Mineral Nutrition Research Articles

THE ROLE AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE USE OF METAL NANOPARTICLES IN THE CULTIVATION OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS

The development of the nanoindustry over the past 15-20 years allows us to consider substances containing nanomaterials as an alternative to existing chemical means of control in the cultivation of agricultural crops, in particular as components of mineral nutrition and protection of field crops. Taking into account the relevance of this issue, in recent years, the use of colloidal forms of metals as elements of micronutrient plant nutrition has been made and substantiated by our own research. Nanotechnology provides sustainable solutions by replacing traditional fertilizers with nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have unique properties to overcome bioavailability issues and enhance mineral uptake, increase yields and reduce fertilizer losses, helping to protect the environment. Recent studies emphasize the effect of nanoparticles of basic and essential elements on plant growth, physiology and development, taking into account their size, composition, concentration and method of application. Key aspects of the research include evaluating the effectiveness of methods of their use and the impact of nanoparticles on the nutritional quality of agricultural crops. It is noted that foliar fertilization with biogenic metals is important in providing plants with nutrients and enriching them with useful elements. Attention is also focused on the size of nanoparticles, as this factor determines their unique physicochemical properties and ability to penetrate plant cells, which can affect their physiological response and ability to absorb useful or toxic elements. The review presents the findings regarding the positive and negative aspects of nanoparticles, their impact on agricultural development and environmental sustainability. At the same time, emphasis is placed on the need for further research for the development of nanofertilizers aimed at improving food production and preserving the environment.

Comparison of two subspecies of a halophytic multi-use plant Mertensia maritima in vitro and ex vitro: propagation, salinity tolerance and mineral nutrition

The aim of the present study was to compare morphological and physiological responses to increasing salinity of the two subspecies of Mertensia maritima during in vitro propagation in two different systems, and subsequent ex vitro cultivation. Plants were brought into culture using seeds and further propagated on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with thidiazuron and naphthaleneacetic acid either on agar-solidified or liquid medium with a temporary immersion system (Plantform bioreactors). Salinity tolerance were tested both in tissue culture and with ex vitro greenhouse-cultivated plants. Low concentration of NaCl increased explant biomass in agar-solidified medium, with no negative consequences even at high concentration. However, the effect of salinity on liquid medium was genotype-specific. Explants in Plantform bioreactors showed several-fold higher biomass in comparison to that on agar-solidified medium, but the multiplication potential was not significantly affected. Ex vitro plants were negatively influenced by increasing NaCl concentration in substrate. In contrast to in vitro plants, accumulation potential of Na⁺ in ex vitro plants was low. One of adaptations to salinity at the whole plant level was maintenance of adequate tissue mineral nutrient homeostasis, as mineral nutrient concentrations were not negatively affected by increasing salinity.

Rootstocks on the Nutritional Status of Seedlings of the Main Mango Cultivars of the São Francisco Valley

ABSTRACT Mango is the fruit most exported by Brazil, with a significant increase in cultivated area in recent years. However, the orchards have been made up of seedlings produced by the grafting process, but without identifying the most suitable rootstock for each cultivar, which affects the competitiveness of mango farming, since the rootstock affects, among other factors, the growth and nutrient absorption from the canopy cultivar. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and mineral nutrition of ‘Palmer,’ ‘Tommy Atkins,’ ‘Kent’ and ‘Keitt’ mango seedlings grafted onto the polyembryonic rootstocks Capucho, Coquinho and Espada. The experiment was carried out between October 2019 and May 2020 at the Fruit Growing Nursery of the Agricultural Sciences Campus of the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), in Petrolina-PE, in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to three polyembryonic rootstocks (Espada, Capucho and Coquinho) and four crown cultivars (‘Palmer,’ ‘Keitt,’ ‘Kent’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’), with five replications of ten plants each. Leaf contents of macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca), micronutrients (Cu and Fe) and silicon depend on the scion (Tommy Atkins, Palmer, Keitt and Kent) x rootstock (Espada, Capucho and Conquinho) combination. The leaf contents of S, Mg, B, Mn and Mo in the scion are affected by the rootstock adopted for mango propagation In general, for macro and micronutrient absorption purposes, the sword rootstock and the ‘Keitt’ cultivar are the best combination for most of the variables analyzed in the research. The effect of rootstock on the nutritional status of scion cultivars (Tommy Atkins, Palmer, Keitt and Kent) must be taken into consideration when interpreting crop nutrition.

The fruit quality and nutrient content of kiwifruit produced by organic versus chemical fertilizers.

Currently, organic farming has become a feasible approach for the production of high-quality fruits. To evaluate the response of fruit quality and mineral nutrition contents of Hayward Kiwifruit affected by different organic and inorganic fertilizers, the present study was conducted in Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Center, Iran, in 2017-2021, as a randomized block design with three replications. The studied treatments were organic fertilizers (cow, vermicompost and Azolla) and chemical fertilizers. After 4 years of fertilization, the fruit's nutritional elements content and some fruit bioactive compounds were evaluated after 3 months of cold storage and then analyzed by the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The use of organic amendments boosted the calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron content of the kiwifruits compared to chemical fertilizers. The highest fruit potassium and phosphorus content were recorded in the cow manure treatment. The lowest amount of nitrate and the highest calcium, zinc, copper and manganese accumulation were recorded in the fruits treated with vermicompost. In addition to mineral nutrients, the dry matter, total soluble solids, total phenolic and antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit were improved by the application of vermicompost amendment compared to the other fertilizer sources. However, the highest fruit vitamin C and total soluble carbohydrates were measured in the cow manure treatment. The PCA results of the fruit quality indices indicated that fertilization treatments were ranked as vermicompost (1.88) > cow manure (1.63) = chemical (1.60) > Azolla (1.54). It is concluded that the application of 40 kg of vermicompost or 40 kg of cow manure in the next rank in Hayward kiwifruit orchards in March (growth stage beginning of bud swelling) may be a more suitable approach for improving the nutritional quality of the fruit. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of Struvite as a P Source with Chemical Fertilizers and Evaluation of Additional Contribution to Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Lettuce Grown on Acidic and Calcareous Soils

This study investigated the effects of two different struvites (Struvite1 (STR1) and Struvite2 (STR2)) with different P amounts on the P nutrition of lettuce grown in acid and calcareous soils and fertilizer efficiency against di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), triple superphosphate (TSP), and 20–20-20 (NPK fertilizer). Two distinct forms of STR1 and STR2 obtained from the biogas liquid digestate (LD, liquid fraction of a centrifuge decanter) at different molar ratios (NH4+/Mg2+/PO43−), STR1 (1.0/1.3/1.0), and STR2 (1.0/1.3/1.3) were used. The results showed that struvites were the most effective treatments for plant growth. STR1 and STR2 treatments increased the plant fresh weights by 2.7-fold in acidic soil and 2.1-fold in alkaline soil. As for the plant dry weights, STR1 and STR2 treatments increased the plant dry weights by 2.4–2.2-fold and 2.3–2.2-fold in acid and alkaline soils, respectively. Struvites were more effective on the total plant weights than other fertilizers. Struvite-applied plants yielded higher P concentrations, uptakes, and recovery than MAP, DAP, TSP, and 20–20-20 fertilizers for both soils. Due to its constituent Mg, STR1 and STR2 were found to be the most effective materials for the Mg nutrition of the plants. It was also determined that they contributed to the N and K nutrition of the plants more than most other fertilizers. In conclusion, it was seen that struvites are not only a good source of P but also a fertilizer material with a high agronomic value. Therefore, they can be evaluated as an alternative fertilizer source.

Seeds treatment with salicylic acid increases gene expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat plants under zinc or copper deficiency

The effect of wheat seeds treatment with salicylic acid (SA) on the expression of the TaCu/ZnSOD, TaFeSOD and TaCAT2 genes and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)) in leaves at the optimal content of zinc (2 µM) and copper (0.3 µM) in root environment or there deficiencies has been studied. It was shown for the first time that seeds treatment with SA leads to an increase of the number of genes transcripts compared to untreated plants, both under optimal conditions of mineral nutrition and under zinc or copper deficiency. The activity of enzymes, especially catalase, also increases. Judging by the MDA content, this allows one to avoid increasing the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and, accordingly, the development of oxidative stress. It is concluded that the discovered positive effect of seed treatment with SA on the activity of the main enzymes of antioxidant system may underlie the stimulating effect of this phytohormone on physiological processes in plants under microelements deficiency.

Physiological, anatomical and transcriptome analyses reveal ‘Huaizhi’ as widely compatible rootstock in Litchi chinensis Sonn. grafting

Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv. ‘Huaizhi’ (HZ) is an ancient cultivar of litchi. It has been used as widely compatible rootstock for litchi grafting for a long time. However, the mechanism of HZ as widely compatible rootstock is still unclear. In the present study, physiology, morphological anatomy, as well as transcriptomics were conducted to reveal the reasons for HZ with wide compatibility in litchi grafting. Field observation were conducted on the grafting combinations of HZ/HZ (homografting as the control), FZX/HZ and MGL/HZ (the scion with good grafting compatibility in production), SYH/HZ, HHDHL/HZ and WHL/HZ (the scion with weak grafting compatibility in production), embodying that HZ as rootstock did show a wide compatibility. The physiological and biochemical indicators of scion new shoot leaves and scion mother tree indicated that nutrients contents (dry matter weight, total soluble sugar, and starch), mineral nutrition (N and P) levels, and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) activities, might be related to the wide compatibility of HZ as rootstock. Microscopic observation of the paraffin sections of healing sites at different stages showed that the necrotic layer of three representative litchi grafting combinations of HZ/HZ, WHL/HZ and MGL/HZ basically disappeared from 14 d to 21 d after grafting, and the callus differentiated into a large number of protoxylem cells, indicating a compatible healing dynamics. Subsequently, a total of 14,384 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-seq, of which 2,831 DEGs exhibited the same expression trend within three grafting combinations, enriching into phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction, sucrose and starch metabolism, MAPK signaling pathway, peroxisome and other metabolic pathways. These results provide a theoretical basis for the adjustment of cultivar structure in litchi production.

Combining anaerobic digestion slurry and different biochars to develop a biochar-based slow-release NPK fertilizer

In this research, we developed a biochar-based fertilizer using biogas slurry and biochar derived from lignocellulosic agro-residues. Biogas slurry was obtained through the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (fresh vegetable biomass and/or prepared food), while biochars were derived from residues from quinoa, maize, rice, and sugarcane. The biochar-based fertilizers were prepared using an impregnation process, where the biogas slurry was mixed with each of the raw biochars. Subsequently, we characterized the N, P and K concentrations of the obtained biochar-based fertilizers. Additionally, we analyzed their surface properties using SEM/EDS and FTIR and conducted a slow-release test on these biochar-based fertilizers to assess their capability to gradually release nutrients. Lastly, a bioassay using cucumber plants was conducted to determine the N, P, and K bioavailability. Our findings revealed a significant correlation (r > 0.67) between the atomic O/C ratio, H/C ratio, cation exchange capacity, surface area, and the base cations concentration with N, P, and/or K adsorption on biochar. These properties, in turn, were linked to the capability of the biochar-based fertilizer to release nutrients in a controlled manner. The biochar-based fertilizer derived from corn residues showed <15 % release of N, P and K at 24 h. Utilization of these biochar-based fertilizers had a positive impact on the mineral nutrition of cucumber plants, resulting in an average increase of 61 % in N, 32 % in P, and 19 % in K concentrations. Our results underscore the potential of biochar-based fertilizers in controlled nutrient release and enhanced plant nutrition. Integration of biochar and biogas slurry offers a promising and sustainable approach for NPK recovery and fertilizer production in agriculture. This study presents an innovative and sustainable approach combining the use of biochar for NPK recovery from biogas slurry and its use as a biochar-based fertilizer in agriculture.

The Effects of Liquid Biogas Digestate on Yield and Mineral Nutrition of Cucumber Growing in Greenhouse

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a liquid fraction of digestate obtained from different biogas plants on the growth and mineral nutrition of cucumber plants under greenhouse conditions. For this purpose, Liquid Biogas Digestates (LBD) obtained from two different plants (A-B) with different properties were applied to pots with 10 kg of soil in 5 different doses (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 t ha-1) and the effects of the treatments were observed. As a result of the research, the highest yields increased 24.6% for digestate A in A5 (80 t ha-1) and 29% for digestate B in B3 (40 t ha-1) compared to control. While LBD contributed to the increase of N, Ca, Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations in the leaf samples, it was observed that the dose increase did not have a linear effect on N, Ca, Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations in the leaf samples. It is thought that liquid biogas wastes produced in biogas plants have positive effects on fruit yield, agricultural practices can be taken as the basis for the disposal of these wastes and the use of liquid biogas residues in soils by eliminating potential risks can provide significant benefits.

Manganese Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Mechanisms of Influence on Plant Resistance to Stress, and Prospects for Application in Agricultural Chemistry.

Manganese (Mn) is an important microelement for the mineral nutrition of plants, but it is not effectively absorbed from the soil and mineral salts added thereto and can also be toxic in high concentrations. Mn nanoparticles (NPs) are less toxic, more effective, and economical than Mn salts due to their nanosize. This article critically reviews the current publications on Mn NPs, focusing on their effects on plant health, growth, and stress tolerance, and explaining possible mechanisms of their effects. This review also provides basic information and examples of chemical, physical, and ecological ("green") methods for the synthesis of Mn NPs. It has been shown that the protective effect of Mn NPs is associated with their antioxidant activity, activation of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), and pronounced antimicrobial activity against phytopathogens. In conclusion, Mn NPs are promising agents for agriculture, but their effects on gene expression and plant microbiome require further research.

Accelerated technology for cleaning oil-contaminated soils

Relevance. The uniqueness of the practical application of accelerated and environmentally safe technology for the reclamation of oil–polluted lands, which uses local mineral raw materials, a consortium of autochthonous hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria with multifunctional positive properties, effective phytomeliorants, is theoretically substantiated. Hydrocarbon pollution is eliminated directly at the spill site, and the rate ofreturn of disturbed soils to agricultural circulation is 3–4 times faster than traditional methods.Methods. Objects of research: mechanically activated bentopowder and nanobentonite, a consortium of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria composed of three autochthonous strains, soil leached chernozem, spring wheat, Devonian oil. The concentration of oil pollution at the site was 6.4%. Bentopowder and nanobentonite were introduced in doses of 6.0 t/ha and 0.3 t/ha, respectively. Sampling was carried out with a sampler on the 0th, 15th, 30th, and 90th days.Results. The optimal doses of application of bento powder and nano bentonite to disturbed soil above the average pollution level (6.0 t/ha and 0.3 t/ha respectively) are recommended. After 15 days, the level of contamination is halved (to 51.1 g/kg and 40.8 g/kg with benton powder and nanobentonite respectively). Removal of the introduced mineral sorbent is not required, since it later becomes a source of mineral nutrition for autochthonous microorganisms-destructors and a soil improver. At the second innovative stage, a consortium formed from effective strains and adapted to specific conditions is used. The strains of the consortium fit into an ecological niche, adapt and begin to actively develop, utilizing oil and petroleum products. After a month, the level of contamination decreases to 19.2 g/kg and 9.2 g/kg with the addition of benton powder and nanobentonite respectively.

Influence of mineral nutrition and predecessors on the yield and quality of soybean seed in the crop rotation link

Studies conducted in the Ryazan region have shown that both the presence of mineral nutrition and the nature of the predecessors in the crop rotation are extremely important for the soybean yield. The experiment was carried out on six-field crop rotations with two backgrounds of fertilizers — without fertilizers and with the application of (NPK)90. The soybean of the Georgiy variety, which is the fifth link in crop rotations, was used as an object of study. Barley, winter wheat, and various perennial grasses were present in each of the crop rotations. To replenish organic matter in the soil, the organic mass of plants in the form of crop residues after harvesting the main part of the crop and perennial grasses included in the crop rotation was crushed and incorporated into the soil. In each crop rotation at the time of soybean cultivation, soil fertility, yield and quality of soybean seed were studied in order to identify the best predecessors. It was revealed that the highest yield is achieved in a crop rotation with legume-grass grasses using (NPK)90 — the largest increase in relation to unfertilized options was 14%, 11% and 22.8%. Variants with fertilizers also demonstrate the best indicators of soybean seed quality in terms of protein and oil content, where crop rotations with legumes and grasses also reach the highest values. It was revealed that all fertilized variants with were characterized by better indicators of soil fertility compared to unfertilized ones. It is concluded that the presence of perennial sideral grasses has a positive effect on soil fertility and contributes to an increase in soybean yields.

Global change impacts on mineral nutritional quality of cereal grains: Coordinated datasets and analyses to advance a systems-based understanding

ContextGlobal nutritional health outcomes are directly reliant on agroecosystem nutrient outputs. Appropriately, there is concern surrounding the impacts of a changing climate not only on crop yields, but also on crop nutritional quality (e.g., mineral nutrient concentrations). Quantifying the impacts of elevated CO2 concentrations, elevated temperature, drought stress, edaphic factors, and agronomic management on crop yields and mineral nutrition is critical, yet a systems-level understanding of these interactive factors is poorly developed, limiting our ability to effectively target solutions. Empirical data for climate impacts on crop nutritional quality remain scarce, with much of the research emerging from valuable, but geographically limited, Free-air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments, several of which suggest that human nutrition will be adversely impacted by e[CO2]. Specific concerns center on observed declines in grain protein, iron, and zinc concentrations due to already wide-spread human nutritional deficiencies in these nutrients. ObjectivesAs global change experiments expand to pursue questions regarding interactive climate impacts on crop yields and nutritional quality, it is imperative to interrogate the measurements, data standardization, and metadata needed for unifying synthesis. The data reported for shifts in crop nutritional quality are often incomplete, precluding the generalizability and comparability of results. MethodsWe frame this review around six inter-reliant methods, tools, and practices to support maximally useful experimental datasets to inform questions of global change impacts on crop nutrition and aid in detecting genotypic differences in mineral nutrient density. The bulk of the data and discussion centers on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) due to the central role this crop plays in human nutrition and sustained biofortification efforts. ResultsTo permit experimental comparability and synthesis, datasets should (1) clearly delineate analytical methods and standards and (2) link mean nutrient concentrations with the covariate of yield. (3) Multi-year, multi-location data is required to identify genotypes with significant deviations in nutrient concentrations, with (4) data normalized for yield within appropriate analytical frameworks. (5) Inclusion of data on soil properties, weather, and abiotic and biotic stresses as well as (6) agronomic practices and nutrient management is essential for understanding global change impacts on nutritional outcomes. ConclusionsCoordinated, multi-dimensional data will permit the syntheses and meta-analyses needed to identify and quantify climate impacts on nutrition. ImplicationsThis work is essential to effectively target nutritional solutions, to develop modeling tools to support nutritional planning, and to identify areas where agronomic management and breeding can minimize climate impacts on nutritional outcomes.

Contribution to the optimization of citrus (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tanaka) fruit fertilization using mobile lysimetry in orchards of the Souss-Massa region, Morocco

The growth and development of citrus trees and the quality of their fruits are significantly influenced by the essential role of mineral plant nutrition. This study aimed to improve the productivity of the citrus (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tanaka) orchards by optimizing mineral nutrition through well-monitored fertilization and fertigation aspects using lysimetry. The first phase consisted of studying the behavior of the nutrients in the soil solution at the high root concentration level, analysis of the nutritional status of five varieties of clementines (Sidi Aissa, Cadoux, Orogrande, Nules, and Nour), and the variation of leaf composition in major elements (Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) for the five varieties along phenological stages, through the exploitation of the results of analyses carried out for the management of mineral nutrition in 47 plots of citrus fruit in the Souss-Massa region with the use of lysimetry. The results obtained in this first part revealed an important variation of the nutrients in the soil solution (55.24%) in terms of water inputs, fertilizers, and edaphic conditions, as well as a large variation of foliar compositions (62.98%). The second phase, consisting of regular monitoring of the mineral nutrition dynamics targeting the “Nules” variety grafted on “Citrus macrophylla” affirmed the importance of the citrus fertilization approach for determining the availability, distribution, nutrient interactions in soil solution and plant response by regular leaf diagnostics. Thus, mobile lysimetry offered a powerful tool for achieving both productivity and sustainability in citrus fertilization programs.

Epigenetic modification of a pectin methylesterase gene activates apoplastic iron reutilization in tomato roots.

Iron (Fe) distribution and reutilization are crucial for maintaining Fe homeostasis in plants. Here, we demonstrate that the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Colorless nonripening (Cnr) epimutant exhibits increased Fe retention in cell wall pectin due to an increase in pectin methylesterase (PME) activity. This ultimately leads to Fe deficiency responses even under Fe-sufficient conditions when compared to the wild type (WT). Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing revealed that modifications to cell wall-related genes, especially CG hypermethylation in the intron region of PECTIN METHYLESTERASE53 (SlPME53), are involved in the Cnr response to Fe deficiency. When this intron hypermethylation of SlPME53 was artificially induced in WT, we found that elevated SlPME53 expression was accompanied by increased PME activity and increased pectin-Fe retention. The manipulation of SlPME53, either through overexpression in WT or knockdown in Cnr, influenced levels of pectin methylesterification and accumulation of apoplast Fe in roots. Moreover, CG hypermethylation mediated by METHYLTRANSFERASE1 (SlMET1) increased SlPME53 transcript abundance, resulting in greater PME activity and higher Fe retention in cell wall pectin. Therefore, we conclude that the Cnr mutation epigenetically modulates SlPME53 expression by SlMET1-mediated CG hypermethylation, and thus the capacity of the apoplastic Fe pool, creating opportunities for genetic improvement of crop mineral nutrition.

Varietal responses to a soil amendment: Balancing cadmium mitigation and mineral biofortification in wheat production

The application of soil amendment (SA) and the cultivation of low Cd-accumulating varieties have been a widely favored strategy to enable the safe utilization of Cd-contaminated arable land. However, little has been reported on the reciprocal effects of SA on the Cd mitigation and nutritional quality of different wheat varieties. In this study, we evaluated the impact of an SA on agronomic traits, Cd accumulation, translocation and mineral nutrition of 12 wheat varieties in an acidic field with a Cd concentration of 0.46 mg/kg. The results showed that the SA significantly reduced soil DTPA Cd (42.3 %) and resulted in a slight decrease in wheat grain yield (4.24–9.72 %, average 7.62 %). Similarly, the SA significantly reduced grain Cd concentrations (average 61.65 %) while increased the concentrations of beneficial elements such as Mo and Se in all wheat varieties. However, this intervention also led to a reduction in the concentration of essential mineral elements (such as Ca, Fe, and Mn) in whole wheat grain and starchy endosperm, as well as a reduction in their proportion in the bran. Based on genotypic differences, Huaimai 33, Zhenmai 168, Sumai 188 and Yangmai 28 were considered to be the relatively most promising wheat varieties for achieving a balance among food safety, nutritional quality, and economic yield in this region. Taken together, this study highlights the varietal differences in Cd mitigation and mineral accumulation in different wheat varieties in response to the SA, offering new perspectives for phytoremediation and biofortification strategies for Cd-contaminated farmland.

Nanotechnology in plant nutrition: Ensuring sustainable agriculture through nanofertilizers

AbstractFertilizers play a crucial role in enhancing the productivity of plants. However, low nutrient use efficiencies of conventional fertilizers (CFs) associated with several losses have led to widespread multi‐nutrient deficiencies in the soil and lower productivity. Furthermore, their excess application has caused serious damage to the soil and environment. Recently, nanotechnology has broadened its applicability in plant nutrition and has paved a way for the production of nanoparticle‐induced fertilizers. Therefore, nanofertilizers stand out as promising alternative to CFs for sustainable agriculture. Nanofertilizers are composed of nanoparticles that contain macro‐ and micronutrients and deliver them in a controlled way to the plant's rhizosphere. This contributes to the enhanced nutrient utilization efficiency. This review delves into the effect of nanotechnology‐based nanofertilizers in different forms and dosages on soil properties and plant development. Additionally, the mechanism underlying absorption of nanofertilizers and their advantages and limitations have also been discussed. A thorough comparison between conventional and nanofertilizers has also been made in this review in terms of their nutrient delivery mechanism, efficiency and application. As the use of nanoparticle‐embedded fertilizers in plant nutrition is still in its infancy, this review can serve as a guide for future investigations to enhance the knowledge of the use of nanoparticles in the mineral nutrition of different crops.

Improving the elements of cultivating technology for Sarepta mustard (Brassica juncea L.) on leached blackearth of Western Ciscaucasia

Increasing interest among agricultural producers in Sarepta spring mustard as a promising, multi-purpose crop requires improving the elements of its cultivation technology to obtain consistently high yields. The current study was carried out in 2021–2022 on the experimental fields of the central experimental base of the FSBSI “FRC “All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Oil Crops by the name of Pustovoit V. S.”. The purpose of the research was to study and scientifically substantiate individual elements of the technology (sowing time, seed sowing rate and level of mineral nutrition) for Sarepta mustard’s cultivation on seed productivity of the crop grown on leached blackearth (chernozem) of Western Ciscaucasia. There has been established that the highest yield (1.42 t/ha) and oil yield (0.60 t/ha) of the crop is obtained at an early sowing time (the first term (early) is in the 2nd decade of April) with a minimum seed sowing rate (1.3 million units/ha). Sarepta spring mustard’s single feeding of with ammonium nitrate at a dose of N60 in the seedling phase has helped to obtain maximum yield of 2.08 t/ha and 0.87 t/ha of oil. But the largest oil content in seeds (47.1 %) was identified in the variant with the application of nitrogen fertilizer at a dose of N30 fractionally in equal parts, i.e. in the stages of germination (N15) and booting (N15). Foliar treatment of Sarepta spring mustard with helium mixtures (Micro gel at a dose of 1 l/ha and Brassica gel at a dose of 2 l/ha) in the booting stage allowed obtaining the highest yield of 1.85 t/ha, with 47.9 % of oil in seeds and 0.80 t/ha of oil yield.

Higher Plant-Derived Biostimulants: Mechanisms of Action and Their Role in Mitigating Plant Abiotic Stress.

Modern agriculture is being challenged by deteriorating edaphoclimatic conditions and increasing anthropogenic pressure. This necessitates the development of innovative crop production systems that can sustainably meet the demands of a growing world population while minimizing the environmental impact. The use of plant biostimulants is gaining ground as a safe and ecologically sound approach to improving crop yields. In this review, biostimulants obtained from different higher plant sources are presented under the term higher plant-derived biostimulants (hPDBs). Their mechanisms of action regulate physiological processes in plants from germination to fructification, conditioned by responses induced in plant mineral nutrition and primary metabolism, specialized metabolism, photosynthetic processes, oxidative metabolism, and signaling-related processes. The aim of this review is to collect and unify the abundant information dispersed in the literature on the effects of these biostimulants, focusing on crops subjected to abiotic stress conditions and the underlying mechanisms of action.

39 Effectiveness of an educational program covering on-farm finishing of beef cattle for direct-to-consumer in Kentucky

Abstract An educational program was developed to educate beef producers interested in marketing beef directly to the consumer. The program consisted of online webinars and two in-person sessions that were held in 6 locations throughout the state. Online webinar topics included marketing, working with the processor, food safety, forage management, confinement facilities, and environmental stewardship. In-person topics included growth and development and nutrition. The program participants were asked to complete a post-program survey at the end of the in-person session. Twenty-five survey responses were collected from the 95 in-person participants. Of the respondents, 44% indicated they were currently finishing cattle on-farm for direct markets, and the remaining participants included commercial cow-calf producers (44%), backgrounder-stocker producers (8%), and seedstock producers (4%). Participants were asked to indicate the overall level of information gained from the in-person sessions using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not very informative; 5 = very informative), with an average response of 4.0. When asked to rate whether participating in the in-person sessions was an effective use of time using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not very effective; 5 = very effective), the average response was 4.45. Participants were asked to rate their knowledge of various topics before and after each session using a 5-point Likert scale. Differences in pre- and post-knowledge levels were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test (SAS; Version 9.4; Cary, NC, USA). Participants reported increased knowledge of the length of time required to finish cattle in various production systems (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Participants reported an increased understanding of bunk scoring systems (P = 0.004). Participants also reported an increased knowledge related to mineral nutrition of finishing cattle (P = 0.01). When asked if participants planned to implement management changes due to this educational program 83% of respondents stated that they would implement management changes on their operations. The results from this survey suggest that participants increased their knowledge related to finishing cattle nutrition and management and that this increase in knowledge should result in on-farm changes improving the efficiency of finishing cattle for direct marketing.