Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110351
Nabila Mumtahina , Aya Matsuoka , Yusaku Uga , Hiroyuki Shimono , Maya Matsunami
Purpose
Optimizing root system architecture (RSA) through genetic selection and targeted fertilization strategies can improve nutrient efficiency and crop productivity. We investigated the contrasting RSA determined by two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs), DRO1 and qSOR1, which control root growth angle in rice, in the context of fertilization methods—broadcasting and local application—that differ markedly in nutrient distribution within the soil. Through this approach, we aimed to clarify how RSA related traits interact with fertilization strategies to enhance rice productivity in paddy field.
Methods
Field trials were conducted over two years (2022–2023) in Morioka and Takizawa, Japan, using lowland rice IR64 and its three introgression lines (ILs) differing in functional/unfunctional alleles of DRO1 and qSOR1. Compared to IR64, the ILs exhibit three distinct RSA: shallow (SHALLOW), deep (DEEP), and shallow + deep (DIMORPHIC). Fertilization treatments included Mix (NPK broadcasted and mixed into the soil) and Local (NPK embedded 10-cm deep). Grain yield, mineral uptake and root distribution were measured.
Results
Over the two-year trial period, the DEEP and DIMORPHIC lines consistently exhibited superior yields compared with IR64 and SHALLOW across fertilization regimes and experimental sites. The root surface area in the deeper soil layer (10–20 cm below the soil surface) was strongly correlated with grain yield. Local fertilization consistently resulted in higher yields and enhanced mineral uptake relative to Mix fertilization. Moreover, root proliferation was observed at fertilized position under the Local regime across all lines.
Conclusions
DRO1-mediated deep rooting enhanced mineral uptake and yield under flooded conditions. Local fertilization increased nutrient availability and stimulated root proliferation in nutrient-rich zones, thereby improving nutrient uptake. Together, these findings underscore the importance of integrating root architectural traits with fertilization strategies to maximize rice productivity and nutrient use efficiency, providing valuable insights for breeding resource-efficient varieties adapted to sustainable agricultural systems.
{"title":"Yield performance of rice with different root system architecture with combination of DRO1 and qSOR1 alleles under different fertilization regimes","authors":"Nabila Mumtahina , Aya Matsuoka , Yusaku Uga , Hiroyuki Shimono , Maya Matsunami","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110351","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110351","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Optimizing root system architecture (RSA) through genetic selection and targeted fertilization strategies can improve nutrient efficiency and crop productivity. We investigated the contrasting RSA determined by two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs), <em>DRO1</em> and <em>qSOR1</em>, which control root growth angle in rice, in the context of fertilization methods—broadcasting and local application—that differ markedly in nutrient distribution within the soil. Through this approach, we aimed to clarify how RSA related traits interact with fertilization strategies to enhance rice productivity in paddy field.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Field trials were conducted over two years (2022–2023) in Morioka and Takizawa, Japan, using lowland rice IR64 and its three introgression lines (ILs) differing in functional/unfunctional alleles of <em>DRO1</em> and <em>qSOR1</em>. Compared to IR64, the ILs exhibit three distinct RSA: shallow (SHALLOW), deep (DEEP), and shallow + deep (DIMORPHIC). Fertilization treatments included Mix (NPK broadcasted and mixed into the soil) and Local (NPK embedded 10-cm deep). Grain yield, mineral uptake and root distribution were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Over the two-year trial period, the DEEP and DIMORPHIC lines consistently exhibited superior yields compared with IR64 and SHALLOW across fertilization regimes and experimental sites. The root surface area in the deeper soil layer (10–20 cm below the soil surface) was strongly correlated with grain yield. Local fertilization consistently resulted in higher yields and enhanced mineral uptake relative to Mix fertilization. Moreover, root proliferation was observed at fertilized position under the Local regime across all lines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div><em>DRO1</em>-mediated deep rooting enhanced mineral uptake and yield under flooded conditions. Local fertilization increased nutrient availability and stimulated root proliferation in nutrient-rich zones, thereby improving nutrient uptake. Together, these findings underscore the importance of integrating root architectural traits with fertilization strategies to maximize rice productivity and nutrient use efficiency, providing valuable insights for breeding resource-efficient varieties adapted to sustainable agricultural systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110351"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110352
Qiansi Liao , Jianmei Geng , Wenwei Cai , Farooq Shah , Zhaojie Li , Li Xiong , Peng Wang , Yang Tao , Qianhua Yuan , Wei Wu
Context or problem
Breeding sugarcane genotypes for maximum sugar yield potential while exhibiting strong lodging resistance is crucial for the sustainability of sugarcane cropping systems. However, identifying and recommending with excellent and stable performance across multiple targeted traits and diverse environments remains a significant challenge.
Objective and methods
This study applied two methodologies–Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) –to analyze the genotype × environment interaction (GEI), based on a three–year field experiment. The study involved 11 genotypes, assessed for 28 parameters. For integrating the mean performance and stability of a single trait, a superiority index (WAASBY) was used. A Multi–trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to consider multiple targeted parameters simultaneously, enabling more comprehensive genotype recommendation across different environments.
Results and conclusions
Our findings confirmed that the BLUP model is highly effective for a single–trait selection, such as for sugar yield and lodging resistance; achieving excellent genotype selection accuracy ranging from 0.78 to 0.91. When focusing solely on sugar yield via the BLUP model, the genotypes G01 (Zhongtang 1) and G02 (SO5) exhibited both high mean performance and stability. However, other two genotypes were selected when the target trait shifted to lodging resistance, highlighting that genotype recommendations based on one trait can be somewhat biased. To overcome this limitation, we demonstrated the effectiveness of MTSI in recommending a variety with multiple desirable parameters, as validated through several analytical and statistical methods. Two ideal genotypes (G03: Zhongtang 3; G04: Guitang 58) were selected based on minimum MTSI (1.15–1.82). The MTSI always illustrated a strong relationship with WAASBY for sugar yield and lodging resistance (R2 = 0.56**). Notably, some key traits, such as root anchorage strength and related root parameters were major contributors to the overall lodging resistance and MTSI indicators.
Implications or significance
These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing a rigid root system as a key criterion in future breeding efforts to enhance lodging resistance and overall sugarcane performance. Furthermore, the MTSI is a promising and user–friendly tool for breeders to identify and recommend superior genotypes based on multiple targeted traits, thereby supporting more informed and efficient breeding decisions.
{"title":"Genotype selection for high performance and stability of sugar yield and lodging resistance across multiple environments in sugarcane","authors":"Qiansi Liao , Jianmei Geng , Wenwei Cai , Farooq Shah , Zhaojie Li , Li Xiong , Peng Wang , Yang Tao , Qianhua Yuan , Wei Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Breeding sugarcane genotypes for maximum sugar yield potential while exhibiting strong lodging resistance is crucial for the sustainability of sugarcane cropping systems. However, identifying and recommending with excellent and stable performance across multiple targeted traits and diverse environments remains a significant challenge.</div></div><div><h3>Objective and methods</h3><div>This study applied two methodologies–Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) –to analyze the genotype × environment interaction (GEI), based on a three–year field experiment. The study involved 11 genotypes, assessed for 28 parameters. For integrating the mean performance and stability of a single trait, a superiority index (WAASBY) was used. A Multi–trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to consider multiple targeted parameters simultaneously, enabling more comprehensive genotype recommendation across different environments.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusions</h3><div>Our findings confirmed that the BLUP model is highly effective for a single–trait selection, such as for sugar yield and lodging resistance; achieving excellent genotype selection accuracy ranging from 0.78 to 0.91. When focusing solely on sugar yield via the BLUP model, the genotypes G01 (Zhongtang 1) and G02 (SO5) exhibited both high mean performance and stability. However, other two genotypes were selected when the target trait shifted to lodging resistance, highlighting that genotype recommendations based on one trait can be somewhat biased. To overcome this limitation, we demonstrated the effectiveness of MTSI in recommending a variety with multiple desirable parameters, as validated through several analytical and statistical methods. Two ideal genotypes (G03: Zhongtang 3; G04: Guitang 58) were selected based on minimum MTSI (1.15–1.82). The MTSI always illustrated a strong relationship with WAASBY for sugar yield and lodging resistance (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.56<sup>**</sup>). Notably, some key traits, such as root anchorage strength and related root parameters were major contributors to the overall lodging resistance and MTSI indicators.</div></div><div><h3>Implications or significance</h3><div>These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing a rigid root system as a key criterion in future breeding efforts to enhance lodging resistance and overall sugarcane performance. Furthermore, the MTSI is a promising and user–friendly tool for breeders to identify and recommend superior genotypes based on multiple targeted traits, thereby supporting more informed and efficient breeding decisions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110352"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Intercropping legumes with fruit trees in arid regions offer potential for sustainable intensification, yet interspecific competition often compromises crop yields. Balancing resource partitioning and productivity remains a critical challenge.
Objective
This study compared the agronomic performance of apple/soybean intercropping (IAS) and apple/alfalfa intercropping (IAA) intercropping systems in China's arid zone, focusing on yield trade-offs, root niche segregation, and soil nitrogen dynamics.
Methods
Root distribution patterns, soil inorganic nitrogen content, dry matter allocation, and land equivalent ratio (LER) were quantified across monoculture and intercropped systems using root-drill sampling and spatial regression models.
Results and conclusion
Intercropping reduced soybean and alfalfa yields by 42–54 % and apple yields by 29.54 %-37.99 % compared to monocultures. However, the IAS system achieved higher land-use efficiency (LER: 1.22–1.28) than IAA (1.15–1.19), driven by soybean’s adaptive root plasticity under shade. Vertical root stratification (apple roots in the 20–40 cm soil depth vs. crops in the 0–20 cm soil depth) minimized competition, while intercropping increased soil ammonium-N by 55.47–60.09 % and reduced nitrate-N leaching by 22.3–27.5 %. Soybean allocated more biomass to stems under shading, whereas alfalfa prioritized root growth after mowing. Despite yield penalties, the IAS system demonstrated superior systemic productivity through niche complementarity and nitrogen cycling optimization.
Significance
These results highlight the importance of species selection and root management in designing sustainable agroforestry systems for arid regions.
{"title":"Niche isolation in apple/soybean intercropping more effectively alleviates interspecific competition compared to apple/alfalfa intercropping","authors":"Wenwen Wei, Tingting Liu, Zhe Li, Lei Shen, Luhua Li, Wei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110349","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110349","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Intercropping legumes with fruit trees in arid regions offer potential for sustainable intensification, yet interspecific competition often compromises crop yields. Balancing resource partitioning and productivity remains a critical challenge.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study compared the agronomic performance of apple/soybean intercropping (IAS) and apple/alfalfa intercropping (IAA) intercropping systems in China's arid zone, focusing on yield trade-offs, root niche segregation, and soil nitrogen dynamics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Root distribution patterns, soil inorganic nitrogen content, dry matter allocation, and land equivalent ratio (LER) were quantified across monoculture and intercropped systems using root-drill sampling and spatial regression models.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>Intercropping reduced soybean and alfalfa yields by 42–54 % and apple yields by 29.54 %-37.99 % compared to monocultures. However, the IAS system achieved higher land-use efficiency (LER: 1.22–1.28) than IAA (1.15–1.19), driven by soybean’s adaptive root plasticity under shade. Vertical root stratification (apple roots in the 20–40 cm soil depth vs. crops in the 0–20 cm soil depth) minimized competition, while intercropping increased soil ammonium-N by 55.47–60.09 % and reduced nitrate-N leaching by 22.3–27.5 %. Soybean allocated more biomass to stems under shading, whereas alfalfa prioritized root growth after mowing. Despite yield penalties, the IAS system demonstrated superior systemic productivity through niche complementarity and nitrogen cycling optimization.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>These results highlight the importance of species selection and root management in designing sustainable agroforestry systems for arid regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110349"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110354
Xu Zheng , Wenjing Zhao , Luhua Li , Jianguo Liu , Jiaping Wang
<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Nitrogen-efficient fertilization on marginal sandy lands is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity in degraded soils while promoting global food and oil security. However, the relationships between nitrogen (N) regimes, root–soil interactions, and tuber quality remain poorly understood.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to elucidate how N fertilization modulates root adaptive strategies, soil nutrient availability, and extracellular enzyme activity, thereby influencing tuber yield and quality in tiger nut (<em>Cyperus esculentus</em> L.) grown on sandy farmland.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The experiment was conducted in sandy farmland with five nitrogen (N) application treatments: no nitrogen (N0), 100 (N100), 200 (N200), 300 (N300) and 400 (N400) kg N ha<sup>−1</sup>. We systematically investigated: root functional traits, soil properties (total nitrogen, inorganic nitrogen, and organic matter), extracellular enzyme (<em>β</em>-glucosidase (<em>β</em>G), <em>β</em>-<span>D</span>-cellobiosidase (CBH), <em>β</em>-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), <em>β</em>-1,4-xylosidase (XYL), <span>L</span>-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP)) and tuber parameters (yield, crude fat, protein and starch). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between soil properties and plant performance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our results revealed divergent root adaptation strategies across nitrogen (N) gradients. Under N0, tiger nut plants prioritized resource allocation toward thinner, elongated roots, significantly increasing specific root length (24.24 % – 372.63 %) and area (35.73 % – 385.22 %). Conversely, nitrogen-sufficient regimes (N300–N400) promoted denser root architectures, with root area and length densities increasing by 18.27 % – 57.42 %. This morphological shift coincided with significant soil enrichment; N300–N400 levels elevated soil inorganic nitrogen, total nitrogen, and organic matter, while stimulating <em>β</em>G and NAG activities. However, soil pH and CBH declined, and XYL activity peaked specifically at N300. Consequently, tuber yield reached a maximum at N300 before plateauing at N400. High nitrogen levels further improved quality by boosting crude protein (35.41 % – 42.47 %) and oil content (10.37 %–11.56 %), despite a concurrent reduction in starch content.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates the synergy between root morphological plasticity and soil biochemical health in boosting tiger nut productivity. Strategic nitrogen management stimulates adaptive root architecture and enhances soil enzymatic activity and nutrient availability in nutrient‑poor environments. A critical threshold of 300 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> was identified, providing a framework to transform marginal sandy soils into productive, high‑quality systems. These findings offer a sustainable pathway for cultivating clima
边缘沙地的高效氮肥施肥对于提高退化土壤的农业生产力，同时促进全球粮食和石油安全至关重要。然而，氮肥制度、根-土相互作用和块茎质量之间的关系仍然知之甚少。目的研究氮肥对沙质农田虎坚果根系适应策略、土壤养分有效性和胞外酶活性的调节作用，从而影响虎坚果块茎产量和品质。方法采用无氮（N0）、100 （N100）、200 （N200）、300 （N300）和400 (N400) kg N ha−1 5个氮肥处理，在沙田进行试验。我们系统地研究了根系功能性状、土壤性质（全氮、无机氮和有机质）、胞外酶（β-葡萄糖苷酶（βG）、β- d -纤维素生物苷酶（CBH）、β-1,4- n -乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶（NAG）、β-1,4-木糖苷酶（XYL）、l -亮氨酸氨基肽酶（LAP））和块茎参数（产量、粗脂肪、蛋白质和淀粉）。采用偏最小二乘结构方程模型（PLS-SEM）分析了土壤性质与植物生长性能之间的关系。结果不同氮素梯度下植物根系适应策略存在差异。no处理下，虎坚果植物优先向较细、较长的根系分配资源，显著增加了比根长度（24.24 % ~ 372.63 %）和比根面积（35.73 % ~ 385.22 %）。相反，氮充足的处理（N300-N400）促进了更密集的根系结构，根面积和长度密度增加了18.27 % ~ 57.42 %。这种形态转变与土壤显著富集相吻合；n300 ~ n400水平提高了土壤无机氮、全氮和有机质含量，同时刺激了βG和NAG活性。土壤pH和CBH呈下降趋势，XYL活性在N300处达到峰值。因此，块茎产量在N300时达到最大值，在N400时趋于稳定。高氮水平通过提高粗蛋白质（35.41 % ~ 42.47 %）和含油量（10.37 % ~ 11.56 %）进一步改善了品质，但同时降低了淀粉含量。结论根系形态可塑性与土壤生化健康在提高虎坚果产量中的协同作用。战略性氮管理可刺激适应性根系结构，提高养分贫乏环境下土壤酶活性和养分有效性。确定了300 kg N ha - 1的临界阈值，为将边缘沙质土壤转化为生产性高质量系统提供了框架。这些发现为培育适应气候变化的作物、加强粮食安全和恢复退化的农田提供了一条可持续的途径。
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Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110350
Changkuan Zhu , Chunlian Zheng , Caiyun Cao , Dan Liu , Hongkai Dang , Huimin Yuan , Anqi Zhang , Junpeng Zhang , Chitao Sun
Context or problem
Saline water irrigation alleviates freshwater scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions but causes salt stress. However, the mitigating effects and regulatory mechanisms of organic fertilizer on salt stress remain unclear.
Objective or research question
This study aimed to clarify the growth and development responses of wheat and maize under saline water irrigation combined with organic fertilizer application, and to reveal the distinct mechanisms affecting these two crops.
Methods
The four electrical conductivity (EC) levels of irrigation water (1.3 dS·m−1, T1; 3.4 dS·m−1, T2; 7.1 dS·m−1, T3; 10.6 dS·m−1, T4) and two fertilization types of organic fertilizer application (F1) and no organic fertilizer application (F0) were set up in the experiment. During the 2022–2024 growing periods, plant height (PH), leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation (DMA), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), chlorophyll relative content (SPAD), and yield of winter wheat and summer maize were measured.
Results
The results showed that winter wheat exhibited significant reductions in PH, LAI, DMA, Pn, Tr, and SPAD under T4 compared with T1. In contrast, summer maize showed significant decreases in growth and physiological indicators under both T3 and T4, demonstrating its greater sensitivity to saline water irrigation. F1 effectively mitigated the adverse effects of saline water irrigation on wheat and maize growth, enhancing the productivity of wheat-maize system. Especially under T3 and T4 treatments, the F1 led to an increase of 9.36 % and 12.75 % in the average annual yield of wheat, and by 9.03 % and 8.44 % for maize, respectively. Furthermore, organic fertilizer application elevated the EC thresholds of irrigation water for 5 % and 10 % yield reductions in the wheat-maize system under saline irrigation. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) indicated that organic fertilizer enhanced yield through crop-specific pathways. For winter wheat, organic fertilizer enhanced yield through the combined improvement of growth indicators as well as photosynthetic performance. Whereas summer maize primarily regulated its growth through photosynthesis to promote yield, with no significant direct impact of organic fertilizer on growth indicators.
Conclusions
In summary, organic fertilizer application mitigated the negative effects of saline water irrigation and boosted productivity in both types of crops through different pathways.
Implications or significance
The research provided a scientific basis for sustainable grain production under saline water irrigation.
{"title":"Organic fertilizer application improved the growth characteristics and enhanced sustainable production of wheat-maize crops under saline water irrigation","authors":"Changkuan Zhu , Chunlian Zheng , Caiyun Cao , Dan Liu , Hongkai Dang , Huimin Yuan , Anqi Zhang , Junpeng Zhang , Chitao Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110350","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context or problem</h3><div>Saline water irrigation alleviates freshwater scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions but causes salt stress. However, the mitigating effects and regulatory mechanisms of organic fertilizer on salt stress remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective or research question</h3><div>This study aimed to clarify the growth and development responses of wheat and maize under saline water irrigation combined with organic fertilizer application, and to reveal the distinct mechanisms affecting these two crops.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The four electrical conductivity (EC) levels of irrigation water (1.3 dS·m<sup>−1</sup>, T1; 3.4 dS·m<sup>−1</sup>, T2; 7.1 dS·m<sup>−1</sup>, T3; 10.6 dS·m<sup>−1</sup>, T4) and two fertilization types of organic fertilizer application (F1) and no organic fertilizer application (F0) were set up in the experiment. During the 2022–2024 growing periods, plant height (PH), leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation (DMA), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), chlorophyll relative content (SPAD), and yield of winter wheat and summer maize were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that winter wheat exhibited significant reductions in PH, LAI, DMA, Pn, Tr, and SPAD under T4 compared with T1. In contrast, summer maize showed significant decreases in growth and physiological indicators under both T3 and T4, demonstrating its greater sensitivity to saline water irrigation. F1 effectively mitigated the adverse effects of saline water irrigation on wheat and maize growth, enhancing the productivity of wheat-maize system. Especially under T3 and T4 treatments, the F1 led to an increase of 9.36 % and 12.75 % in the average annual yield of wheat, and by 9.03 % and 8.44 % for maize, respectively. Furthermore, organic fertilizer application elevated the EC thresholds of irrigation water for 5 % and 10 % yield reductions in the wheat-maize system under saline irrigation. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) indicated that organic fertilizer enhanced yield through crop-specific pathways. For winter wheat, organic fertilizer enhanced yield through the combined improvement of growth indicators as well as photosynthetic performance. Whereas summer maize primarily regulated its growth through photosynthesis to promote yield, with no significant direct impact of organic fertilizer on growth indicators.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In summary, organic fertilizer application mitigated the negative effects of saline water irrigation and boosted productivity in both types of crops through different pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Implications or significance</h3><div>The research provided a scientific basis for sustainable grain production under saline water irrigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110350"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146000558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110347
Nour Ismail , Lotfi Khiari , Rachid Daoud
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a high-value forage crop with substantial ecological benefits, but it is particularly sensitive to soil acidity and nutrient deficiencies. While current fertilization guidelines in regions like Québec, Canada, favor raw limestone (CaCO₃) exclusively, other calcium amendments, including burned limes (CaO, Ca(OH)₂) and sulfate-based materials, are commonly used elsewhere and may offer agronomic advantages. However, their effectiveness may vary with soil texture, stand age, and application method. This study evaluated the impact of nine calcium-based amendments: raw lime, burned lime, and sulfate-based non-liming materials, applied at a uniform spring rate (3 Mg ha⁻¹ CaCO₃-equivalent or 1.2 Mg ha⁻¹ Ca for anhydrite) on two alfalfa stands (newly seeded: establishment vs. long-established: maintenance) and two contrasting soil textures in Québec, Canada. Agronomic performance was monitored over four consecutive growing seasons. Results revealed contrasting responses: The establishment of an alfalfa stand on clay loam soil showed no biomass yield response to amendments. In contrast, the long-established stand on sandy loam soil exhibited strong and lasting responses. Sulfate-based treatments (CHAC, anhydrite, and lime-anhydrite) increased biomass yields by up to 2000 kg DM ha⁻¹ compared with the control, with gains persisting for 4 seasons after a single application. Mixed lime treatments (CaCO₃+CaO and/or Ca(OH)₂) also outperformed raw lime without causing phytotoxicity. These findings highlight the need for stand age-specific calcium amendment strategies. Sulfate-based and blended formulations may sustainably enhance productivity in mature alfalfa systems on coarse soils. Exclusive reliance on raw lime may overlook the agronomic potential of alternative materials.
{"title":"Calcium amendment strategies for alfalfa with biomass yield responses across contrasting soils and stand types","authors":"Nour Ismail , Lotfi Khiari , Rachid Daoud","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110347","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110347","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa L</em>.) is a high-value forage crop with substantial ecological benefits, but it is particularly sensitive to soil acidity and nutrient deficiencies. While current fertilization guidelines in regions like Québec, Canada, favor raw limestone (CaCO₃) exclusively, other calcium amendments, including burned limes (CaO, Ca(OH)₂) and sulfate-based materials, are commonly used elsewhere and may offer agronomic advantages. However, their effectiveness may vary with soil texture, stand age, and application method. This study evaluated the impact of nine calcium-based amendments: raw lime, burned lime, and sulfate-based non-liming materials, applied at a uniform spring rate (3 Mg ha⁻¹ CaCO₃-equivalent or 1.2 Mg ha⁻¹ Ca for anhydrite) on two alfalfa stands (newly seeded: establishment vs. long-established: maintenance) and two contrasting soil textures in Québec, Canada. Agronomic performance was monitored over four consecutive growing seasons. Results revealed contrasting responses: The establishment of an alfalfa stand on clay loam soil showed no biomass yield response to amendments. In contrast, the long-established stand on sandy loam soil exhibited strong and lasting responses. Sulfate-based treatments (CHAC, anhydrite, and lime-anhydrite) increased biomass yields by up to 2000 kg DM ha⁻¹ compared with the control, with gains persisting for 4 seasons after a single application. Mixed lime treatments (CaCO₃+CaO and/or Ca(OH)₂) also outperformed raw lime without causing phytotoxicity. These findings highlight the need for stand age-specific calcium amendment strategies. Sulfate-based and blended formulations may sustainably enhance productivity in mature alfalfa systems on coarse soils. Exclusive reliance on raw lime may overlook the agronomic potential of alternative materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110347"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110346
Zhengfeng Wu , Feng Guo , Xinying Song , Jishun Yang , Lanlan Du , Dunwei Ci , Yang Xu , Qiqi Sun
Intercropping peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with maize (Zea mays L.) offers a strategy for advancing green and low-carbon agricultural practices, yet the crop- and depth- specific responses of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics remain unclear. A long-term field experiment (initiated in 2016) comparing peanut monoculture (MP), maize monoculture (MM), and the peanut-maize rotational strip intercropping (RMP) was established to investigate the effects of peanut-maize intercropping on crop yields, SOC dynamics, and associated rhizosphere microbial mechanisms. Results showed that relative to monoculture, intercropping decreased peanut yield by 56.0 % but increased maize yield by 30.9 %, resulting in the overall yield advantage. For peanut strips, intercropping enhanced SOC mineralization rate (Kc) for both depths by 20.7 % and 14.2 %, primarily driven by enhanced carbon (C) and N availability, r-shifted microbial communities, and higher enzyme activities. Conversely, for maize strips, intercropping slightly reduced the topsoil Kc by 5.3 % due to negative priming effect under high-quality residues input, but increased subsoil Kc by 19.6 %, linked to rhizosphere priming effect. Regulation by Nmin-mediated substrate quality, the temperature sensitivity of SOC mineralization (Q10) decreased under intercropping, particularly in peanut strips, suggesting enhanced SOC resilience to warming. Despite these changes, the net SOC stock in the topsoil remained comparable between intercropping and monoculture systems, suggesting a near zero-sum C sequestration balance. This arose from opposing C dynamics: peanut strips tended to slightly increase (by 6.2 %) or stabilize SOC, while maize strips experienced SOC depletion in the subsoil (by 16.2 %) due to nutrient mining and enhanced priming. This study highlights that legume-cereal intercropping can enhance yield efficiency and SOC stability without significantly increasing net C stocks, emphasizing the role of species-specific rhizosphere processes in mediating C trade-offs.
{"title":"Achieving yield advantage with zero-sum soil carbon sequestration: Rhizosphere mechanisms driven by legume-cereal interactions","authors":"Zhengfeng Wu , Feng Guo , Xinying Song , Jishun Yang , Lanlan Du , Dunwei Ci , Yang Xu , Qiqi Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110346","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intercropping peanut (<em>Arachis hypogaea</em> L.) with maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) offers a strategy for advancing green and low-carbon agricultural practices, yet the crop- and depth- specific responses of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics remain unclear. A long-term field experiment (initiated in 2016) comparing peanut monoculture (MP), maize monoculture (MM), and the peanut-maize rotational strip intercropping (RMP) was established to investigate the effects of peanut-maize intercropping on crop yields, SOC dynamics, and associated rhizosphere microbial mechanisms. Results showed that relative to monoculture, intercropping decreased peanut yield by 56.0 % but increased maize yield by 30.9 %, resulting in the overall yield advantage. For peanut strips, intercropping enhanced SOC mineralization rate (<em>K</em><sub>c</sub>) for both depths by 20.7 % and 14.2 %, primarily driven by enhanced carbon (C) and N availability, <em>r</em>-shifted microbial communities, and higher enzyme activities. Conversely, for maize strips, intercropping slightly reduced the topsoil <em>K</em><sub>c</sub> by 5.3 % due to negative priming effect under high-quality residues input, but increased subsoil <em>K</em><sub>c</sub> by 19.6 %, linked to rhizosphere priming effect. Regulation by N<sub>min</sub>-mediated substrate quality, the temperature sensitivity of SOC mineralization (<em>Q</em><sub>10</sub>) decreased under intercropping, particularly in peanut strips, suggesting enhanced SOC resilience to warming. Despite these changes, the net SOC stock in the topsoil remained comparable between intercropping and monoculture systems, suggesting a near zero-sum C sequestration balance. This arose from opposing C dynamics: peanut strips tended to slightly increase (by 6.2 %) or stabilize SOC, while maize strips experienced SOC depletion in the subsoil (by 16.2 %) due to nutrient mining and enhanced priming. This study highlights that legume-cereal intercropping can enhance yield efficiency and SOC stability without significantly increasing net C stocks, emphasizing the role of species-specific rhizosphere processes in mediating C trade-offs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110346"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110342
Mosenda Enock , Onesmus Kitonyo , James Mutegi , Victor Sadras , George Chemining’wa
Interactions between water and nitrogen affect the yield of maize in dryland systems. The magnitude and type of these interactions depend on the environment and management practice. In these systems, nitrogen fertilization is often risky due to moisture constraints which impact the synchrony between crop demand and nutrient availability. However, combining soil moisture conservation practices with better fertilizer nitrogen formulations, particularly slow-release forms could improve crop nitrogen economy and yield. An experiment combining soil moisture conservation practices and fertilizer nitrogen sources was replicated in two locations, in Embu and Siakago for three seasons with contrasting rainfall in short rains of 2022 and long and short rains of 2023. Moisture conservation treatments comprised plastic film mulch, crop residue mulch, and superabsorbent polymers (hydrogels), with a bare ground control. Fertilizer nitrogen sources were slow-release urea, conventional urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), and unfertilized control. In Embu, cumulative grain yield increase ranged from 10 % to 111 % compared with control, while up to 120 % yield increase was recorded in Siakago. Plastic film mulch with CAN, conventional urea or slow-release urea and hydrogels with CAN out-yielded controls, which averaged 1.5 t ha−1. Plastic film mulch with CAN or slow-release urea, and crop residue with CAN increased biomass compared with controls, which averaged 4 t ha−1. Of the 54 combinations of moisture and nitrogen treatments, 94 % were additive and 6 % antagonistic for yield. Lack of treatment synergies justify the stepwise adoption of technologies, starting with those with lower upfront costs to build capital before progressing to more expensive options. Claims of synergies between water and nitrogen might be over-estimated and need to be tested rigorously.
旱地系统中，水氮相互作用影响玉米产量。这些相互作用的大小和类型取决于环境和管理实践。在这些系统中，由于水分限制，氮肥施用往往是有风险的，这影响了作物需求和养分供应之间的同步。然而，将土壤保持水分的措施与更好的氮肥配方，特别是缓释氮肥配方相结合，可以提高作物氮肥的经济性和产量。在Embu和Siakago两个地点进行了一项结合土壤水分保持措施和肥料氮源的试验，为期三个季节，对比了2022年的短雨和2023年的长雨和短雨。保湿处理包括塑料薄膜覆盖、作物残茬覆盖和高吸水性聚合物（水凝胶），以及裸地控制。肥料氮源为缓释尿素、常规尿素、硝铵钙（CAN）和未施肥对照。在恩布，与对照相比，籽粒累计产量增加了10 %至111 %，而在Siakago，产量增加了120 %。使用CAN、常规尿素或缓释尿素和使用CAN的水凝胶覆盖的塑料薄膜的产量高于对照，平均为1.5 t ha - 1。与对照相比，覆盖CAN或缓释尿素的地膜和覆盖CAN的作物残茬生物量增加，平均为4 t ha - 1。在54个湿氮组合中，94个 %对产量有促进作用，6个 %对产量有拮抗作用。在缺乏治疗协同效应的情况下，有理由逐步采用技术，从前期成本较低的技术开始，以建立资本，然后再发展到更昂贵的选择。水和氮之间协同作用的说法可能被高估了，需要严格检验。
{"title":"Antagonistic, additive and synergistic relationships between soil moisture and nitrogen for yield of maize in dryland systems","authors":"Mosenda Enock , Onesmus Kitonyo , James Mutegi , Victor Sadras , George Chemining’wa","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110342","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110342","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Interactions between water and nitrogen affect the yield of maize in dryland systems. The magnitude and type of these interactions depend on the environment and management practice. In these systems, nitrogen fertilization is often risky due to moisture constraints which impact the synchrony between crop demand and nutrient availability. However, combining soil moisture conservation practices with better fertilizer nitrogen formulations, particularly slow-release forms could improve crop nitrogen economy and yield. An experiment combining soil moisture conservation practices and fertilizer nitrogen sources was replicated in two locations, in Embu and Siakago for three seasons with contrasting rainfall in short rains of 2022 and long and short rains of 2023. Moisture conservation treatments comprised plastic film mulch, crop residue mulch, and superabsorbent polymers (hydrogels), with a bare ground control. Fertilizer nitrogen sources were slow-release urea, conventional urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), and unfertilized control. In Embu, cumulative grain yield increase ranged from 10 % to 111 % compared with control, while up to 120 % yield increase was recorded in Siakago. Plastic film mulch with CAN, conventional urea or slow-release urea and hydrogels with CAN out-yielded controls, which averaged 1.5 t ha<sup>−1</sup>. Plastic film mulch with CAN or slow-release urea, and crop residue with CAN increased biomass compared with controls, which averaged 4 t ha<sup>−1</sup>. Of the 54 combinations of moisture and nitrogen treatments, 94 % were additive and 6 % antagonistic for yield. Lack of treatment synergies justify the stepwise adoption of technologies, starting with those with lower upfront costs to build capital before progressing to more expensive options. Claims of synergies between water and nitrogen might be over-estimated and need to be tested rigorously.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110342"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110343
Qing Shan Xu, Yu Lian Yan, Hang Feng Wang, Shang Pan Li, Chun Xin Chi, Ya Li Kong, Wen Hao Tian, Xiao Chuang Cao, Lian Feng Zhu, Qiao Ling Li, Jing Wang Li, Jun Hua Zhang, Chun Quan Zhu
Context
Combining slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) with organic amendments holds significant promise to increase rice yield and improve soil quality. However, there are key knowledge gaps regarding the synergistic effects of combining SRFs with different types of amendments on rice yield and soil quality.
Methods
A two-year field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of combining SRFs with manure or woody peat on carbon and nitrogen composition, enzyme activity, aggregate distribution, soil quality index (SQI), and rice grain yield.
Results
Relative to the conventional urea treatment, the use of SRFs under 15 % nitrogen reduction sustained rice grain yield and increased Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (NUE) by 7.78–12.22 %. SRFs combined with manure significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 9.14 %, and total nitrogen (TN) by 11.82 %. It also enhanced labile carbons pools by 11.68 %–22.41 %, labile nutrients pools by 10.16 %–52.95 %, C- and N-acquiring enzyme activities by 8.21 %–38.02 %, and the proportion of aggregates > 0.25 mm (R0.25) by 6.36 %–8.44 %, ultimately resulting in highest soil quality index (SQI). The rice yield increased by 7.95–13.77 %. Across all treatments, SRFs combined with woody peat exhibited the highest SOC, ROC, and DOC contents, demonstrating superior carbon sequestration efficiency. It also reduced bulk density (BD) by 8.91 %–10.69 %, and increased the proportion of aggregates > 0.25 mm (R0.25) by 5.66 %–6.13 %. Random forest and Mantel’s test analyses identified labile nutrient pools (AP, AN, AHN, and DON) and enzyme activities as primary predictors of both SQI and rice yield.
Conclusions
SRFs can maintain rice yields and improve NUE. The combination of SRFs and manure can significantly increase soil quality and rice yield by improving nutrient supply, biological activity, and soil structure, whereas woody peat mainly contributes to soil carbon accumulation.
{"title":"Slow-release fertilizers applied in conjunction with manure enhanced soil quality and rice grain yield by regulating labile nutrient pools, soil enzyme activities, and soil structure","authors":"Qing Shan Xu, Yu Lian Yan, Hang Feng Wang, Shang Pan Li, Chun Xin Chi, Ya Li Kong, Wen Hao Tian, Xiao Chuang Cao, Lian Feng Zhu, Qiao Ling Li, Jing Wang Li, Jun Hua Zhang, Chun Quan Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110343","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110343","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Combining slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) with organic amendments holds significant promise to increase rice yield and improve soil quality. However, there are key knowledge gaps regarding the synergistic effects of combining SRFs with different types of amendments on rice yield and soil quality.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-year field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of combining SRFs with manure or woody peat on carbon and nitrogen composition, enzyme activity, aggregate distribution, soil quality index (SQI), and rice grain yield.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Relative to the conventional urea treatment, the use of SRFs under 15 % nitrogen reduction sustained rice grain yield and increased Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (NUE) by 7.78–12.22 %. SRFs combined with manure significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 9.14 %, and total nitrogen (TN) by 11.82 %. It also enhanced labile carbons pools by 11.68 %–22.41 %, labile nutrients pools by 10.16 %–52.95 %, C- and N-acquiring enzyme activities by 8.21 %–38.02 %, and the proportion of aggregates > 0.25 mm (R<sub>0.25</sub>) by 6.36 %–8.44 %, ultimately resulting in highest soil quality index (SQI). The rice yield increased by 7.95–13.77 %. Across all treatments, SRFs combined with woody peat exhibited the highest SOC, ROC, and DOC contents, demonstrating superior carbon sequestration efficiency. It also reduced bulk density (BD) by 8.91 %–10.69 %, and increased the proportion of aggregates > 0.25 mm (R<sub>0.25</sub>) by 5.66 %–6.13 %. Random forest and Mantel’s test analyses identified labile nutrient pools (AP, AN, AHN, and DON) and enzyme activities as primary predictors of both SQI and rice yield.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SRFs can maintain rice yields and improve NUE. The combination of SRFs and manure can significantly increase soil quality and rice yield by improving nutrient supply, biological activity, and soil structure, whereas woody peat mainly contributes to soil carbon accumulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110343"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110348
Guoxin Shi , Xiaoqiang Cao , Qiang Fu , Tianxiao Li , Qingshan Chen
Biochar is widely recognized as a beneficial soil amendment; however, its potential to mitigate long-term continuous cropping obstacles in soybean systems remains poorly understood. Based on an 11-year field experiment, this study systematically explored the effects of biochar application on soil physical properties, nutrients, hydrological characteristics, erosion resistance, and soybean yield stability. The results demonstrated that long-term continuous soybean cropping led to soil structural degradation, nutrients depletion, increased erosion, reduced soybean yield, and lower water use efficiency. In contrast, biochar application significantly enhanced total soil porosity (TP) and the generalized soil structure index (GSSI), increased the proportion of macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) and pores with diameters ≥ 0.3 μm. Furthermore, biochar improved soil hydrological functions by enhancing water retention capacity and hydraulic conductivity, and significantly raised the initial, steady, and mean soil water infiltration rates. Notably, the application of 5.0 t·ha⁻¹ biochar was the most effective treatment. Compared to the control across years, it increased cumulative soil infiltration within 60 min by 50.26 mm (2015), 52.15 mm (2017), 69.88 mm (2019), 57.75 mm (2021), 55.52 mm (2023), and 67.92 mm (2025), respectively. This treatment also markedly reduced annual runoff and soil erosion, increased soil nutrients (organic carbon, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium), promoted soybean growth, and improved water use efficiency and yield stability. Structural equation modeling indicated that biochar primarily enhanced soybean yield by improving soil hydrological properties and reducing soil erosion. These long-term findings highlight that biochar, particularly at 5.0 t·ha⁻¹ , can effectively alleviate continuous cropping obstacles, providing a theoretical and technical basis for sustainable soybean production.
{"title":"Biochar alleviated soybean continuous cropping obstacles by improving soil hydrological properties and reducing erosion: Insights from an 11 year field study on sloping farmland","authors":"Guoxin Shi , Xiaoqiang Cao , Qiang Fu , Tianxiao Li , Qingshan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110348","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fcr.2026.110348","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biochar is widely recognized as a beneficial soil amendment; however, its potential to mitigate long-term continuous cropping obstacles in soybean systems remains poorly understood. Based on an 11-year field experiment, this study systematically explored the effects of biochar application on soil physical properties, nutrients, hydrological characteristics, erosion resistance, and soybean yield stability. The results demonstrated that long-term continuous soybean cropping led to soil structural degradation, nutrients depletion, increased erosion, reduced soybean yield, and lower water use efficiency. In contrast, biochar application significantly enhanced total soil porosity (TP) and the generalized soil structure index (GSSI), increased the proportion of macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) and pores with diameters ≥ 0.3 μm. Furthermore, biochar improved soil hydrological functions by enhancing water retention capacity and hydraulic conductivity, and significantly raised the initial, steady, and mean soil water infiltration rates. Notably, the application of 5.0 t·ha⁻¹ biochar was the most effective treatment. Compared to the control across years, it increased cumulative soil infiltration within 60 min by 50.26 mm (2015), 52.15 mm (2017), 69.88 mm (2019), 57.75 mm (2021), 55.52 mm (2023), and 67.92 mm (2025), respectively. This treatment also markedly reduced annual runoff and soil erosion, increased soil nutrients (organic carbon, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium), promoted soybean growth, and improved water use efficiency and yield stability. Structural equation modeling indicated that biochar primarily enhanced soybean yield by improving soil hydrological properties and reducing soil erosion. These long-term findings highlight that biochar, particularly at 5.0 t·ha⁻¹ , can effectively alleviate continuous cropping obstacles, providing a theoretical and technical basis for sustainable soybean production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12143,"journal":{"name":"Field Crops Research","volume":"339 ","pages":"Article 110348"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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