Silicon nanoparticles enhance maize yield and water productivity via regulating photosynthesis and canopy structure under mild regulated deficit irrigation

The findings demonstrate that SiNPs improve maize productivity and water use efficiency under both full and deficit irrigation by coordinately enhancing photosynthetic performance and optimizing canopy light interception. The results provide physiological insights into how SiNPs alleviate drought-related limitations in maize. These findings offer important theoretical insights and a practical strategy for employing SiNPs as a sustainable crop enhancer under water-limited conditions.