Enhancing Crop Nutrient Use Efficiency for Sustainable Agriculture
Received: 03-Nov-2025 / Manuscript No. jpgb-25 / Editor assigned: 05-Nov-2025 / PreQC No. jpgb-25(QC) / Reviewed: 19-Nov-2025 / QC No. jpgb-25 / Revised: 24-Nov-2025 / Manuscript No. jpgb-25(R) / Published Date: 28-Nov-2025 DOI: 10.4172/jpgb.1000300
Abstract
Enhancing nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) in crops is vital for sustainable agriculture, aiming to maximize yield with minimal nutrient input. This research synthesizes studies on genetic and agronomic strategies, focusing on nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrient utilization. Key areas explored include plant physiology, genetics, soil-plant interactions, microbiome influence, and precision agriculture. Investigated approaches involve advanced breeding techniques, optimized nutrient management, and the development of bio-fertilizers. Studies examine NUE in various crops like cereals, legumes, rice, wheat, and soybean. Understanding nutrient remobilization and soil property impacts further contributes to improving crop productivity and reducing environmental pollution. These efforts are crucial for global food security and resilient agricultural systems.
Keywords: Nutrient Use Efficiency; Sustainable Agriculture; Crop Yield; Genetic Improvement; Agronomic Practices; Soil Microbiome; Precision Agriculture; Nutrient Management; Plant Physiology; Breeding Programs
Introduction
Enhancing nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) in crops is a paramount goal for achieving sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to maximize yield while minimizing nutrient inputs. This necessitates a deep understanding of plant physiological responses to nutrient availability, the identification of genetic variations that confer NUE traits, and the intricate soil-plant interactions involved. Strategies to achieve this include optimizing nutrient management practices, breeding crops for improved nutrient uptake and utilization, and developing innovative bio-fertilizers [1].
Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) continues to present a critical challenge in global food production systems. Extensive research indicates a complex interplay between plant genetics, the composition of soil microbial communities, and various environmental factors in determining overall NUE. Current investigations explore advanced breeding techniques and precision nitrogen management strategies designed to boost crop productivity while simultaneously mitigating environmental pollution associated with excessive nitrogen use [2].
Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, particularly in agricultural settings where soils exhibit low phosphorus availability. This paper delves into the genetic underpinnings of phosphorus acquisition and utilization in legume species, with a specific focus on root architecture and modifications within the rhizosphere. A thorough understanding of these mechanisms holds significant promise for the development of crop varieties that are more phosphorus-efficient [3].
Improving both water and nutrient use efficiency (WNUE) is vital for the sustainability of agricultural systems, especially in regions facing water scarcity. This research systematically examines the physiological and molecular responses of rice plants subjected to combined water and nutrient stress. The identification of crop genotypes possessing superior WNUE traits represents a promising avenue for enhancing crop resilience and overall productivity in challenging environments [4].
Micronutrient use efficiency (MUE) is indispensable for maintaining plant health and achieving optimal crop yields, as deficiencies in essential micronutrients can severely impede growth. This study concentrates on strategies to enhance zinc and iron use efficiency in wheat through the application of marker-assisted selection and appropriate soil amendments. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic architecture governing MUE is a prerequisite for developing biofortified crop varieties with improved nutritional value [5].
The soil microbiome exerts a significant influence on nutrient availability to plants and their subsequent uptake, thereby impacting nutrient-use efficiency. This paper investigates the effects of inoculating crops with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the acquisition of phosphorus and nitrogen in maize. The strategic manipulation of these soil-plant-microbe interactions offers a sustainable pathway toward improving overall NUE in agricultural systems [6].
Precision agriculture techniques, which encompass the judicious use of sensors and the implementation of variable rate application technologies, are instrumental in optimizing nutrient delivery to crops and consequently improving nutrient-use efficiency. This study rigorously evaluates the efficacy of site-specific nutrient management practices in enhancing crop yield and minimizing fertilizer wastage in soybean cultivation, highlighting its practical applications [7].
Genetic modification and sophisticated breeding programs are fundamental to the development of crop varieties exhibiting enhanced nutrient-use efficiency. This research investigates the identification and introgression of specific genes associated with nitrogen uptake and assimilation in rice. Such scientific advancements are critically important for ensuring the sustainability and long-term viability of rice production systems worldwide [8].
Comprehending the complex physiological and biochemical pathways governing nutrient remobilization within plants is a key factor in improving overall nutrient-use efficiency. This study undertakes an in-depth investigation into the remobilization of nitrogen and phosphorus during the grain-filling stage in wheat, aiming to identify critical enzymes and genetic regulators involved in these processes [9].
The intricate interaction between soil properties and a plant's ability to take up nutrients significantly influences its nutrient-use efficiency. This paper examines how fundamental soil characteristics, such as pH, organic matter content, and microbial activity, affect the availability and uptake of essential macro- and micronutrients in crops cultivated in Bangladesh. Tailoring agricultural management practices to specific soil conditions is therefore crucial for achieving optimal NUE [10].
Description
The quest to enhance nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) in agricultural crops is a central tenet of sustainable farming, aiming to maximize crop yields with minimal nutrient inputs. This involves a multifaceted approach encompassing the understanding of plant physiological responses to nutrient availability, the characterization of genetic variations conferring NUE traits, and the analysis of complex soil-plant interactions. Key strategies being explored include the optimization of nutrient management practices, targeted breeding programs for improved nutrient uptake and utilization, and the development of novel bio-fertilizers to supplement nutrient availability [1].
Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains a persistent and significant challenge in the context of global food security and production. Current research underscores the intricate relationship between plant genetics, the diversity and function of soil microbial communities, and a myriad of environmental factors that collectively dictate NUE. This study specifically investigates the application of advanced breeding methodologies and precision nitrogen management techniques as means to elevate crop productivity while simultaneously mitigating the environmental repercussions associated with excessive nitrogen fertilization [2].
Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) is recognized as a critical factor for ensuring robust plant growth and successful development, particularly in soils characterized by limited phosphorus availability. This paper presents an investigation into the genetic basis that governs phosphorus acquisition and utilization within legume species. The research emphasizes the importance of root architecture and the manipulation of the rhizosphere environment. Insights gained from understanding these genetic mechanisms can pave the way for the development of crop varieties that are inherently more efficient in their phosphorus utilization [3].
Improving both water and nutrient use efficiency (WNUE) is of paramount importance for the sustainability of agricultural systems, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where water resources are scarce. This research undertakes a detailed examination of the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which rice plants respond to the combined stresses of water and nutrient limitation. The identification and selection of genotypes that exhibit superior WNUE traits offer a highly promising strategy for enhancing the resilience and productivity of crops in these challenging environments [4].
Micronutrient use efficiency (MUE) is a vital determinant of plant health and overall crop yield, as deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as zinc and iron can significantly constrain plant growth. This particular study is focused on enhancing the efficiency of zinc and iron utilization in wheat. The research employs marker-assisted selection and evaluates the impact of various soil amendments. A profound understanding of the genetic architecture underlying MUE is essential for the successful development of biofortified crop varieties that can contribute to improved human nutrition [5].
The soil microbiome plays a pivotal role in regulating nutrient availability and influencing nutrient uptake by plants, thereby directly impacting nutrient-use efficiency. This paper explores the effects of inoculating agricultural crops with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the acquisition of phosphorus and nitrogen in maize. The deliberate manipulation of these complex soil-plant-microbe interactions is presented as a sustainable and effective pathway for augmenting overall NUE in agricultural production systems [6].
Precision agriculture techniques, including the strategic deployment of sensors for real-time monitoring and the application of variable rate technologies for precise nutrient delivery, are indispensable tools for optimizing nutrient management and significantly improving nutrient-use efficiency. This study provides a rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of site-specific nutrient management strategies in enhancing crop yield and curtailing fertilizer wastage within soybean cultivation, demonstrating its practical utility in modern agriculture [7].
Genetic modification and advanced breeding programs are indispensable components in the development of crop varieties that possess demonstrably enhanced nutrient-use efficiency. This research focuses on the identification and subsequent introgression of specific genes that are critically involved in nitrogen uptake and assimilation processes in rice. Progress in these areas is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and enhancing the productivity of rice cultivation on a global scale [8].
A comprehensive understanding of the intricate physiological and biochemical pathways that govern nutrient remobilization within plant tissues is fundamental to achieving improvements in overall nutrient-use efficiency. This study delves into the remobilization dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus during the crucial grain-filling period in wheat. By identifying key enzymes and genetic regulators involved in these processes, the research aims to provide insights that can be leveraged for crop improvement [9].
The complex interplay between soil physicochemical properties and a plant's capacity for nutrient uptake is a major determinant of nutrient-use efficiency. This paper investigates how key soil parameters, including pH, organic matter content, and microbial activity, influence the availability and subsequent uptake of essential macro- and micronutrients in various crops grown in Bangladesh. The findings highlight the critical importance of tailoring agricultural management practices to specific local soil conditions to achieve optimal NUE outcomes [10].
Conclusion
This collection of research papers addresses the critical issue of nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) in crops, essential for sustainable agriculture. Studies explore genetic and agronomic strategies to enhance NUE, focusing on specific nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients. Research highlights the role of plant physiology, genetics, soil microbiome, and precision agriculture techniques in improving NUE. Specific investigations examine nitrogen use efficiency in cereals [2], phosphorus use efficiency in legumes [3], integrated water and nutrient use efficiency in rice [4], micronutrient use efficiency in wheat [5], and the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on NUE in maize [6].
Precision nutrient management for soybean [7] and genomic approaches for nitrogen use efficiency in rice [8] are also discussed. Additionally, the importance of nutrient remobilization in wheat [9] and the influence of soil properties on nutrient uptake [10] are investigated. Enhancing NUE is crucial for maximizing crop yields, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring food security.
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Citation: Rahman DA (2025) Enhancing Crop Nutrient Use Efficiency for Sustainable Agriculture. J Plant Genet Breed 09: 300. DOI: 10.4172/jpgb.1000300
Copyright: © 2025 Dr. Abdul Rahman This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
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