Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition最新文献

Mature xerophytes access groundwater and minimize the risk of water and nutrient deficits in arid environments. However, how their young seedlings respond to the availability of water and nutrients before they reach groundwater is largely unknown. We investigated the effects of different drought regimes (controlled, medium-drought (MD), and severe-drought (SD)] and nitrogen (N; with or without) addition on biomass and physio-biochemical responses in Alhagi sparsifolia seedlings. Both drought stresses significantly increased superoxide dismutase (O₂^•−), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde, and oxidized-glutathione in leaves and roots, thereby impairing growth and metabolism. Furthermore, there is a significant accumulation of fructose and glucose, but lower sucrose and starch, possibly due to higher sucrose synthase, α-amylase, β-amylase and hexokinase but lower sucrose phosphate synthase and fructokinase. Drought-stressed seedlings also displayed higher abscisic and, jasmonic acids, strigolactones, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, O₂^•−-H₂O₂-scavenging enzymes, but lower gibberellin, cytokinin, and indole-acetic acid. However, N-addition quantifies the productivity of drought-stressed seedlings by improving the leaf relative water content (LRWC), biomass, chlorophyll-a, sucrose-synthesizing enzymes (SPP and SPS), and hormones. It also increased the G-6-PDH in stressed seedlings to satisfy the need for NADPH and reduced the sucrose and starch degrading enzymes, leading to higher starch and sucrose levels. Upregulation of O₂^•−-H₂O₂ -scavenging enzymes under N-supply reduced lipid peroxidation and improved the ascorbate–glutathione redox states. N addition might be an effective strategy to improve drought resistance in A. sparsifolia seedlings to manage and conserve its vegetation in hyper-arid conditions in the face of future climate change.

This study is conducted to evaluate the modified EU-Rotate_N model for accurate estimation of soil water, nitrogen dynamics, and crop yield, which is crucial for maintaining yields while minimizing root zone contamination. This study utilizes the modified EU-Rotate_N model to simulate nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) and soil water content (SWC) at various depths in a region with a high water table near the Yangtze River, focusing on tomato crops under different nitrogen (N) treatments for precise N management in a greenhouse. Comparing the modified model with the original, it demonstrates superior performance in simulating SWC and NO₃⁻-N at different depths. The modified model exhibits increased root mean square error (RMSE) values (9.48%, 6.21%, 15.82%), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values (9.39%, 27.74%, 46.14%), and index of agreement (d) values (1.34%, 1.22%, 1.91%) at three depths of soil layer with a 10 cm increment from 0 to 30 cm under all nitrogen treatments. Similarly, the modified model enhances soil nitrate content simulation, showing increased RMSE (13.72%, 7.48%, 9.99%), NSE values (9.93%, 19.33%, 13.75%), and d values (1.75%, 1.75%, 1.52%) at three soil depths. Furthermore, the modified model aligns well with measured values in simulating tomato yield, despite a slight insignificant increase in yield. This study reveals the effectiveness of the modified EU-Rotate_N model in assessing SWC, NO3⁻-N, and crop yield in Jiangsu Province, particularly in areas with a high water table. The outcomes highlight the applicability of the model for analyzing and evaluating field management techniques in regions characterized by an elevated water table.

Nowadays, climate change has a significant and negative impact on global agro-ecosystems. Consequently, the occurrence of abiotic stress is a major challenge to crop production, including the first phases of seed germination and plant establishment, that needs to be addressed. Farmers, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries, tend to use excessive amounts of fertilizer to increase the cultivated crop yields. Therefore, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is essential to satisfy the increased need for food safety and security in modern society while minimizing dependence on excessive use of agricultural inputs. There is growing interest in the use of Nano-fertilizers (NFs) to enhance seed germination and seedling establishment, crucial stages in the crop production process. Considering the limited number of studies in this field that have investigated the effects of NFs on enhancing seed germination under abiotic stress conditions, this review aims to address this research gap. The detrimental effects of various abiotic stress factors on seed germination parameters were discussed. In addition, NFs and traditional fertilizers were compared. Ultimately, different compositions, applications, current challenges, and future aspects of the application of NFs were explored. This study provided an insightful understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with the application of NFs in the early phase of plant development. By integrating these findings into policy strategies, stakeholders can effectively use nanofertilizers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Purpose: This study thoroughly investigates innovative amendment salicylic acid (SA) modified rice husk biochar (SABC) designed to improve boron (B) and salinity tolerance in lettuce, providing a comprehensive exploration of their potential effects in alleviating stress-induced challenges. Methods: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used for the molecular and chemical characterization of the biochar samples. The treatments consisted of control, 40 mM NaCl plus 20 mg B kg^-1 (NaCl + B), and 40 mM NaCl plus 20 mg B kg^-1 and 5 g kg^-1 SA-modified rice husk biochar (NaCl + B + SABC). Results: Under conditions of salt and B toxicity, SABC treatment significantly prevented the decrease in plant weight induced by stress. SABC reduced the concentrations of B, sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl) in plants, while increasing the concentrations of potassium (K) and silicon (Si). The hydrogen peroxide concentration, which increased as a result of B and salt toxicity, was decreased with SABC. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) showed a significant increase under stress, but due to the positive effect of SABC in reducing B and salt stress, there was a decrease in the activities of these enzymes. Conclusions: The results obtained from this study indicate that SABC is effective in reducing boron and salt stress. Testing the SABC molecule in different plants and under various stress conditions could provide significant contributions to the stress literature.

Purpose: Soil aggregates are crucial for soil structure and organic carbon (OC) preservation. Fertilizations are an efficient pattern to improve crop productivity and OC storage. This study aimed to explore the driving factors regulating fertilization-induced OC conservation within soil aggregates. Methods: Soil aggregates of LM (large macro-aggregates, > 2 mm), SM (small macro-aggregates, 0.25–2 mm), and MI (micro-aggregates, < 0.25 mm) were obtained from an Ultisol treated with twenty-year no (CK), chemical (CF), and organic (OF) fertilizations. Aggregate mass proportions, OC components, and iron/aluminum oxides of each aggregate were investigated to evaluate their roles in aggregate-associated OC preservation. Results: The CF only enhanced the OC content (g kg^− 1 soil) in LM by 27.4%, and the OF increased the OC contents in all aggregates by 14.2-60.8%. The fertilizations were conducive to the formation of large-size aggregates and the stimulation of soil aggregate stabilization. The order OF > CF > CK was observed in the concentrations (g kg^− 1 aggregate) of labile and recalcitrant OC within each aggregate. The fertilizations, particularly the OF, significantly improved the concentrations (g kg^− 1 aggregate) of chelated iron and aluminum oxides by 5.9-117.6%. The aggregate mass proportions, OC components, and iron/aluminum oxides displayed various roles in the OC preservation within every individual soil aggregate. Furthermore, the OC conservation was dominantly controlled by the recalcitrant OC within all soil aggregates. Conclusions: Fertilizations stimulated the OC preservation mostly driven by the recalcitrant OC within soil aggregates from an Ultisol. This study provided a mechanistic understanding of OC preservation within soil aggregates under long-term chemical and organic fertilizations.

Purpose: This study explores the accumulation of phenolic acids in soil within monoculture plantations of Eucalyptus, Acacia mangium, contrasting with mixed species plantations containing both species, across various seasons. The research aims to provide insights into how different plantation types and species compositions influence the presence and levels of phenolic acids in soil. Methods: Soil phenolic acid concentrations were determined using HPLC, analyzing seven phenolic acids, including p-hydroxybenzoic, ferulic, coumaric, and benzoic acids. The kinetic adsorption experiments evaluated phenolic acid adsorption rates and quantities across various soil types. An adsorption kinetic model compared these concentrations between monoculture and mixed forest soils. Results: Our findings showed that plantation types, soil positions and seasons significantly impact phenolic acid accumulation. Non-rhizosphere soil in monoculture Eucalyptus plantations exhibited the highest phenolic acid concentration an average (32 µg g^-1) across all seasons compared to mixed species plantations. Conversely, the rhizosphere soil of monoculture Acacia mangium displayed the highest content, reaching 71 µg g^-1 in March. Notably, four phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, ferulic, coumaric, and benzoic acids) varied significantly between monoculture and mixed forests. Additionally, adsorption kinetic studies revealed that monoculture Eucalyptus and Acacia mangium soils had higher adsorption capacity compared to mixed species soils. The application of Elovich model yielded the best fit for ferulic and coumaric acids (R² > 0.45). Conclusion: Mixed species plantations of Eucalyptus and Acacia mangium significantly influence soil phenolic acid levels compared to monoculture forests and induce alterations in soil adsorption characteristics for phenolic acids, potentially impacting soil fertility and productivity.

Gannan navel oranges (Citrus sinensis Osb. var. brasliliensis Tanaka) are mainly cultivated in mountain orchards. However, inappropriate long-term management practices such as clean cultivation and excessive use of fertilizers markedly decreased the soil fertility, which in turn aggravated soil and water loss and led to soil sealing and acidification, thereby declining the fruit tree yields. In this study, a 10-year field experiment was used to determine the effects of different treatments (clean culture, biochar addition, straw cover, and acrylamide application used in conjunction with sod culture) on the cultivation of navel oranges. The activity of soil sucrase, acid phosphatase, and urease was assayed with salicylic acid colorimetry, paranitrophenol-sodium orthophosphate colorimetry, and sodium phenylate colorimetry respectively. Moreover, the fungi in soil samples were counted using a traditional plate counting method, fungi DNA was extracted and 18S rRNA genes were PCR-amplified, and subsequently analyzed by the Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. The nutrient uptake of orange and soil chemical properties were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and soil agrochemical analysis. Results showed that the soil chemical properties, soil microorganisms, enzyme activities, soil microbial diversity, and leaf nutrition of all sod culture treatments were significantly higher than those for clean culture. Moreover, adding biochar (6t/hm²) could promote the soil organic matter (SOM), the content of soil available nutrients such as phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B), the activity of acid phosphatase and sucrose, and the number and diversity of fungi in the soil. Meanwhile, the leaf nutrient concentrations of treatments application of biochar (6t/hm²) and rice straw cover (9t/hm²) was significantly higher than that for the control treatment. These results provide evidence that sod culture simultaneously improves soil chemical properties and increases soil biological properties, and thus can be an effective management approach for maintaining orchard ecosystem stability and soil fertility.

Purpose

To clarify the effects of rice straw returning on the yield and quality of common buckwheat.

Methods

Common buckwheat cultivar Fengtian 1 was used across two years and treated with no rice straw returning combined with no compound fertilizer (CK), no rice straw returning combined with normal fertilizer (NSNF), full rice straw returning with 20% (FSRF20%), 40%, (FSRF40%) and 80% (FSRF80%) reduction in compound fertilizer application, and full rice straw returning with no compound fertilizer (FSNF).

Results

Compared with the CK treatment, the FSRF20% treatment increased the accumulation and transport rate of non-structural carbohydrate in leaves at full bloom and grain filling stages and the enzyme activity of rhizosphere soil. With decreased compound fertilizer application rate, the grain weight per plant, 100-grain weight, and yield initially increased and then decreased, reaching the maximum at FSRF20% treatment. Compared with that of the CK treatment, the NSNF, FSRF20%, FSRF40%, FSRF80%, and FSNF treatment increased the yield by 172.54%, 181.02%, 104.49%, 69.30%, and 22.33%, respectively. The proportion of essential amino acids was about half that of total amino acids of common buckwheat. The flavonoid and starch content in grains of FSRF40% treatment were the highest. The protein, total amino acids, and essential amino acids content in grains of CK treatment were the highest.

Conclusions

For the sustainable development of farmland and improve the economic benefits of cultivating common buckwheat, 20% reduction in compound fertilizer can be considered when the total amount of rice straw was returned to the field.

In contemporary farming practices, biochar along with nano-priming of seeds has become a significant application for improving soil fertility, germination, and seedling vigor. A pot experiment was performed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial arrangement and replicated thrice. Biochar was mixed in soil with (0.1%) and (0.2%) per 5 kg pot size for one week before seeds sowing. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were used for the nano-priming of tinda seeds. Round gourd seeds were nano-primed with ZnO NP (20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg) and were sown in biochar-mixed soil. Shoot length, root length, and shoot fresh weight were maximum in T3 (0.1% biochar with 60 mg ZnO) as compared to control and other treatment groups. Photosynthetic pigments have not shown any significant increase under treated conditions as compared to control tinda plants. Physiological attributes were significantly increased as compared to non-treated plants. Total soluble sugars and proline were highest in T4 (0.2% biochar with 20 mg ZnO) compared to other treatment groups. Antioxidant enzyme catalase showed an increase in content with T1 (0.1% biochar with 20 mg ZnO), followed by, T2 (0.1% biochar with 40 mg ZnO), T3 (0.1% biochar with 60 mg ZnO) and least in T6 (0.2% biochar with 60 mg ZnO). Maximum peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in T6 (0.2% biochar with 60 mg ZnO) as compared to other treatments. Move over, it is recommended to use biochar in soil and green ZnO nanoparticles as priming agents for improvement in the growth and productivity of round gourd plants.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is an important medicinal plant of Southeast-Asia, enriched with various antioxidant components like β-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, catechin and folacin. Carotenoids are the bioactive substances abundantly present in sea buckthorn berries providing it an enticing yellowish, or orange red color. We performed the phylogenetic analysis, and conserved domain analysis to observe the evolutionary history and functional cites of carotenoids biosynthesis genes respectively. Further relative expression of two carotenoids biosynthesis genes Lycopene β-cyclase (Hr-Lcyb) and phytoene synthase (Hr-Psy) in was conducted in various tissues of sea buckthorn plants. Our results revealed that both the carotenoid synthesis genes Hr-Lcyb and Hr-Psy showed homology with already reported Arabidopsis thaliana genes (AT3G10230 and AT5G17230). Relative expression analysis indicated that expression of Hr-Lcyb and Hr-Psy genes in leaves and floral organs of sea buckthorn was one-fold higher than other tissues. This study will open the door for plant biologists for further characterization of carotenoids synthesis genes and their regulatory processes in specific tissues of carotenoid rich fruit plants.