# Nanotechnology strategies for enhancing productivity, sulphur use efficiency and soil fertility in groundnut-mustard cropping systems

## TL;DR

This study shows that using sulfur nanoparticles improves crop yields and soil health in groundnut-mustard systems more effectively than traditional sulfur fertilizers.

## Contribution

The study introduces optimized sulfur nanoparticle application rates for sustainable crop productivity and soil fertility in a groundnut-mustard system.

## Key findings

- Split application of SNPs at 3.0 mg S/kg soil improved chlorophyll, yield, and nutrient content in plants.
- Soil sulfur fractions and extractable micronutrients were highest with 4.0 mg S/kg soil SNP application.
- SNPs outperformed conventional sulfur in enhancing sulfur use efficiency and sustainability.

## Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sulfur application, particularly sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), on yield, nutrient content, uptake, and soil sulfur dynamics in a groundnut-mustard cropping system. Two year (2021–2022) study was conducted at Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, India. Eleven treatments of SNPs and elemental sulfur were applied via fertigation, and their effects on groundnut-mustard cropping system performance and soil properties were analyzed. The highest chlorophyll content, seed, haulm, and stover yield, as well as increased sulfur, iron, zinc, manganese, and copper content in plant parts, were observed under recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + SNPs at 3.0 mg S/kg soil (split application: half at sowing, half at 1 month after sowing). Sulfur fractions and Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid extractable micronutrients were highest at RDF + SNPs at 4.0 mg S/kg soil, split similarly. The lowest values were recorded under control treatment. The optimized application of SNPs significantly improved yield, nutrient uptake, and sulfur use efficiency in the groundnut-mustard system, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional sulfur fertilizers. RDF + SNPs at 3.0 mg S/kg soil in a split dose is recommended as an optimum sulfur management strategy under controlled conditions. This approach supports sustainable agricultural practices and efficient nutrient management, ensuring long-term soil health and productivity.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-33174-5.