Non-nutritive metals, especially cadmium (Cd), are present in P fertilizers; the long-term application of these P fertilizers leads to Cd build-up in the soil. The current study aims to evaluate the impacts of P sources and rates on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and the bioavailability of Cd. Twelve treatments including rock phosphate 4 g kg⁻¹ (RP1); 8 g kg⁻¹ (RP2); 12 g kg⁻¹ (RP3)); single super phosphate 333 mg kg⁻¹ (SSP1); 444 mg kg⁻¹ (SSP2); 555 mg kg⁻¹ (SSP3); di-ammonium phosphate 130 mg kg⁻¹ (DAP1); 174 mg kg⁻¹ (DAP2); 218 mg kg⁻¹ (DAP3); mono-ammonium phosphate 115 mg kg⁻¹ (MAP1); 154 mg kg⁻¹ (MAP2); 193 mg kg⁻¹ (MAP3) in two soil textures (sandy and clayey) were assessed. Results revealed that all P sources significantly influenced the plant growth and yield characteristics of maize (p ≤ 0.05). In both soil textures, P in soil and plant, plant growth and yield characteristics were maximized by MAP and DAP. Cadmium build-up in soil and uptake was also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by P sources, levels, and soil texture. It was observed that Cd build-up in soil and uptake by plants boosted with increasing P levels. Maximum Cd concentration in plant root and shoot was found with SSP3, and its concentration in soil increased with MAP3, whereas the concentration was higher in sandy texture. The study concludes that type of P fertilizer should be determined based on texture and human consumption of the crop to avoid Cd toxicity.

Chemical fertilizers play an integral role in advancing food production to combat the increasing food challenges and ensure food security. Unfortunately, the overuse of these fertilizers has negatively influenced the soil and the environment. Considering this aspect, two pot experiments were performed to evaluate the efficacy of biostimulants in vegetable production systems. The first experiment compared the effects of chemical fertilizers (CF) with glycine (GL), aspartic acid (AA), lysine (LY), and vitamin B complex (VB). The plant’s physiological and morphological attributes and yield were studied. The results confirmed that VB has the potential to improve the rate of transpiration (26%), total chlorophyll content (27%), root diameter (213%), and dry matter (289%) compared with CF. In the second experiment, the effects of chemical fertilizers (CF) were compared with Isabion^® (I), 25% CF + GL + LY (B1), 25% CF + GL + AA (B2), and 25% CF + AA + LY (B3). Similar attributes were analyzed to identify the influence of the applied treatments on turnip production. The results demonstrated that B2 enhanced the rate of photosynthesis (963%), transpiration (254%), and stomatal conductance (76%). Moreover, B1 improved the plant’s fresh weight (6%) and moisture contents (4%) compared to CF. In conclusion, biostimulants (LY, VB, and B1) are capable of improving turnip performance and production compared to CF. Future studies must focus on the efficiency of biostimulants against the long-term application effects on soils, nutrient-use efficiency, and crop production. Furthermore, the mechanism of action needs to be addressed in the future.