Application of selenium-engineered nanomaterials to paddy soil promote rice production by improving soil health

Abstract Enhancing sustainable rice production is crucial for global food security. Here we demonstrate that 0.1 mg kg‒1selenium-engineered nanomaterials promote rice (Oryza sativa L.) tillering and yield by optimizing the rhizosphere microbial community, improving nitrogen use efficiency, and modul...

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Main Authors: Chuanxi Wang, Bingxu Cheng, Jing Li, Xiaona Li, Yanfang Feng, Melanie Kah, Le Yue, Xuesong Cao, Zhanxi Fan, Yahui Ji, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-06-01
Series:Communications Earth & Environment
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02412-z
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Summary:Abstract Enhancing sustainable rice production is crucial for global food security. Here we demonstrate that 0.1 mg kg‒1selenium-engineered nanomaterials promote rice (Oryza sativa L.) tillering and yield by optimizing the rhizosphere microbial community, improving nitrogen use efficiency, and modulating plant hormones and growth-related genes. Using pot experiments with five different soils and field trials in China, we found that soil organic carbon strongly influences nanomaterial effectiveness. Field results demonstrated a 10.7% yield increase and a 309.8% rise in grain selenium concentration, with no adverse effects on soil quality. Predictive modeling calculated that selenium-enhanced agriculture could increase profits by +$231.5 ha−1, reduce CO2 emissions by 1.12 Tons ha−1, and produce selenium-rich grains ( ~ 20 μg·100 g−1) to address dietary deficiencies. Our findings highlight the potential of selenium nanomaterials to sustainably boost rice production, urging further research across diverse ecosystems to optimize their agricultural and environmental benefits.
ISSN:2662-4435