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A field experiment was conducted in sandy soil to assess the effect of different sources of soil conditioners on barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Giza 137) growth and its yield under drought stress. Plants were exposed to two levels of drought stress until grain maturity: (A) drought at 75% available water (AW) with NPK as control (treatment, T1); (B) mild drought stress at 50% AW with foliar spray of nano-silicon at 75 ppm (treatment, T2), foliar spray of nano-zeolite at 75 ppm (treatment, T3), perlite at 4 tons/h (treatment, T4), natural zeolite at 600 kg/ha (treatment, T5), bentonite at 4 tons/h (treatment, T6), and a combined treatment of T2+T3+T4+T5+T6 at the half amount of each material (T7). All the treatments received the recommended doses of organic matter. Vegetative growth and yield characters as well as anatomical characters were recorded. The physical and chemical soil properties were significantly improved by both foliar and soil conditioners application. The nutrients content of the barley crop were augmented under combined treatment (T7) as compared to other treatments. Under that treatment, barley crop chemical components, i.e. protein, ash, chlorophylls, amino acids, vitamins, and fibre were significantly higher compared to other treatments. In addition, gibberellic acid (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) content besides antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly affected by all treatments. The economical profits were achieved, as reflected by an investment factor value equal to or higher than 3, and this was achieved for all tested nanosilicon, zeolite, and soil conditioners indicated the effectiveness and profitability of studied treatments.

The current study was conducted to assess whether organic fertilisation could replace mineral fertilisation in lettuce production without adverse effects on yield, quality, and postharvest behaviour. The effect of either mineral or organic fertiliser on soil fertility or the microbial community was also studied. Control plots were fertilised with recommended rates of mineral fertiliser (150: 45: 65 kg/ha NPK) and the other treatments were 15 t/ha compost, 10 t/ha rabbit manure, and 10 t/ha chicken manure. Our results indicated that all sources of organic fertiliser significantly increased total nitrogen, organic carbon, total fungi, and bacteria contents of soils compared with mineral fertiliser. Rabbit and chicken manure fertilisers resulted in a significant increase in yield. Compared with conventional fertiliser and other organic treatments, plots receiving rabbit manure showed a lower weight loss and microbial load on fresh lettuce head. Moreover, rabbit manure significantly reduced polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity. Hence, these results suggest that rabbit manure fertiliser could be an alternative to conventional production without significant reduction in yield and with low enzymatic browning and better storability.

The lucrative approach of nanotechnology and it´s utilizing in the agricultural sector is prospective. Based on this fact a field trial was done through 2018 and 2019 seasons to scrutinize the consequence of nano N, P and K elements application individual or in combination and nano zeolite loaded nitrogen or not on a sage plant grown under water stress compared to the commercial NPK fertilisers at new reclaimed land. Nano NPK elements were prepared from their precursor as potassium persulfate (K2S2O8), calcium phosphate (Ca (H2PO4)2·H2O) and salt NH4NO3, urea (CO (NH2)2), while nano zeolite was hydrothermally synthesized. Water stress was applied via drip irrigation with 15 days intervals. The data revealed that, nanofertilisers and nano-zeolites had a superior effects on the plant itself under stress conditions with concern on nano-zeolite loaded nitrogen and nano-NPK mixture as well which boosted vegetative growth (plant height, branches number, yield fresh weight, health index, herb fresh and dry weight, leaf area and oil yield), also improved photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, CO2 concentration, water use efficiency and relative water content. The chemical composition (plant pigments, total carbohydrates, total phenolic, tannin, total flavonoids, oil constituents, macro and micro-elements) with indigenous hormones (gibberellic acid GA3 and abscisic acid ABA) and antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) were also positively affected. The outcomes of current study emphasis global warning about chemical fertilisers pollution, particularly in new reclaimed areas and safety production of medicinal and aromatic plants.

In order to assess the effects of green synthesized nanoparticles (GNPs) of Zn and Fe oxides on plant growth traits, photosynthetic capacity and nutritional quality of red radish (cv. Champion), two open field experiments were organised based on RCBD with four replicates. Treatments included: chicken manure, foliar application of ZnO + FeO (GNPs at a rate of 60 and 50 ppm, respectively), chicken manure plus ZnO + FeO (GNPs). This study revealed that growth and yield of radish plants significantly increased by ZnO + FeO nanoparticles application. The maximum vegetative growth, leaf pigments and root quality (diameter and weight) were recorded in plants treated with ZnO + FeO (GNPs) alone or in combination with chicken manure. Furthermore, the combined application of chicken manure with ZnO and FeO significantly improved the concentration of anthocyanins, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, crude protein and carbohydrates contents in radish root than single treatment. Similar trends were noted in photosynthesis rate, water use efficiency and values of Zn and Fe contents. In addition, health risk index for Zn and Fe were less than 1, which indicated to red radish plants supplied with ZnO and FeO GNPs were free of risks on human health. It was concluded that combination between chicken manure and ZnO + FeO GNPs can be considered as appropriate strategy for improving yield and nutritional status of red radish.

Profitable prospective of rocket plant is progressively growing recently. Hence an experiment was conducted in open field to evaluate the effect of chicken manure, nano iron (Fe), nano zinc (Zn) and combination of them on morphological, fresh weight and seed yield, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, water use efficiency and chemicals constituents represented in macro and micro elements, plant pigments, total phenolics, total carbohydrate, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, crude protein, total fatty acids, indole acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) hormones, oil seed yield and methylthiobutyl- isothiocyanate as main sulphur content in essential oil of Eruca sativa Mill. compared to chemical fertilisers (NPK) as control. Results revealed that, nano Fe and Zn treatments either alone or in combination with manure had the upper hand, where significantly increased almost all parameters under study in comparison with control. The outcomes of present research gave emphasis to global warning about pollution of chemical fertilisers and safety production.

An experimental field was carried out to study the effect of soil bio-fertilizers (biochar and vermicompost) and foliar application of some potassium sources (K-nano, K-nitrate, K-sulfate, K-chloride, K-humate, and K-silicate) on the growth, flowering, bulbs production, leaf minerals content, and some bulb active ingredients of Narcissus tazetta L. cv. cheerfulness bulbs, during two successive seasons (2019–2020 and 2020–2021). The results showed that foliar application of different potassium sources and soil treated by bio-fertilizers significantly affected growth, flowering, and bulb production compared to control. The highest values of vegetative growth, flowers, and bulbs quality (plants height, large leaves, leaves number/ plant, leaves fresh and dry weights, vase life, bulbs yield, and root length), as well as total chlorophylls, carbohydrates content of leaves, and mineral content of bulbs were obtained when plants sprayed by K-nano or K-humate and soil treated by vermicompost. Also, the higher values of active ingredients in bulbs, especially total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were recorded when plants were sprayed with K-chloride. So, it can be concluded that foliar application of K-nano or K-humate and soil treated by vermicompost can be used as a partial substitution of the recommended soil amended for increasing nutrient uptake and thus stimulating growth, flowering, and bulbs yield of N. tazetta. In addition, vermicompost combined with K-nano or K-humate can be used to enhance the agronomic performance and bestow resilience and sustainability to plant production by sustaining soil biological activity and it is recommended as eco-friendly management in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out for two seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22) to examine the effects of various natural extracts individually or in combination on the drought resistance of Iris tingitana cv. Wedgewood. A mixture of sand and clay (1:1 v/v) was prepared as a growth media. The treatments were (0, 25, and 50 % water drought) with liquid active biostimulants (garlic and seaweed) five times intervals after two weeks from bulb germination. The results revealed that plants at different soil moisture with various biostimulants succeeded in producing flowers of the best quality. Water drought at 25% also increased chlorophyll (a & b) and carotenoids in leaves, while drought at 0% recorded the highest increase in gibberellic acid (GA3). At 25%, vegetative growth and flower parameters were at their highest levels (GA3). Moreover, water drought at 50 % increased abscisic acid (ABA), proline, and catalase. Additionally, increases in vegetative growth, the number of leaves, flower parameters, chlorophyll (a & b), and carotenoids in leaves were noted as a result of applying seaweed extract at a concentration of 10 mL L-1; however, the best results for gibberellic acid were obtained using the highest concentration of garlic extract (500 mL L-1). The interactions between treatments indicated the superiority of growing bulbs at 25 % water drought with applying seaweed extracted at 10 mL L-1 that improved vegetative growth and most of the flower parameters. Meanwhile, treating plants at 25 % water drought with either seaweed at 5 mL L-1 or garlic extract at 500 mL L-1 realized the highest chlorophyll (a & b), carotenoids, and gibberellic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was carried out to determine the effect of biochar loaded with either inorganic nitrogen or beneficial microorganism strains (individual and in combination) on biochemical composition and nutritional values of stevia plants (Stevia rebaudiana) grown in sandy soil for two continuous seasons (2018–2019) compared with commercial chemical NPK fertilizers (control). Growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and leaf area index), besides chemical constituents symbolized in (total chlorophylls, ash, protein, fiber, total carbohydrates, essential and non-essential amino acids, mineral nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Fe and Zn), stevioside, fatty acids and vitamins) were recorded at 60, 90 and 120 days after transplanting. The obtained results in response to the different treatments of biochar and microorganism strains indicated that biochemical ingredients and nutritional values of stevia plants were boosted in comparison to control plants. Hence the application of biochar loaded with beneficial microorganisms as organic and biofertilizers can improve plant growth, enhance plant biochemical components, and ensure safety and sustainable production particularly in new reclaimed areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present exploration aspired to produce biochar from rice husk basic nano particles using slow pyrolysis technique. The physio-chemical characteristics, phases and surface morphology of biochar were studied by different visual techniques. The obtained result confirmed that rice husk derive biochar is considered as a novel carrier of nano nutrients and advantageous microorganisms. The recorded values of mean radius, nearest distance between particles, perimeter of particles, the surface area of biochar basic nano particles, cation and anion exchange capacity were examined. The image of surface topography showed that biochar enrich by nano-particles with "sponge" shaped structures and nano-particles were imbedded into macro, meso, and micro pores of biochar. The spacemen atoms of pure elements composition of biochar followed the descending order of oxygen > silicon > sodium > potassium > carbon > magnesium > calcium > alumina. The stability and fertility of biochar basic nano particles might be used as safety soil amendment, climate changes mitigation, source of fertilizer and eco-friendly. The determined conductivity of the prepared biochar is found in the range of semiconductors which make it suitable and promising material to be used as filler in polymer composites and nano composites for many electric and electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To show the benefits of organic agriculture, safe and sustainable production, the present research was performed in an open field (new reclaimed area of desert) of Wadi El-Notron, Beheira Governorate, Egypt, for two successive years (2013 and 2014) aimed at a better understanding and to investigate the role of alternative source of chemical fertilisers represented by humic substances, natural nano-zeolite-loaded nitrogen and biofertilisers (HNB) on yield, morphological, leaf and seed anatomy, chemical compositions reflected in macro and micro nutrients, indigenous hormones, plant pigments, total carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, thiamine, total phenolics, total flavonoids, total fatty acids, oil yield and constituents of caraway (Carum carvi L.) plants. Our results revealed that plants receiving a combination treatment (HNB) recorded significant increases over control in both growing seasons. Moreover, economic evaluation reflects the profound influence of combination treatment (HNB) that realized the maximum gross income and minimum production cost. These findings emphasize the magnitude of the role of natural soil additions and organic fertilisers in mitigating environmental pollution while providing safe production and also minimizing total costs of chemical fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress is a severe environmental stress that affects plant growth and productivity of potato, a strategic crop moderately sensitive to saline soils. Limited studies are available on the use of combined nano-micronutrients to ameliorate salinity stress in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.). Two open field experiments were conducted in salt-affected sandy soil to investigate plant growth, physiology, and yield of potato in response to soil salinity stress under single or combined application of Zn, B, Si, and Zeolite nanoparticles. It was hypothesized that soil application of nanoparticles enhanced plant growth and yield by alleviating the adverse impact of soil salinity. In general, all the nano-treatments applications significantly increased plant height, shoot dry weight, number of stems per plant, leaf relative water content, leaf photosynthetic rate, leaf stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and tuber yield, as compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, soil application of these treatments increased the concentration of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Zn, and B) in plant tissues, leaf proline, and leaf gibberellic acid hormone (GA3) in addition to contents of protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidant enzymes (polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in tubers. Compared to other treatments, the combined application of nanoparticles showed the highest plant growth, physiological parameters, endogenous elements (N, P, K, Ca, Zn, and B) and the lowest concentration of leaf abscisic acid (ABA) and transpiration rate. The present findings suggest that soil addition of the aforementioned nanoparticles can be a promising approach to improving crop productivity in salt-affected soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar application of micronutrients has become a common farm management practice to increase the overall yield of various crops. However, the effects of foliar fertilization on shelf life and postharvest quality of the crops are rather under-researched. The aim of this field experiment was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of individual mineral nutrients (calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) on pre and postharvest quality of broccoli. The broccoli plants were subjected to single foliar sprays of either Ca, Fe, Zn, or Mn, which was repeated four times during plant growth at a 1 g/kg concentration. Once harvested, the broccoli heads were refrigerated at 4 °C for 28 days. Our results indicated that foliar application of Ca, Zn, Mn, and Fe did not have a significant effect on plant growth parameters, apart from enhancing Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter values. However, during postharvest, foliar application treatment showed a positive response on weight loss during storage and reduction in yellowing of the broccoli heads. Foliar treatments increased the concentration of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Ca, Zn, Mn and Fe significantly in the broccoli head tissue. Total chlorophyll content, total phenolic compound, ascorbic acid, peroxidase activity, glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin and flavonoids were significantly increased by all foliar treatments. Crude protein content and sulforaphane were enhanced by Ca and Mn treatments. Overall, foliar application of the investigated mineral nutrients may prove beneficial in improving the shelf-life and nutrient content of broccoli during postharvest handling and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]