Excessive nitrate in groundwater, caused by fertilizer overuse and poor wastewater management, poses a significant threat to its quality and long-term sustainability. Zeolite, a low-cost mineral, has positive effects on agricultural soil, plant growth, and groundwater. This study evaluated ammonium-clinoptilolite zeolite as a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for agriculture. The clinoptilolite zeolite (NCC) was prepared in chip (NH₄-ICC) and powder (NH₄-ICP) forms using an impregnation method and microwave reactor treatment (NH₄-ECC). The additional treatment was used as the control (T4) using just natural zeolite as the growing substrate. The zeolite-clinoptilolite/natural zeolite ratio levels for treatments T1, T2, and T3 were 5, 15, and 25%, respectively in terms of volume. The effectiveness of these zeolites in promoting the germination and growth of bell pepper seedlings (Capsicum annuum L.) was assessed under greenhouse conditions for 23 days. The data were analyzed with the statistical software R v4.2. The experiment had a completely randomized design based on the combination of two factors: the type of zeolite and the level of zeolite-clinoptilolite/natural zeolite proportion. All the treatments were irrigated using just water without any fertilizer. Several parameters were analyzed, including plant growth, root length, chlorophyll, leaf number, and dried plant weight. The results showed significantly higher plant growth, leaf number, and dried plant weight. T1C, T1P, and T2P had high leaf area. There was no statistically significant difference in chlorophyll. However, there was a trend towards increased stem thickness, plant height, and dried plant weight compared to the control. This research highlights the important potential of zeolites as a component of ammonium-based fertilizers. Their ability to minimize nutrient loss and control release makes them a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture.

Intensive use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides in farming to improve productivity has globally destroyed soil fertility, interfered with biodiversity, and negatively affected both human and the environment. To overcome these problems, it is very important to shift our attention towards eco-friendly alternatives like insect-based black soldier fly frass (BSFF) and Desmodium that have the potential to increase crop growth and yield as well as control or suppress pests sustainably. Black soldier fly frass fertilizer with its rich plant growth nutrient not only improves the growth and yield of crops but also offers protection to pests through the provision of nutrients; also, the chitin present helps control pests. Desmodium also has tremendous potential to protect plants from pests when used as a companion crop as it increases the diversity and activity of natural enemies, which helps to suppress pests. In this study, we examined the potential of Desmodium and BSFF in the management of common brassica pests and improved growth under low-cost vertical gardens suitable for urban settings. A Randomized Complete Block design trial on wonder multistorey gardens with eight treatments was laid out as sole cabbage (T0), Powdered black soldier fly frass (T1), liquid black soldier fly frass, (T2), Desmodium (T3), NPK (T4), combined powdered black soldier fly frass with Desmodium (T5), combined liquid black soldier fly frass with Desmodium (T6)) and combined NPK with Desmodium (T7), each of which was replicated three times. Data collected on pests’ numbers, growth parameters, damage score and yield showed significant differences when subjected to ANOVA. Gardens where BSFF and Desmodium were used showed a high growth rate and yield, and reduced pest damage. This indicated the potential of BSFF and Desmodium as an alternative source of plant nutrients and as a pest control strategy in vertical vegetable production systems.

The content and behavior of inorganic ions in soil play a critical role in determining soil quality, fertility, and suitability for agricultural applications. Nutrient leaching from agricultural soils is a major environmental concern, as it affects both soil fertility and groundwater quality. Accurate assessment of these components requires reliable and precise analytical methods, with ion chromatography emerging as a highly sensitive, selective, and precise technique for ion analysis in complex soil matrices. This study aimed to evaluate the leaching patterns of major inorganic ions in agricultural soils using ion chromatography. Experiments were conducted with soil samples from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, and leachate samples were collected after rainfall events. Ion chromatographic analysis was performed using a Shimadzu two-channel instrument with non-suppressed conductivity detection, employing Allsep Anion 7u and Universal Cation 7u columns; this configuration enabled the simultaneous determination of five major anions (chloride, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate) and five major cations (potassium, sodium, ammonium, calcium, and magnesium) in under 20 minutes. The proposed method significantly enhances laboratory efficiency by minimizing both sample preparation and analysis time while allowing for the efficient, simultaneous analysis of multiple ions in a single run. This simple and rapid approach is well suited not only for soil quality assessments but also for broader environmental monitoring efforts, supporting the effective management of diffuse pollution sources.

Lettuce is the most widely consumed leafy vegetable in the world. Its quality and yield are highly dependent on the growing conditions, including the growing substrate. Peat is commonly used as a growing substrate, but there is a growing interest in finding alternatives to reduce peat usage. One potential alternative is vermicompost, and this study aims to investigate the impact of vermicompost as an additive to peat substrate on the quality and yield of lettuce seedlings. The research was carried out in a greenhouse covered with a polymer film at the Institute of Horticulture and Horticulture of the Lithuanian Agricultural and Forestry Research Center. Lettuce seedlings were grown in peat with varying amounts of vermicompost (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% vermicompost). Various parameters such as lettuce growth, biometric data, the amount of pigments in the leaves, and the accumulation of elements (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) were evaluated. The addition of vermicompost, regardless of its amount, significantly increased plant height (from 7.5 cm in control up to 10.9 – 11.3 cm with vermicompost), number of leaves (up to 4.2 – 4.6), leaf area (up to 107 – 131 cm²), and the percentage of dry matter accumulation (up to 6.4 – 7.5 %). Vermicompost also had a positive effect on photosynthesis, resulting in higher yields and better quality of lettuce. The summarized research results demonstrate the potential of using vermicompost in the production of high-quality lettuce.

Traditional maize farming practices in Pakistan are labor-intensive and add to the depletion of soil fertility. Soybeans, being a leguminous crop, have the competence to restore soil health, making maize–soybean intercropping an effective pathway to ameliorate maize production. A field experiment was designed and conducted in the autumn of 2019 at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to evaluate the impact of soybean intercropping on maize yield. The experiment followed a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A involved two maize planting geometries (MPG): alternate single-row maize planting on 75 cm spaced ridges, and alternate double-row planting on 75 cm ridges. Factor B included four soybean intercropping techniques (SIT): no intercropping for brown manuring at 30 days after sowing (DAS), as a fodder crop at 60 DAS, and as a grain crop at maturity. Standard methods were used to record parameters related to soil health, growth, and the yield of both crops. Results indicated that maize planted in alternate single rows with soybean as a grain crop achieved higher values in terms of plant height (205.17 cm), 1000-grain weight (372.97 g), biological yield (19.10 tons/ha), grain yield (8.65 tons/ha), and harvest index (2.9). Soybean growth, however, was generally superior when intercropped on alternate double rows. Both MPG and SIT significantly influenced the performance of maize and soybean, with alternate single-row maize and soybean grain crop intercropping found to be the most economical under Faisalabad's agro-ecological conditions.

Cucumber cultivation in greenhouses is a common practice for effective pest control and the maintenance of optimal growing conditions to ensure consistent productivity. The choice of greenhouse covering material is crucial as it affects both the quality and quantity of light that enters the greenhouse. Using unsuitable materials can block essential light needed for crop growth, resulting in reduced yields. Biofertilizers such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers by enhancing nutrient uptake, conserving water, reducing pesticide use, and lowering carbon emissions. This study aimed to investigate the spectral characteristics of two types of polyethylene (PE) films used as greenhouse covering materials and their effect, individually or when combined with PGPR, on cucumber vegetative growth and fruit production. The assessment of spectral properties revealed that the purple PE film provided higher light transmission, greater total photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), and a higher fraction of red light compared to white PE films. Growing plants in this altered lighting condition in the purple PE greenhouses gave rise to more fruits, higher yields, and a greater proportion of marketable fruits. Furthermore, the application of PGPR strains, particularly Staphylococcus sciuri (E2) and Bacillus sp. (P1), significantly boosted yields and fruit quality; this growth promotion was more effective when used in conjunction with purple PE films. The synergistic effect of combining PGPR with purple PE film demonstrated the potential of integrating biological and engineering approaches to achieve sustainable and productive cucumber cultivation.

Introduction

Waterlogging is one of the major abiotic factors that negatively impact the growth and productivity of peach seedlings, because the peach plant is the least tolerant to low oxygen due to a shallow root system. One important amino acid that has been linked to improving plant stress tolerance is tryptophan. The purpose of this study was to examine how the foliar application of 20 mM of tryptophan affects young peach seedlings under waterlogging conditions.

Methodology

An experiment was conducted for 12 days, with data collected at 0-, 4-, 8-, and 12-day intervals. Three treatments were established: control (CK), waterlogged (WL), and waterlogged with tryptophan (WL+Tryp.). We assessed selected physiological parameters including plant height, chlorophyll content (SPAD), and root scanning (root length, root average diameter, root surface area, root volume, root tips, and root forks) using biochemical and antioxidant analyses.

Results

The results showed that waterlogging affected the plant height and chlorophyll levels, with significant reductions in the waterlogged group compared to the controls. However, the use of tryptophan mitigated these effects, resulting in increased plant height and SPAD values. The root scanning indicated that tryptophan-treated seedlings had increased root biomass and structure, suggesting improved root resilience under stress. Biochemical analyses showed increased antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, POD, CAT) in the tryptophan-treated group, indicating a successful response to oxidative stress caused by waterlogging.

Conclusion

Foliar application of 20mM of tryptophan improves the physiological and biochemical resilience of young peach seedlings exposed to waterlogging stress. This study demonstrates the potential of tryptophan as a beneficial treatment for improving stress tolerance in fruit crops, providing insights into future agricultural practices in waterlogged conditions.

Soybean is a globally relevant agricultural crop, essential for food production and industrial applications. The efficient management of phosphorus in the soil is crucial for root development and biomass formation. However, the efficiency of phosphorus use in soils with variable fertility remains a challenge for countries with tropical soils. In this context, BiomaPhos, an inoculant developed by EMBRAPA in Brazil, registered for use in corn and soybeans, contains phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, specifically Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium, which aims to improve phosphorus availability in tropical soils, where this nutrient is often immobilized. BiomaPhos is widely used in Brazil and also has a potential impact on global agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of phosphorus, with and without BiomaPhos, on soil organic matter in soybean crops. The experiment was conducted in a field with a split-plot design and by considering two factors: inoculation with BiomaPhos and phosphorus doses (0%, 50%, and 100%). Soil samples were collected after harvest and analyzed to measure organic matter. Statistical analyses included the calculation of means, standard deviations, and comparisons using t-test to identify significant differences. Soil organic matter means were consistently higher without BiomaPhos at all phosphorus doses. The mean organic matter was 73.75% and 73.00% for the 0% and 50% doses without BiomaPhos, respectively, compared to 69.00% and 62.75% with BiomaPhos. At the 100% dose, the means were 67.50% without BiomaPhos and 64.75% with BiomaPhos. The results show that although BiomaPhos increases phosphorus availability, it also reduces the percentage of organic matter in the soil, regardless of the dose applied. This reduction suggests that BiomaPhos may be affecting soil dynamics in a way that is not conducive to the conservation of organic matter. Since organic matter is essential for soil fertility and structure, this change may have implications for long-term soil health.

The present work is aimed at the development of a simplified library for remote firmware updates (Over-The-Air—OTA) on ESP32/ESP8266 devices. The library seeks to facilitate the integration of OTA systems with a secure and ergonomic web interface, providing a practical solution for embedded systems developers. The local interface is developed using HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSSs), and JavaScript, while the solution for external networks also utilizes the Django framework to host and manage new binaries. The primary objective of this library is to reduce the complexity of OTA implementation, allowing it to be configured with just a few lines of code, without compromising the project's functionality. The solution is especially useful in Internet of Things (IoT) applications, where remote firmware maintenance and updates are crucial requirements and, in some cases, are very laborious to carry out. The library is designed to be lightweight, enabling integration across different development environments, from local networks to external network systems. This work contributes to the advancement of remote maintenance techniques in embedded systems and represents a valuable tool for the developer community, promoting the scalability and longevity of microcontroller-based projects. The library will be made available on GitHub, a open source code-hosting platform.

Introduction

The application of nano-fertilizers (NFs) represents a nascent area of research within the field of agriculture. These are materials in the size range of 1-100 nm that facilitate the provision of nutrients to plants, enhancing crop growth and productivity. Nano-fertilizers (NFs) are composed of nutrients and may serve as carriers for nutrients, releasing them in low amounts and in a slow and sustainable manner.

The essential nutrients required for optimal crop growth are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the patent activity pertaining to nano-fertilizers.

Materials and methods

In the course of this investigation, data were retrieved from a number of patent databases, including Patentscope, Espacenet, Orbit Intelligence, The Lens, and Amplified.

A search was conducted using precise keywords in the Title/Abstract/Claims search fields. In addition, the full text was employed in conjunction with keywords and classification symbols.

Results

The majority of inventions in this field were filed in China, with the United States and India representing the next most prolific sources.

The number of filings has been on the rise since 2017, indicating a growing trend.

The main IPC classification symbols pertain to a mixture of one or more fertilizers with additives that lack a specifically fertilizing activity (C05G 3/00), inorganic fertilizers containing trace elements (C05D 9/02), and biocides or plant growth regulators containing heavy metals or compounds thereof (A01N 59/16).

With regard to the elements present in nano-fertilizers, the most frequently claimed in patent applications are potassium, calcium, and nitrogen.

Conclusions

The findings of this study corroborate the importance of academic and industrial research on nano-fertilizers. China has been identified as the foremost nation in this technical domain.