Silicon Nanoparticles Alter Soybean Physiology and Improve Nitrogen Fixation Potential Under Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The interactive effects between nano-silicon dioxide (<i>n</i>-SiO₂) and elevated CO₂ (eCO₂; 645 ppm) on soybean physiology, nitrogen fixation, and nutrient dynamics under climate stress remain underexplored. This study elucidates their combined effects under ambient (aCO₂; 410 ppm) and eCO₂ conditions. eCO₂ + <i>n</i>-SiO₂ synergistically enhanced shoot length (30%), total chlorophyll (112.15%), and photosynthetic rate (103.23%), alongside improved stomatal conductance and intercellular CO₂ (17.19%), optimizing carbon assimilation. Nodulation efficiency increased, with nodule number and biomass rising by 48.3% and 53.6%, respectively, under eCO₂ + <i>n</i>-SiO₂ versus aCO₂. N-assimilation enzymes (nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase) surged by 38.5-52.1%, enhancing nitrogen metabolism. Concurrently, phytohormones (16-21%) and antioxidant activities (15-22%) increased, reducing oxidative markers (18-22%), and bolstering stress resilience. Nutrient homeostasis improved, with P, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn elevating in roots (13-41%) and shoots (13-17%), except shoot Fe and Zn. These findings demonstrate that <i>n</i>-SiO₂ potentiates eCO₂-driven benefits, amplifying photosynthetic efficiency, nitrogen fixation, and stress adaptation through enhanced biochemical and nutrient regulation. This synergy underscores <i>n</i>-SiO₂ role in optimizing crop performance under future CO₂-rich climates, advocating nano-fertilizers as sustainable tools for climate-resilient agriculture.