Impact of nano-enabled multi-strain biofertilizer on crop productivity and soil health in Karst Agroforestry Systems of Vang Vieng, Laos PDR

A field trial was conducted in Vang Vieng, Laos PDR, to evaluate a novel nano-enabled biofertilizer’s impact on crop growth, yield, and soil health within karst agroecosystems. The biofertilizer system integrated seven beneficial microorganisms, encapsulated in a chitosan-based nanocarrier enriched with molybdenum (2.00 ppm) and silicon (150.00 ppm), to enhance nutrient delivery and microbial viability. The study assessed its efficacy on banana (Musa acuminata ‘Nam Wa’), cassava (Manihot esculenta ‘Lao Red’), and local herbs at application rates of 0, 8, 15, and 25 L/ha. Results demonstrated significant crop yield improvements, with banana and cassava yields increasing by 33.3% (22.4 kg/plant) and 42.5% (32.5 t/ha), respectively. Soil health indicators, such as organic matter content and beneficial microbial populations, improved by 916%. Nutrient availability saw marked increases in phosphorus (82.4%) and potassium (37.9%). Economic analysis revealed favorable cost-benefit ratios ranging from 1:2.8 to 1:3.2, driven by enhanced crop quality and market premiums. This study underscores the potential of nano-biofertilizer technology in addressing nutrient limitations and improving crop productivity sustainably in challenging karst agroforestry systems. It highlights the scalability and adaptability of this approach for broader implementation in similar Southeast Asian contexts, emphasizing its role in supporting sustainable agricultural intensification and ecological conservation. The findings contribute to advancing precision agriculture solutions tailored to complex agroecosystems.