Response of soil oribatid mite assemblages to biogenic nano-chlorapatite synthesized from mollusca shell waste

A promising frontier for agricultural sustainability is provided by nano-fertilizers such as nano-chlorapatite (ClAp NPs). Using soil mite diversity as the main bioindicator under drought stress (30% field capacity), this study assessed the effects of biogenic ClAp NPs on soil health. UV–Vis, TEM, and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to characterize the sustainable synthesis of ClAp NPs from snail shells ( Pirenella conica ), confirming that the spherical nanoparticles had an average diameter of 22.59 ± 5.2 nm and a Zeta potential of − 35.39 ± 1.91 mV. The distribution of soil fauna and plant resilience were then examined by irrigating cowpea plants (Vigna unguiculata) with varying concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L). The results revealed that the ideal concentration (100 mg/L) greatly increased soil mite diversity and abundance, indicating increased phosphorus availability and biological fertility. The results also revealed that important soil characteristics, such as pH, moisture, EC, organic matter, available phosphorus, and total nitrogen, were greatly improved by ClAp NPs treatments. Additionally, by modifying antioxidant systems and oxidative stress biomarkers, ClAp NPs increase plant drought tolerance. On the other hand, the 200 mg/L dose demonstrated dose-dependent nanotoxicity by causing a dramatic decrease in mite abundance and degradation of soil quality. Strong relationships between soil fauna and environmental elements such as moisture, organic matter, and nutrient availability were found via Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). In conclusion, snail shell-derived ClAp NPs is a successful approach for sustainable agriculture if precise dosages are maintained to preserve soil mite diversity and guarantee ecological safety.