Zn-Se nanocomposites and biochar amendments synergistically improved morpho-physiological, biochemical, and oil parameters of Glycine max, revealed by in-vitro analysis and GC-MS profiling

This study is conducted to check the synergistic impact of Zn-Se nanocomposites and biochar amendments on plant overall growth biomarkers . This study is the first to integrate plant-mediated Zn–Se nanocomposites with biochar amendments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of soybean growth, physiology, antioxidant responses, and oil quality. The findings offer new insights into sustainable nanotechnology–biochar strategies for improving both crop performance and seed oil traits. Zn-Se nanocomposites were synthesized by using garlic extract and precursor salt, while biochar was synthesized from sugarcane bagasse. Different concentrations of Zn-Se nanocomposites were applied to Glycine max, and morpho-physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant analyses were carried out on the leaf samples at maturity, while metabolomics analysis of seed samples was carried out by GC-MS analysis. There was a significant rise in antioxidant capacities, such as a 396% increase in SOD, 145% in POD, 78% in CAT, 102% in MDA, 104% in APX, and 108% in GPX enzyme. The proximate analysis demonstrated that BC and ZnO-Se NCs greatly improved the nutritional value of soybean, especially in the oil, with a 22.09% increase in T6 (40 ppm ZnO-Se NCs) and protein, with an increase of 42.84% in T2 (Biochar). From GC-MS, it was identified that the increase in bioactive compounds such as Oleic acid, Octadec-9-enoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, and other metabolites. The study concluded that biochar and 40 ppm ZnO-Se NCs have an excellent potential to be utilized for crop improvement with improved quality and amount of oil and protein • Biochar and ZnO-Se NCs work synergistically, improving plant production, oil yield and lipid profile • Biochar and ZnO-Se NCs enhanced plant growth and development and led to improving crop yield • Significant increase in antioxidant defense enzymes were noted in plants treated with Biochar and 40 ppm of ZnO-Se NCs • GCMS analysis showed a significant increase in Oleic acid, Octadec-9-enoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid in plants treated with biochar and 40 ppm of ZnO-Se NCs