Vanadium (V) is a naturally occurring trace metal in the environment, with augmented emancipation mainly owing to industrial and mining activities, and has escalating issues with ecological and toxicological impacts. Although at low concentrations (\textless 2 mg/L), V can promote plant growth, at higher concentrations (≥ 2 mg/L), it exerts significant phytotoxic effects, comprising a 40% reduction in chlorophyll content and 30% inhibition of root elongation in various crop species. The environmental and biogeochemical behavior of V(V) is governed by redox potential, pH, organic matter, and mineral interplay, with V(V) accepted as the most versatile and lethal form. A primary mechanism of V toxicity is oxidative stress, which results from excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and disrupts cellular homeostasis in both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. There are critical information gaps, particularly regarding the establishment of reliable environmental quality standards, clarification of molecular mechanisms of V(V) detoxification and tolerance in organisms, and the feasibility of leveraging plant-based systems for V(V) phytoremediation. This review delineates the need for scientific studies to address these research gaps, underscoring the need for integrated biogeochemical and physiological studies to deepen our understanding of V(V) dynamics in soil–plant systems and to support effective environmental management strategies.