## 1 Introduction  
Agriculture is a cornerstone of economic development and a critical component in ensuring global food security [1]. The use of agricultural fertilizers is fundamental in preserving soil fertility, promoting plant growth, and enhancing overall agricultural productivity [2, 3, 4]. However, the widespread use of inorganic chemical fertilizers has led to significant environmental issues, such as the depletion of soil organic matter and the degradation of soil quality [5, 6, 7]. Continuous and extensive application of these fertilizers disrupts the natural nutrient balance in the soil, leading to the accumulation of harmful chemicals in the environment. A significant consequence is water pollution, where runoff and discharge into aquatic ecosystems lead to excess nutrient loads, particularly nitrates [8, 9, 10]. High nitrate levels in drinking water pose serious health risks, including methemoglobin and increased cancer risks in humans and animals [11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16]. To address these concerns, modern agriculture must adopt more efficient and environmentally friendly fertilizers. Advanced technologies, like Plasma-Activated Water (PAW), and organic alternatives, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining long-term agricultural productivity and improving soil quality [17, 18, 19]. These technologies also promote sustainable farming practices by enhancing nutrient use efficiency and minimizing adverse environmental effects such as nutrient runoff and soil degradation. Nutrient management techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and the use of organic fertilizers play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture. These methods maintain soil health by enhancing organic matter, promoting beneficial microbial activity, and reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers. For example, nitrogen-fixing microbes naturally convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, decreasing reliance on energy-intensive synthetic fertilizers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions [20; 21; 22]. However, these strategies require careful planning and adaptation to local conditions. Moreover, despite their benefits, certain nutrient management techniques have limitations. Cover cropping may require increased water and management resources, while organic fertilizers may not meet the nutrient demands of crops during critical growth periods, potentially leading to yield reductions [23; 24]. In addition, Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRFs), designed to release nutrients gradually, offer a solution to ensure a steady supply of nutrients during vital growth stages. However, they may not always perfectly align with a plant's nutritional needs, potentially resulting in nutrient deficiencies or limited yield improvements. Furthermore, some organic fertilizers can emit methane and nitrous oxide, potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. In high-yield agricultural systems, the time investment and meticulous planning required further hinder the adoption of crop rotation and cover cropping [25; 26; 27]. On the other hand, Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) technology has emerged as a promising alternative due to its ability to generate reactive species that enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake while reducing reliance on conventional chemical fertilizers. Plasma treatment of water generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which, when properly managed, serve as beneficial signaling molecules in plant biology. These species stimulate seed germination, promote root development, and enhance crop resilience to stress [28; 29; 30; 31]. PAW can be easily integrated into agricultural systems via foliar spraying or drip irrigation, making it a versatile tool for enhancing crop yields and nutrient efficiency in both soil-based and hydroponic systems. In addition to promoting plant growth, PAW offers significant environmental benefits.