The morphological plasticity of plant roots is a key factor in their ability to tolerate a wide range of edaphic stresses. There are many unanswered questions relating to nanotechnology and its potential uses for sustainable agriculture. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of salinity-induced morphogenic responses and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on root characteristics, growth, MDA content, antioxidant enzymatic activity, and root ion accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted in a hydroponic culture containing 50 mg/L of ZnO-NPs and different concentrations (60, 80, and 100 mM) of NaCl for 14 days. The results indicated a decrease in rice root growth due to exposure to salinity (length, fresh, and root dry weight). The results showed that salinity caused a reduction in rice root growth (length, fresh, and root dry weight). Higher root sodium (Na⁺) accumulation, MDA content, and potassium level decreased with increasing salinity. Root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root K⁺ content, and root antioxidant enzymatic activity were all enhanced by applying 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs often in salinity. SEM analysis revealed that ZnO-NPs treatments significantly improved root morphology. There was a notable decrease in root Na⁺ content as a result, which improved the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in the rice’s root system. These findings suggest that O. sativa, when treated with ZnO-NPs, can thrive under salt-stress conditions, opening up the possibility of cultivating the plant in extreme climates.

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Crop Research Centre of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) application on growth and yield of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) in alkaline soil. The experiment consisted of 9 treatments, replicated thrice in randomized block design using rice variety ‘Pusa Basmati 1509’. The foliar application of ZnO-NPs increased the plant height by 17.9% at harvesting, number of tillers by 37.3%, dry-matter production by 15.1% and leaf-area index by 69.4% over soil application at 90 days after transplanting (DAT). Grain and straw yield also increased by 16.9% and 17.3%, respectively, compared with conventional fertilization of ZnSO4. Further, the foliar application of ZnO-NPs at the panicle and flowering stage was more effective with respect to the biological yield of rice and increased by 17.0% at harvesting stage. Hence foliar application of ZnO-NPs could be preferred for Zn fertilization in rice production than conventionally soil-applied sources.

A field experiment entitled effect of newly formulated micronutrient fertilizers on crop performance, economic and nutrients uptake of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was conducted during rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. The recommended doses of N, P and K were applied @ 120 N: 60 P2O5: 40 K2O kg/ha in combination with different micronutrients fertilizers of Zn, Mn and B. The pooled data of experiment revealed that the growth and yield attributes including yield were maximum in T11 (RDF+ soil application of Zn HEDP + MnSO4+ Colemanite) while the cost of cultivation was minimum in T12. The study consisting of different combination of micronutrients sources indicated that highest values of growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield (4.25 t/ha), straw yield (5.89 t/ha), net returns (54870 ₹/ha) and B:C ratio (2.12) were recorded with T11 (T1 +soil application of Zn HEDP + MnSO4+ Colemanite) followed by treatment T12 (T1 + foliar application of Zn HEDP + EDTA Mn + DOT). The uptake of zinc, manganese and boron was increased due to their application in combination with NPK either soil or foliar application. All the parameters including economics were minimum under T1. Appropriate combination of zinc, manganese and boron with recommended dose of primary nutrients for wheat crop was beneficial in every parameters including output.

Excessive conventional tillage can degrade important aspects of soil quality and health over time. Strategic tillage offers a focused solution to address priority soil limitations with minimal disturbance. This chapter reviews the current science on how strategic tillage affects key soil physical, chemical, and biological factors relevant to soil function and crop yields. In contrast, strategic tillage involves the targeted, occasional, and shallow use of tillage equipment to address specific observed soil constraints without general field disruption. Potential advantages of strategic tillage discussed include improved soil structure, increased infiltration and rooting depth, better incorporation of amendments, disruption of compaction, enhanced soil biological activity and carbon storage, increased nutrient availability, and improved crop yields. To minimize disturbance and maintain soil function, strategic tillage should be integrated with other conservation practices like cover crops and crop rotation. Criteria for selecting appropriate tillage equipment and practices based on crop, soil, and climate factors are explored. Ongoing site-specific evaluation and refinement of strategic tillage practices using crop yields and soil analysis is emphasized. Despite needing more research, strategic tillage shows promise as a precise soil management approach that maximizes productivity and resilience while balancing periodic focused tillage with principles of soil health.

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the global population, underscoring the importance of sustainably intensifying rice production systems to ensure food security. Conventional nutrient management practices often lead to inefficient nutrient use, environmental contamination, and soil degradation. This review synthesizes recent developments in next-generation nutrient management strategies designed to improve both rice productivity and soil quality. Specifically, it examines site-specific nutrient management, controlled-release fertilizers, integrated nutrient management, digital agriculture tools, microbial biofertilizers, and conservation agriculture practices. These approaches are evaluated for their potential to increase nitrogen use efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, enhance soil health, and sustain or boost yield potential. The review also addresses implementation challenges in various rice ecosystems and proposes a framework for context-specific adoption. Ultimately, it identifies future research priorities, emphasising the need for a comprehensive evaluation of these technologies across multiple growing seasons and diverse agroecological zones.