Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition最新文献

Tropical soils are characterized by inadequate fertility, low pH, organic matter, inability to take up nutrients, and lower crop yield. The nutrition provided by organic inputs might have solved some of these problems rather than solo chemical fertilizers. Therefore, a combination of soil amendment with banana pseudostem-based compost and foliar spray of banana pseudostem sap was tested to evaluate the sweet corn’s nutrient uptake, yield, and quality. The study included four levels of banana pseudostem-based co-compost (BPC), viz., CF: control (100% recommended chemical fertilizers); C₅: 5 t ha⁻¹; C₁₀: 10 t ha⁻¹; C₁₅: 15 t ha⁻¹; and three foliar frequencies of banana pseudostem sap (BPS), WFS: without application; 2TFS: two; and 3TFS: three times. The treatments were repeated three times, followed by the factorial completely randomized block design. Increasing the dose of compost and foliar sap improved corn growth, yield, and quality. Compared to chemical fertilizers, soil amendment with BPC significantly improved N (7.31%) and P (19.4%) uptake, corn yield (10.6%), and 11.4%, biomass in the 15 t ha⁻¹ compost-treated pot. Similarly, the three foliar sprays of BPS separately increased on average by 8% and 6.5% of cob yield and biomass, respectively over the non-spraying treatment. In contrast, the interaction effects of BPC (15 t ha⁻¹) and foliar spray of BPS (three times) also significantly increased K, Ca, and Mg uptake by 120, 844, and 1823%, respectively, compared with those of the control. Consequently, the phenolic and total sugar content increased by 16.21% and 7.28%, respectively in BPC (15 t ha⁻¹) related to the response of sole chemical fertilizers. Banana pseudostem-based compost at the rate of 15 t ha⁻¹ with three foliar sprays of banana pseudostem sap could increase the productivity and quality of sweet corn in acidic soil.

Decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) resulted in the release of mineral nutrients viz. macronutrients (N, P, and K), micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn), and secondary plant nutrients (Ca, Mg, and S) in soils. Loss of SOM can be inherently detrimental to crop productivity due to the adverse impacts on soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. Therefore, increasing awareness regarding SOM and agricultural sustainability was regained importance in the farming community. The build-up of SOM triggers to chemical transformations of macro, micro, and secondary nutrients in the soil. The SOM is a rich source of secondary nutrients, and its slow release contributes to the dynamics in soil nutrient levels. Integrated use of OM application with mineral fertilizers increased soil organic carbon (SOC) more efficiently and enhanced nutrients in the soil. The present study showed that the build-up of OM affected macro, micro, and secondary nutrients differently. The detailed review of previous research studies concluded that the build-up of OM showed a strong positive correlation with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, iron, and sulphur availability. However, in some cases, OM build-up demonstrated a negative correlation with copper, calcium, and magnesium availability. Thus, the present review focused on soil’s critical role of serving as a complex ecosystem that regulates numerous functions for sustainable agricultural production through nutrient cycling. The review highlighted the importance of OM added to soil in altering soil properties and thus enhanced macro, micro, and secondary plant nutrients transformations.

Purpose: The substantial use of peat as a nursery substrate leads to the destruction of ecologically important peat bogs, necessitating the search for sustainable and suitable alternatives. In this study, we assessed the suitability of sheep manure-based compost as a potential substrate to either partially or complete replace commercial peat in the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings. Methods: Five different substrate treatments were used: 100% peat (100% P) served as the control; 100% compost (100% C); 25% C/75% P; 50% C/50% P; and 75% C/25% P. The study followed a completely randomized design, with sixteen replications for each treatment level. Various parameters, including seedling emergence, seedling survival, seedling growth, seedling vigor index, Dickson’s quality index, among other variables, were analyzed. Results: Seedling emergence ranged from 87.5 to 100%, with no significant differences among the substrate treatments, suggesting that seedling emergence and initial establishment can be successfully achieved in sheep manure-based compost. For seedling growth, sheep manure-based compost, whether used alone or in combination with peat, also resulted in similar or even better outcomes as compared to the control. For example, in the 100% compost treatment, seedlings exhibited comparable diameter growth and total seedling biomass to those of the control, or 100% peat. However, seedling height was 7.6% greater in the 100% compost substrate when compared to the control, demonstrating the potential growth-promoting effects of utilizing sheep manure-based compost as a growing medium. Conclusions: During our study we found that the quality of seedlings produced in all tested substrates was similar to that of the control. Therefore, as a compost, sheep manure, a locally and widely available resource, shows promise as a viable nursery substrate, potentially entirely replacing the expensive, non-renewable, and environmentally sensitive peat currently being used in nurseries for producing lettuce seedlings.

Purpose

The use of agro-industrial subproducts is a sustainable alternative in the formulation of substrates for plants. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of substrates formulated from vermicompost and carbonized rice husk on production of yellow passion fruit cultivars seedlings.

Methods

Four cultivars: BRS Gigante Amarelo, FB 300, IAC 275, and Rubi do Cerrado were sown in tubes filled with six substrates from combinations of vermicompost (V) and carbonized rice husk (CRH): 100% V, 90% V + 10% CRH, 80% V + 20% CRH, 70% V + 30% CRH, 60% V + 40% CRH, and 50% V + 50% CRH.

Results

We observed that substrates with higher proportions of vermicompost presented better chemical attributes and moisture content. Seedlings from cv. BRS Gigante Amarelo and FB 300 showed higher relative water content produced in substrates with a proportion > 70% of vermicompost. The highest growth and biomass production characteristics were observed in all cultivar’s seedlings in 100% V and 90% V + 10% CRH.

Conclusion

Substrates containing 100% and 90% vermicompost contributed to obtaining passion fruit seedlings with higher growth and photoassimilates accumulation. The addition > 30% CRH in the substrate formulation impaired the production of passion fruit cultivars seedlings.

Camellia sinensis is a significant economic and medical plant. The plant is short and thrives in shaded environments, making it suitable for cultivation under forest canopies. However, the mechanisms governing the growth of C. sinensis in understory conditions need to be fully understood. The study aims to delve into the growth regulatory mechanisms of C. sinensis in understory mode and the impact of the environment on its growth efficiency and bioactive compound synthesis. Through physiological measurements, transcriptomics, metagenomics, and machine vision analysis, a systematic investigation of C. sinensis characteristics in different environments was conducted. Transcriptome data comparisons unveiled key gene expression changes, and the role of these genes in biosynthetic pathways was validated using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Concurrently, metagenomic analysis of soil microbial communities revealed the environmental effects on microbial diversity. C. sinensis in understory mode exhibited higher stomatal density and smaller pore sizes under low light and humidity conditions; phenolic and flavonoid compounds were identified as the main regulatory pathways, with enhanced expression of key genes such as Dihydroflavonol-4-Reductase (DFR), Anthocyanidin Reductase (ANR), and Leucoanthocyanidin Reductase (LAR), which promoted the synthesis of tea polyphenols and lignin, the abundance of Acidobacteria might be related to the growth of C. sinensis in understory mode. Furthermore, machine vision models indicated that C. sinensis displayed higher growth efficiency in the understory mode environment. This research discovered the characteristics of C. sinensis in understory mode and elucidated its growth efficiency in understory mode by modulating phenolic and flavonoid metabolism key genes and promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Differences in soil microbial communities could also affect vegetation coverage and other aspects. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing understory mode cultivation and highlight the crucial importance of multidisciplinary approaches in understanding plant adaptability.

Maize, the third most important cereal crop in the world, has recently been introduced in the Ganges-Meghna mega delta coastal ecosystem, but optimum phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates for high yield and to avoid depletion of soil P reserves have not been determined. The objective of the experiment, repeated over three years, was to identify optimum rates of P for maximizing yield and P use efficiency, and for minimizing depletion of P from the soil. In the dry-seasons of 2020, 2021 and 2023, P was broadcast as triple superphosphate at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 kg P ha^− 1 to maize (cv. Don-111) on a slightly acid silt loam soil. Maximum grain yield of 11.6, 10.8 and 10.8 t ha^− 1 was found at 72, 36 and 48 kg P ha^− 1 rate in 2020, 2021 and 2023, respectively. Based on the pooled yield, 60 kg P ha^− 1 was the minimum rate required for maximum yield but there was no significant increase in P uptake above 48 kg P ha^− 1. The P partial balance was zero at 45 kg P ha^− 1. At 48 kg P ha^− 1 the partial factor productivity was 201.8 kg grain kg^− 1 added P, agronomic use efficiency was 80.6 kg grain kg^− 1 added P, and recovery efficiency was 0.563 kg P uptake kg^− 1 added P. For sustenance of yield and soil P fertility, 48–60 kg P ha^− 1 was optimal for maize yielding 11–12 t ha^− 1 in the Ganges-Meghna mega delta coastal ecosystem.

Purpose: Arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater and soil affects the quality of plant-based foods, while zinc (Zn) deficiency in agricultural soils leads to global zinc malnutrition. Addressing these issues is both crucial and urgent, especially for wheat production. This study compared Zn application methods for decreasing grain As and increasing grain Zn concentrations in two Zn-biofortified wheat cultivars, Akbar-2019 and Zincol-2016. Methods: The experiment involved growing the cultivars in pots and applying Zn through different methods: control, seed priming with distilled water and 6 mM ZnSO₄ solution, soil application at 0 and 8 mg Zn kg⁻¹, foliar sprays of distilled water and 0.05% Zn (w/v) at booting and heading, and all combinations of these application methods. Throughout the growth period, the pots were irrigated with As-contaminated water (1.0 mg As L⁻¹). Results: Zinc application significantly increased chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and dry matter yields. Moreover, there was an increase in Zn and phosphorus (P) concentrations in grains, along with a rise in the estimated dietary intake (EDI) of Zn. This was associated with a simultaneous decrease in As concentrations in various plant parts, including grains, and a decrease in the EDI of As. The most significant increase in grain yield and grain Zn accumulation, coupled with the most notable decrease in grain As concentration, was observed with the combined application of Zn through seed priming, soil application, and foliar spray. Conclusion: Soil application and foliar spray of Zn mitigate As contamination in wheat grains under As-contaminated irrigation, while also ensuring agronomic Zn biofortification.

Coastal mangrove ecosystems have been degraded due to changes in land use and grazing. Here, we assess the differences in population characteristics and sediment organic carbon (SOC) stocks and carbon sequestration rates (CSR) at Avicennia marina protected and grazed locations along the southern Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia. Tree density per unit area were counted (tree 100 m^− 2) and maximum tree height and crown diameter (cm) were measured. Sediment bulk density (SBD, g cm^− 3), sediment organic carbon (SOC) content (g C kg^− 1), total SOC stocks (kg C m^− 2) to a depth of 75 cm, and CSR (g C m^− 2 year^− 1) were estimated. Protected A. marina trees had significantly (p < 0.05) higher tree height and crown diameter (119.5 ± 8.3 and 209.6 ± 17.1 cm, respectively) than those of the mangrove trees at the grazed locations (76.8 ± 7.5 and 148.0 ± 23.5 cm, respectively). Sediment of the A. marina trees that are growing at the protected locations had significantly (p < 0.05) higher SOC content, SOC density, SOC stock to a depth of 75 cm, and CSR (21.6 ± 0.5 g C kg^− 1, 30.5 ± 0.6 kg C m^− 3, 22.9 ± 1.1 kg C m^− 2, and 6.7 ± 0.1 g C m^− 2 year^− 1, respectively) than those of the grazed locations (9.6 ± 0.2 g C kg^− 1, 14.6 ± 0.2 kg C m^− 3, 10.9 ± 0.4 kg C m^− 2, and 3.2 ± 0.0 g C m^− 2 year^− 1, respectively). Our results provide strong evidence of the vital need to continue conserving A. marina’s population for accumulating more blue carbon for mitigation of global warming and offset greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions of CO₂ from the soil are mainly derived from soil microbial respiration, whereas CH₄ emissions originate from anaerobic degradation of organic matter via microbial processes. Kitchen waste compost is used in the agricultural sector to improve soil quality. However, abiotic CO₂ and CH₄ emissions from soils amended with kitchen waste compost under aerobic conditions remain uncertain. Temperature plays an important role in organic matter decomposition in both biotic and abiotic pathways. This study aimed to evaluate biotic and abiotic emissions of CO₂ and CH₄ from soils receiving kitchen compost at different temperatures. Ten grams of soil amended with or without 0.1 g kitchen compost (1%) were sterilized or non-sterilized. The mixture and soil-only samples were incubated in 100-mL glass bottles at 20, 30, and 35 °C for 28 d under an aerobic condition. The results showed that CO₂ and CH₄ emissions increased at higher temperatures and compost application rates (p < 0.05). Emissions of CO₂ mainly occurred via biotic pathways. Abiotic processes were potential pathways for CH₄ generation, particularly at high temperatures of 35 °C. There was 20–24% of C in kitchen compost changed to CO₂ and less than 0.1% to CH₄. Our results suggest that global warming enhances abiotic CO₂ and CH₄ emissions and may contribute to further global warming.

The basic principle of GWAS is to integrate genotype and phenotype data through general linear models or mixed linear models (MLM). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) is an efficient method to discover genomic regions associated with traits of interest and has been successfully implemented in various crops, including sorghum. Bibliometric analysis is a method that quantitatively evaluates scientific research by measuring the knowledge conveyed through scientific publications within a specific field. A total of 227 scholarly articles on sorghum and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were examined within the Web of Science database, spanning the years 2000 to 2022. All of the articles, written by 1117 authors from 27 publishers, 347 institutes, and 48 countries and published in 91 journals, were written in English. The five most prominent journals in the field were identified as Theoretical and Applied Genetics (8.37%), G3 Genes Genomes Genetics (7.04%), Frontiers in Plant Science (6.60%), Plant Genome (6.60%), and Plant Physiology (4.40%), with each having published more than 10 papers. The five countries that ranked highest in terms of paper publications were the United States, the People's Republic of China, India, Australia, and Germany. According to the available data, the leading publishers in the field were Springer Nature, Wiley, Oxford University Press, Frontiers Media SA, and MDPI. The authors, who have published the highest number of papers, exceeding twelve in quantity, are Morris GP, Kresovich S, Hu ZB, Perumal R, and Upadhyaya HD. The set of keywords was partitioned into six distinct clusters, each corresponding to a unique area of the research query. Visualizations provide a means of exploring the current state of a scientific field or discipline and can also suggest potential future directions. The identification of primary research concepts and areas in this study may prove beneficial for forthcoming research endeavors and policy-making processes concerning the enhancement of sorghum.