Effects of agave bagasse–derived CaCO₃ nanobiofertilizer on cucumber productivity and fruit quality

The increasing demand for agricultural products free from synthetic inputs has driven the development of sustainable strategies that enhance crop production, improve quality, and promote the reuse of agro-industrial residues. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a biofertilizer based on calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nano powder, synthesized via green methods using maguey (Agave spp.) residues, on the agronomic quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruits. The nanobiofertilizer was applied as a foliar spray at concentrations of 0 (control), 20, 30, and 40 mg L-¹. A completely randomized experimental design was used for the agronomic and production variables with three concentrations of CaCO3 and a control. For the post-harvest variables, a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of dates 1, 2 and 3 and three concentrations of CaCO3 and a control (3X4) was used for the post-harvest quality variables. The application of the treatments significantly improved key agronomic parameters compared to the control: plant height increased by 26%, stem diameter by 41%, fruit weight by 44%, and yield by 53%. Additionally, fruit firmness was enhanced by 49%, and calcium content in the fruits increased by 17%. These results support the use of soluble calcium sourced from valorized agave bagasse as a sustainable alternative for enhancing cucumber production.