Drip irrigation-mediated application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and Bacillus subtilis improves maize salt tolerance in saline agricultural ecosystems

Soil salinization impairs fertility and reduces crop productivity across more than 6 % of the world’s arable land. Traditional remediation approaches, like chemical amendments, are often costly and involve ecological compromises. This study investigates an innovative nano-bio strategy that integrates multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with Bacillus subtilis ( B. subtilis ) under drip irrigation to boost maize tolerance in saline environments. Germination tests and field studies were conducted in soils treated with 50 mM NaCl. The results from four comparative treatments revealed that MWCNTs markedly improved seed germination (achieving 52 % by day two versus 24 % in controls) and enhanced root elongation by 52.36 %. These effects were linked to the upregulation of key ion transporters ( ZmSKOR ). Furthermore, MWCNTs application enhanced the expression of aquaporin genes ZmPIP1;1 and ZmPIP2;1 . Although B. subtilis alone had a minimal impact on germination, its combination with MWCNTs fostered stronger soil-microbe-nanomaterial interactions under drip irrigation. This synergy increased maize yield by 20.6 %, raised the 1000-grain weight by 3.08 %, lowered the leaf Na⁺/K⁺ ratio by 19.93 %, and improved antioxidant defense mechanisms, such as a 10.44 % rise in SOD activity. Importantly, while MWCNTs alone decreased soil nitrogen in non-saline conditions, adding B. subtilis helped rebalance nutrients, an effect that was reinforced by the uniform distribution provided by drip irrigation. The mechanism involves improved nutrient assimilation, better stomatal control, and reduced reactive oxygen species under salt stress. These findings indicate that the MWCNTs and B. subtilis act synergistically with drip irrigation via molecular soil-root interactions to mitigate salt toxicity. This integrated approach, which combines nanotechnology, microbiome engineering, and water-efficient irrigation, offers a sustainable and effective solution for reclaiming saline soils and advancing stress-resistant agriculture. • The application of drip irrigation-assisted MWCNTs and B. subtilis increased corn’s yield by 20.6 %. • Drip irrigation combined with B. subtilis can restore the nitrogen reduction caused by MWCNTs. • MWCNTs enhance maize seed germination in saline soil by 52 % on Day 2. • Co-application of MWCNTs and B. subtilis boosts soil water retention and ion balance. • Soil antioxidant activity increases, mitigating salinity-induced oxidative stress.