Purpose. Purpose of the present study is to increase the yield of industrial crops using bionutrients. Materials and methods. Let's consider the effectiveness of the use of 1-chloromethylsilatran and triethanolammonium salt of orthocresoxyacetic acid with auxin activity as independent bionutrients and in combination with each other. The research methodology is based on the analysis and generalization of materials from field experiments conducted in different regions of the Russian Federation on industrial crops (sugar beet and sunflower). Bionutrients were used in the form of solutions for the treatment of seeds and vegetative plants, both individually and in combination. Further, to simplify, we denote the bionutrient 1-chloromethylsilatran with the letter C, the triethanolammonium salt of orthocresoxyacetic acid with the letter T, and their combinations. Results. An economic assessment using the example of wheat has shown that the use of bionutrients to increase yields instead of increasing the applied doses of mineral fertilizers can reduce the cost of production and increase business profitability. And this is already an effective incentive for the revision of traditional crop production technologies and the transition to the reasonable use of agrochemistry, reducing the cost of fertilizers that are not involved in the formation of an economically useful part of the crop. Conclusion. The results of the assessment of the possibility of a reasonable approach to the chemicalization of agriculture while increasing crop yields due to bionutrients safe for humans and animals based on organosilicon compounds 1-chloromethylsilatran and a substance with auxin activity – triethanolammonium salt of orthocresoxyacetic acid, showed a real prospect of minimizing doses of mineral fertilizers and pesticides. In particular, it was found that beet yields increased by 14...18%, and sugar content – by 0.7... 1% without the use of additional doses of mineral fertilizers. A similar effect was obtained on sunflower: the yield increase was 18...20%. the weight of seeds from one basket and the weight of 1000 seeds and their oil content increased. Bionutrients restrained the spread of fungal diseases. Thus, silatrans and other organosilicon compounds can become important components of agricultural technologies that do not harm the ecosystem, but can improve metabolic processes in plant organisms, increase the efficiency of using nutrients from mineral fertilizers and reduce dependence on pesticides used in agriculture. EDN: PNXLAM

Abstract Plant rhizosphere growth‐promoting bacteria respond to abiotic and biological stresses by secreting plant hormones and producing various metabolites, thus promoting plant growth and increasing crop yield. In this study, we analyse the metabolites of Streptomyces griseus BD2232 and test its specific promoting effects on tree seed germination and seedling growth stages through pot experiments. In this study, Bauhinia blakeana , Populus schneideri and Alnus cremastogyne were used as test seeds, and Streptomyces griseus BD2232 was used as test bacteria. Salkowski reagent assay, PKO plate (Papaic digest of soybean meal, K 2 HPO 4 , and MgSO 4 ·7H₂O) assay and CAS (Chrome Azurol S Agar Test) assay were used to determine the indole production, phosphorus solubilisation and iron carrier ability of BD2232. The results showed that the fermentation broth of BD2232 could produce many kinds of indoles. The metabolic products of BD2232 fermentation broth were separated and purified, leading to the further preparation of two monomeric compounds, 7‐1 and 7‐3. Compound 7‐1 (C 11 H 12 O 2 N 2 ) was identified as tryptophan, while compound 7‐3 (C 12 H 12 O 2 N 2 ) was identified as (3S)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylic acid. The effects of BD2232 on seed and seedling growth were studied by seed germination test. The results showed that the fermentation filtrate 7‐1 and 7‐3 of BD2232 could improve the germination rate, germination potential and germination index of the seeds; the seedling height, leaf area and seedling height of three kinds of the trees were increased after root irrigation, and the activities of CAT, POD, SOD and IAA were also increased. Streptomyces griseus BD2232 could promote seed germination of the three kinds of trees, improve plant height, leaf area and other ecological indicators, and improve the activity of SOD, POD, CAT and IAA in plants generally, so as to accelerate the growth process of plants and increase yields.

Aims: A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different doses of sulphur and boron application on yield and nutrient uptake of urdbean crop and its residual effect on succeeding toria crop. Study Design: Randomised Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: Field Experiment was conducted at Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, during Kharif and Rabi Season of 2021-22 and Lab analysis was done at Department of Soil Science, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Methodology: There were 6 treatments and 4 replications of each treatment. Treatments included control (with neither boron nor sulphur application), 2 levels of boron (1 and 2 kg B ha-1) and 3 levels of sulphur (20, 40 and 60 kg S ha-1). Basal doses of abovementioned boron and sulphur levels were applied only to Urdbean crop and its residual effect was seen in succeeding Toria crop. Results: Result analysis at p=0.05 revealed that Boron application at 1 kg ha-1 and 2 kg ha-1 causes significant, 11.58 % and 19.47 %, respective increase in urdbean grain yield and due to its residual effect toria oilseed grain yield also increases by 10.36 % and 10.90 % respectively in comparision to control. Similar, enhancements in grain yield (11.05 %, 20.00 % and 17.89%) and nutrient uptake were also noticed due to Sulphur application at 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 respectively to urdbean crop and residual effect of these sulphur levels also observed in yield and nutrient uptake of succeeding toria crop. On application of 2 kg B ha-1, B uptake increased by 44.71 % in grains of urdbean crop and by 36.97 % in grains succeeding toria crop and on increasing dose of S application to 60 kg ha-1, S uptake increased by 55.31 % in urdbean grains and by 52.63 % in grains of succeeding toria crop. Conclusion: On increasing dose of B application to 2 kg per ha and S application to 60 kg ha-1 there is significant increase in yield and nutrient uptake of urdbean crop and positive residual effect of these doses can be seen in yield and nutrient uptake of succeeding toria crop. Since, there is no significant difference between 1 kg B ha-1 and 2 kg B ha-1 and also between 40 kg S ha-1 and 60 kg S ha-1, with respect to grain yield and nutrient uptake of Urd bean-Toria crops, application of B at 1 kg ha-1 and S at 40 kg ha-1 is advisable in this region.

This article discusses Turkestan region, being one of the largest agricultural areas in Kazakhstan, faces significant challenges in increasing agricultural productivity due to water scarcity. Under arid climate conditions, the efficiency of traditional irrigation methods is low. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of water-saving technologies (drip and sprinkler irrigation) and to assess their impact on crop yield.The study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in the Sayram, Shardara, and Otyrar districts of Turkestan region. The districts are characterized by arid climatic conditions: annual precipitation ranges from 200 to 300 mm, and the average summer temperature is +35…+40 °C. The soils are mainly loamy-sandy with varying water permeability. The crops included in the experiment were wheat, maize, cotton, and vegetable crops. Irrigation methods used: traditional furrow irrigation (control), drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and subsurface irrigation (subirrigation). Measured indicators: water consumption (m³/ha), soil moisture content (%), crop yield (c/ha), water use efficiency (kg/m³). The data were processed using statistical methods, and the effectiveness of each method was evaluated comparatively. The experimental results demonstrated that drip irrigation, compared to traditional furrow irrigation, saved 25-30% of water and increased crop yield by 12-25%. The effectiveness was particularly high for maize (+18%) and cotton (+25%). Sprinkler irrigation showed positive results for wheat. Overall, water-saving technologies are effective methods for the sustainable development of agricultural production in the Turkestan region. The study results clearly demonstrated the importance of applying water-saving technologies under the arid climate conditions of the Turkestan region. Drip and sprinkler irrigation, compared to traditional furrow irrigation, significantly saved water and increased crop yields. For cotton and maize, the effectiveness was particularly high – yield increased by 25% and 18%, respectively. Sprinkler irrigation showed positive results for wheat. Thus, selecting the appropriate water-saving technology considering the region’s climatic conditions and crop type is of crucial importance. Overall, water-saving technologies represent a reliable tool for the sustainable development of agriculture, contributing to soil fertility preservation, stable plant growth, and adaptation to climatic stress. Their widespread implementation is a key factor in fully realizing the agricultural potential of the region.

Plant-based sustainable agricultural methods of integration have become central in curbing the challenges of food security in the world as well as maintaining the integrity of the environment. This critical analysis of literature focuses on modern plant strategies that can increase crop production by improving ecological intensity. These systems include the cover cropping systems, polyculture practices, use of biofertilizers and the integrated pest management systems with the use of botanical extracts. Recent data have proven that cover crops enhance soil organic matter by 12-23 percent in addition to minimisingerosion by 80 percent. The land equivalent ratios in polyculture systems are 15-30 percent greater than in monocultures and the pest suppression and nutrient cycling efficiencies are higher. Biofertilizers that include Rhizobium spp, Azotobacterspp as well as mycorrhizal fungi increase crop yields by 10-25, and decrease the use of chemical fertilisersby 25-50. Bio pesticides made out of Azadirachtaindica, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and other botanical sources are effective bio pesticides that do not have any serious environmental effects. The review brings together the results of 2015-2025 and it was found that combined plant-based practices can sustain or even surpass traditional systems in productivity, in addition to lowering the reliance on synthetic inputs by 40-60 percent. The obstacles of implementation would cover the start-up costs, transfer of knowledge, and local-specific requirements. The research needs of the future are to come up with climate-resilient cultivar mixes, to be more effective in maximizing interaction between plants and microbes, and to work out successful models at different agroecological locations. This review offers evidence-based advice on how to move towards sustainable intensification by plant-based agricultural innovations.

The use of microalgae grown during the utilization of CO2 from flue gases as organic fertilizers opens up new perspectives for simultaneously solving two of the most significant problems of our time - decarbonizing production processes (by reducing CO2 emissions from fuel combustion) and enhancing the agricultural sector’s productivity (through increasing crop yields). Given the availability of developed technologies for the disposal of CO2 from flue gases, which are a continuous source of microscopic algae growth, it is important to explore the possibility of using the resulting biomass for use as fertilizer. Two types of biofertilizers based on two cultures of microalgae Chlorella sp. grown in the presence of flue gas were studied. The first culture was obtained from the biological agents «Spirulinafood». The second culture was a consortium of green microalgae of various species, with a predominance of Chlorella sp. It was isolated from a freshwater pond. A study of the effectiveness of biofertilizers has shown an increase in the length and weight of aboveground rapeseed seedlings. The optimal application conditions include dilution of the solutions with a biomass content of 2.4-2.8 g/dm3 and an optical density of 1.3-1.5, in a ratio of 1:9. This provides an increase in seedling length by 13% and weight by 13% The use of biofertilizer from a pure culture of Chlorella sp. (the biological agents «Spirulinafood») allowed to increase seed germination energy by 6% and the percentage of seed germination, and an elemental analysis revealed an increase in the content of magnesium and phosphorus in the composition of the fertilizer. The results obtained confirm the prospects for further research and the inclusion of biofertilizers from microalgae cultivated in flue gas conditions in modern agrotechnological processes

Limitations in productivity and adverse impacts of chemical fertilizers highlight the need for sustainable solutions in soybean cultivation in Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of organic fertilizers as an alternative to chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture-based soybean cultivation. The experimental method employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments: control (no fertilizer), chemical fertilizer, goat manure, compost, biochar, and a combination of POC + compost. The parameters observed included plant height, number of effective root nodules, yield components (number of pods, weight of 100 seeds, yield per polybag), as well as changes in soil chemistry after harvest. The results showed that the treatment of goat manure (P2) and a combination of POC + compost (P5) gave the best results in improving soybean growth and yield. Both also showed significant improvements in soil pH, C-organic content, total nitrogen, and availability of P and K. In addition to increasing crop yields, organic fertilizers have also been proven to support increased soil microbial activity through the formation of effective root nodules. Thus, organic fertilizers have proven to be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative in replacing chemical fertilizers. The use of organic fertilizers can promote productive, efficient, and sustainable soybean farming.

With the rapid development of precision seeding technology, which plays a vital role in promoting large-scale cultivation, reducing seed loss, increasing crop yield, and improving land use efficiency, a maize precision seed metering control system based on KF-RTS fusion speed measurement has been developed to address the issues of ground wheel slippage and chain bounce in Chinese precision planters during high-speed operation, as well as the problems of speed measurement delay, motor control lag, and susceptibility to interference in existing electric drive seeders. The system comprises an STM32 master controller, a speed acquisition unit, a seed metering drive unit, and a human–machine interaction interface. By employing a multi-rate KF-RTS (Kalman Filter-Rauch-Tung-Striebel Smoother) fusion algorithm that integrates RTK-GNSS and accelerometer data, it significantly enhances the accuracy and real-time performance of forward speed measurement. A control strategy combining Kalman filtering with a fuzzy PID controller, optimized by a particle swarm algorithm, enables the control system to converge rapidly within 0.10 s with a steady-state error below 0.55%, achieving precise and stable regulation of the seed metering shaft speed. Field test results demonstrate that the qualified index of seed spacing reaches no less than 94.11% under the fusion speed measurement method. Compared to the RTK-GNSS speed measurement alone, the coefficient of variation in seed spacing is reduced by 3.85% to 6.93%, effectively resolving seed spacing deviations caused by speed measurement delays and improving seeding uniformity.

Soil-borne pathogens pose a significant threat to vegetable production in Pakistan, leading to considerable yield reductions and compromising crop quality. Conventional control methods, such as the use of chemical fungicides, are associated with environmental and health risks, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Vegetable production in Pakistan is severely affected by loss of yields and degradation in quality due to soil-borne pathogens. The widespread use of chemical fungicides suggests the need for safer substitutes and efficient soil health management. The employment of biological approaches is suggested by concerns about soil health and management. Through competition, antibiosis, and systemically induced resistance, the beneficial soil microflora, growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Trichoderma spp., and other soil microorganisms work in concert to control soil diseases and restore soil health. When combined with crop rotation, biofumigation, and decreased tillage, organic amendments and agronomic techniques, such as compost, biochar, green manure, and cover crops, have been shown to lower soil pathogen loads, microbial diversity, and resilience while increasing crop yields. Integrated soil health management in vegetable crop profitability (e.g., potatoes, tomatoes, okra, and chilies) and sustainability is improved in the long run with the reduction of chemical inputs through the combination of biological, organic, and agronomic strategies. To improve soil health management in the vegetable sector, integrated microbiome-centered organic strategies are a priority. In-line advanced research, extension services, and a supportive policy framework are all aspects of future vegetable soil health management strategies, soil eco health, and vegetable sector transformation to meet expected soil health management in Pakistan. These strategies are meant to improve the resilience of Pakistan's food systems, promote sustainable agriculture, and safeguard the environment.

Purpose Chemical fertilizers are utilized in agriculture to enhance plant growth and boost crop yields. However, they are expensive, and excessive use can reduce the long-term fertility of the soil, negatively impacting plants and the surrounding environment. Thus, this review paper aims to emphasize rhizosphere phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) as an effective, eco-friendly and natural alternative to chemical fertilizers. Design/methodology/approach PSB improves crop productivity by enhancing soil microbial communities, secreting enzymes, acidifying soil and making phosphorus and other nutrients more available to plants. Relevant research and review articles on rhizosphere PSB and their application in sustainable agricultural practices have been collected from academic journals and various online databases. Findings PSB converts insoluble phosphorus into soluble form, with other nutrients, making them an optimal choice for organic farming and sustainable agriculture. This paper provides a new perspective on soil fertility depletion and illustrates how PSB enhance soil health, increase crop yields and improve plant stress tolerance. Social implications The use of PSB can reduce farmers' dependence on costly chemical fertilizers, thereby enhancing economic sustainability. It also promotes food security and strengthens rural livelihoods by offering affordable, efficient and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Originality/value This paper examines the mechanisms employed by PSB to transform immobile phosphate compounds into bioavailable forms. It provides a description of the specific genes and enzymes involved in the solubilization process.

Abstract Traditional soil amendments are falling short in dealing with rising soil salinization and alkalization issues. Discovering new materials and methods for efficient water retention and salt control is vital for the development and sustainable use of saline‐alkaline soils. This study comprehensively assesses how carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at different application rates retains water and controls salt, and its effect on maize growth. It uses soil column experiments, electron microscopy analysis, germination assays, and field trials. Soil column experiments show CMC boosts cumulative soil infiltration by 24.64% to 68.11% and cuts evaporation by 14.35% to 34.85%. Medium to high doses enhance water retention. SEM reveals CMC improves soil structure and porosity. Germination assays find low to medium CMC concentrations do not affect germination rate but boost vigour index and plant height, while high concentrations inhibit growth. Integrating CMC into drip irrigation increases soil moisture, improves infiltration, and raises maize evapotranspiration and grain yield. CMC is an effective novel soil amendment for saline‐alkaline soils, promoting maize growth and yield. Yet, long‐term effects on soil health and environmental impacts need further study for safety and efficacy in agriculture.

The use of pesticides in agriculture increases crop yields, but poses health risks to farmers, especially without PPE. Global data shows a high rate of pesticide poisoning, especially in developing countries. In Indonesia, farmers' awareness and compliance with the use of PPE are still low due to factors related to education, training, and risk perception. This study aims to analyze the level of awareness among farmers regarding the use of PPE and the factors that influence their occupational safety practices when using pesticides. This study employed a literature review method, searching articles from three electronic databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. The selection of articles was carried out in stages based on the keywords used "farmers" OR "agricultural workers" AND "awareness" OR "knowledge" OR "perception" AND "personal protective equipment" OR "PPE" AND "use" OR "utilization" OR "practice" AND "analysis" OR "study" OR "assessment", until 12 primary articles were analyzed in depth. The results show that the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) remains relatively low and inconsistent, despite most individuals having received training and sufficient knowledge. There is a gap between knowledge and practice of PPE use among tobacco farmers, which is influenced by various social and structural factors. Educational interventions based on behavioral models, cross-sectoral involvement, and the provision of adequate PPE are essential to improve farmers' work safety sustainably.

IntroductionConventional agriculture relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, raising questions regarding its long-term sustainability. The use of biostimulants is an environmentally friendly approach to improving crop yields. However, most of these results have been obtained under controlled conditions, making it necessary to evaluate them under commercial production conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of a single foliar spray of a humic biostimulant (HB) on the yield and profitability of five main crops.Methods448 On-farm strip trials (OFT) were conducted on commercial farms from 2014 to 2024 in the main production zones of Uruguay. The HB was applied at a critical stage of the growth cycle in soybean (R3–R4), rice (V5–V9), maize (V6), wheat (Z1.6), and barley (Z1.6). Yield responses and net economic returns were measured for each crop.Results and discussionThe HB increased the average yield of all five crops. The overall mean yield response was significant, ranging from 7.6% to 15.7% for rice and maize, respectively. In barley, HB showed greater effectiveness at lower-yielding sites, reaching ~4 t ha−1. In rice, a tendency towards a greater impact on low- and high-yield OFTs was observed. In contrast, HB had a relatively constant effect on maize, wheat, and soybeans. Based on empirical data (normal scenario), the net economic returns varied from US $85.1 to $122.0 ha−1 for wheat and maize, respectively. The probability of exceeding the break-even cost ranged from 83.4% to 89.1% for soybean and wheat, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that a single foliar application of HB at a critical stage of development increases crop yield and profitability for farmers under OFT conditions over several years and at multiple sites. Therefore, this practice can be applied by Uruguayan farmers to sustainably increase yields and economic profits.