iron-nutrition
Iron nutrition refers to the processes by which plants acquire, transport, and utilize iron, an essential micronutrient required for chlorophyll synthesis, electron transport, and enzymatic function. Despite iron's abundance in soil, it is often present in forms unavailable for plant uptake, making iron deficiency a widespread agricultural problem that leads to chlorosis and reduced crop yields. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of iron sensing, uptake strategies, and homeostasis is central to developing crops with improved nutritional efficiency and stress tolerance.
PubMed · 2026-03-23
Researchers developed a new iron-releasing nanomaterial made from iron sulfide and a natural clay mineral that helps soybeans absorb iron more effectively in alkaline soils, boosting plant growth and health.
The FeS-palygorskite nanohybrid significantly improved iron uptake and chlorophyll content in soybean plants grown in alkaline soil conditions
Treated soybeans showed enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating reduced oxidative stress and improved physiological performance
The nanohybrid's redox-modulating properties allowed controlled iron release, making iron more bioavailable compared to conventional iron fertilizers
