Next-Generation Agronomic Biofortification for Human Nutrition and Food Security

Micronutrient deficiencies, commonly known as “hidden hunger,” affect over two billion people worldwide and remain a significant challenge to global health, food security and sustainable development. Agronomic biofortification has emerged as a practical and cost-effective strategy to increase the concentration and bioavailability of essential micronutrients such as Zinc, Iron, Selenium and Iodine in edible crop parts through improved nutrient management. However, conventional biofortification approaches often face limitations due to spatial variability in soils, climate change, nutrient losses and inefficient fertilizer use. Recent advances in precision nutrient management, remote sensing and sensor-based diagnostics, nanotechnology, smart fertilizers and plant-microbe interactions offer unprecedented opportunities to optimize nutrient delivery and improve crop nutritional quality. Integrating these innovations can transform agronomic biofortification into a resilient and sustainable approach that simultaneously enhances human nutrition, agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to advance next-generation agronomic biofortification strategies that address global micronutrient malnutrition while supporting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. We seek to highlight innovative research integrating agronomy, soil science, plant nutrition, biotechnology and precision nutrient management, including data-driven and remote sensing approaches for monitoring soil and crop nutrient status, to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and scalability of biofortification interventions. Particular emphasis is placed on approaches that enhance nutrient uptake, translocation, bioavailability and nutrient use efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. The Research Topic also aims to explore the roles of nano-enabled fertilizers, biofertilizers, beneficial plant-microbe interactions and climate-smart nutrient management in developing resilient food production systems. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and translating scientific innovations into practical solutions, this collection will contribute to improving nutritional security, strengthening food systems and supporting global efforts toward Zero Hunger and sustainable agricultural development.This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, review papers, perspectives, methods and case studies that advance the science and application of agronomic biofortification. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:- precision nutrient management;- nano-fertilizers and smart fertilizers; - foliar nutrition; - soil-plant-microbe interactions; - remote sensing and sensor-based monitoring of crop nutrient status; - micronutrient dynamics in soils and crops; - nutrient bioavailability; - nutrient use efficiency; - climate-smart biofortification; - integrated nutrient management; - sustainable fertilizer technologies; - biochar and soil amendments; - crop quality improvement; and policy, - economic and adoption aspects of biofortificationInterdisciplinary studies combining agronomy, soil science, plant physiology, biotechnology and environmental sciences are particularly encouraged. Manuscripts demonstrating innovative approaches with clear implications for human nutrition, sustainable agriculture and food security are especially welcome. Topic editors: Hanuman Singh Jatav, Vishnu D. Rajput, Surendra Singh, Satish Kumar Singh Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84721/next-generation-agronomic-biofortification-for-human-nutrition-and-food-security