Abiotic stresses are important constraints limiting crop productivity worldwide. Salinity is one of the most devastating environmental factors restraining the production of crops. It is urgently needed to search for environmentally safe and sustainable approaches to mitigate the harmful effects of salinity on plants. Hence, applying vermicompost and low-dose aqueous extract of sorghum delivers a pragmatic solution to ameliorate the detrimental outcomes of salinity on maize seedlings (Zea mays L.). The experiment consisted of three factors, each at different levels, i.e., salinity (control, 6, and 12 dS m⁻¹), vermicompost (control, 5, and 10%), and sorghum water extract (control, 1, and 2%). Higher salt stress negatively influenced the morpho-physiological traits of maize. Nonetheless, applying vermicompost and sorghum water extract at 10% and 2%, respectively, increased tolerance against salinity. The application of 2% sorghum water extract and 10% vermicompost significantly improved morphological characteristics, chlorophyll contents, activities of antioxidant enzymes, leaf and root K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, and K⁺ contents. It decreased Na+ concentration, H₂O₂, and malondialdehyde contents at higher salinity levels. It can be concluded that soil-applied vermicompost and foliar-applied sorghum water extract mitigates the adverse impacts of salinity by activating the antioxidant defense system, improving chlorophyll contents, and reducing the accumulation of Na⁺ under salinity.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple and the most important food crop around the world. The growth and productivity of wheat are influenced by different factors, viz., sowing time, tillage system and nutrient application. The current field experiment consists of different boron (B) application rates, viz., B₀ = No application (Control), B₁ = soil applied (2 kg ha⁻¹), B₂ = foliar applied (2 kg ha⁻¹), B₃ = water spray; two tillage systems, viz., zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT); and three sowing dates (S₁ = 15 November; S₂ = 5 December and S₃ = 25 December). It was conducted during the years 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 under a split-split plot arrangement. The results showed that sowing dates and boron had beneficial impacts on the growth and productivity of wheat. The wheat crop sown on 15 November showed the highest plant height, chlorophyll contents, grains per spike, and grains’ boron content. Similarly, the application of boron under late sown conditions also improved the plant height (83.8 cm), chlorophyll contents (45.6), biological (5418 kg ha⁻¹) and grain (4018 kg ha⁻¹) yield as compared to control during both years. Furthermore, the higher crop growth and yield parameters were noted with the foliar application of boron at 2 kg ha⁻¹. However, wheat crop growth and yield characteristics were not significantly affected by tillage techniques, h. In conclusion, the application of boron @ 2 kg ha⁻¹ could be a suitable option for achieving higher wheat grain yield and productivity under late-sown conditions.

Nanomaterials play a vital role in advancing sustainable agriculture. Recognizing the role of nanomaterials in sustainable growth and educating stakeholders on their benefits is essential. Nanomaterials play a vital role in all aspects of agriculture including machinery, agronomic practices and sustainability. It can improve efficiency, reduce resource use and promote sustainable operations. With advances in nanotechnology, biosensors are now used for monitoring crop parameters and early detection of plant stress. Nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides are replacing conventional ones due to higher efficiency, effectiveness, and reduced environmental harm. They enhance crop yield compared to traditional fertilizers and control pests through nanopesticides. Nanomaterials are applied to machinery parts to reduce wear and withstand stress. Surfaces can be electroplated with nanomaterials to improve abrasion resistance. Nano additives in hydraulic, brake, transmission and engine oils reduce friction and maintain optimal thickness for smooth machinery operation. Nanomaterials are key to enhancing efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. Graphic abstract