Biostimulant and phosphorus nanofertilization strategies enhance yield performance and nutritional attributes of red cabbage

A sustainable fertilization strategy using biostimulants and nanofertilizers enhances leafy vegetable quality, reduces chemical fertilizer inputs, and promotes environmentally friendly agriculture, thereby contributing to long-term soil health and human well-being. This study aimed to assess the effects of biostimulants (BioS) and phosphorus nanofertilizers (PNPs) on the yield and nutritional profile of red cabbage plants. Treatments included three levels of BioS (0, 150, and 300 mg/L) and PNPs (0, 200, and 400 mg/L), applied individually and in combination. The study evaluated their influence on root traits, morphological characteristics, yield components, and nutritional quality. The combined application of BioS at 300 mg/L and PNPs at 200 mg/L resulted in the most significant improvements across most measured characteristics, followed by BioS at 300 mg/L alone. The control treatment consistently showed the lowest performance. The outcomes of this study contribute to the improvement of organic cultivation methods and support sustainable practices that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible in greenhouse vegetable production.