Definition of Abiotic Stress in Agriculture
Abiotic stress in agriculture refers to the adverse effects on crop growth, development, and productivity caused by non-living environmental factors (Cramer et al., 2011). These factors include drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, nutrient deficiency, and heavy metal toxicity (Fahad et al., 2017). Abiotic stresses pose significant challenges to agricultural production worldwide, leading to reduced crop yields and quality (Gupta et al., 2020). As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of abiotic stresses are expected to increase, further exacerbating the impact on global food security (IPCC, 2014).
Impact of Abiotic Stress on Crop Productivity
Abiotic stresses significantly reduce crop productivity, leading to substantial yield losses and economic repercussions for farmers and the agricultural sector (Mantri et al., 2012). Drought stress can cause wilting, leaf senescence, and decreased photosynthetic efficiency, leading to inhibited growth and reduced agricultural production (Farooq et al., 2009). Salinity stress can impair plant water uptake, produce ionic toxicity, and interfere with nutrient absorption, ultimately resulting in decreased growth and productivity (Munns & Tester, 2008). Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can harm crop tissues, disturb physiological functions, and have adverse effects on crop quality and yield (Hasanuzzaman et al., 2013). Nutrient deficiency stress in crops arises from the absence of vital elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, resulting in stunted growth, decreased photosynthesis, and diminished yields (Marschner, 2012). Heavy metal toxicity stress, resulting from the buildup of metals like cadmium, lead, or arsenic in the soil, can disrupt plant metabolism, induce oxidative harm, and diminish agricultural yield (Rizwan et al., 2016). The combined impact of these non-living stresses can lead to significant reductions in agricultural production, anywhere from 10% to 90%. The extent of the losses depends on the kind of crop, the intensity and duration of the stress, and the growth stage of the crop (Mantri et al., 2012; Fahad et al., 2017). Nutrient deficiency stress occurs when crops lack essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, leading to impaired growth, reduced photosynthesis, and lower yields (Marschner, 2012). Heavy metal toxicity stress, caused by the accumulation of metals such as cadmium, lead, or arsenic in the soil, can interfere with plant metabolism, cause oxidative damage, and reduce crop productivity (Rizwan et al., 2016). The cumulative effect of these abiotic stresses can result in substantial yield losses, ranging from 10% to 90% depending on the crop species, the severity and duration of the stress, and the stage of crop development (Mantri et al., 2012; Fahad et al., 2017).