Effects Of Agricultural Practices Research Articles

The loss-of-function of AtNATA2 enhances AtADC2-dependent putrescine biosynthesis and priming, improving growth and salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Putrescine (Put) is a promising small molecule-based biostimulant to enhance plant growth and resilience, though its mode of action remains unclear. This study investigated the Put priming effect on Arabidopsis mutant lines (Atadc1, Atadc2, Atnata1, and Atnata2) under control conditions and salinity to understand its role in regulating plant growth. The Atadc2 mutant, characterized by reduced endogenous Put levels, showed insensitivity to Put priming without growth enhancement, which was linked to significant imbalances in nitrogen metabolism, including a high Gln/Glu ratio. Contrarily, the Atnata2 mutant exhibited significant growth improvement and upregulated AtADC2 expression, particularly under Put priming, highlighting these genes' involvement in regulating plant development. Put priming enhanced plant growth by inducing the accumulation of specific polyamines (free, acetylated, conjugated, or bound form) and improving light-harvesting efficiency, particularly in the Atnata2 line. Our findings suggest that AtNATA2 may negatively regulate Put synthesis and accumulation via AtADC2 in the chloroplast, impacting light harvesting in photosystem II (PSII). Furthermore, the Atadc2 mutant line exhibited upregulated AtADC1 but reduced AcPut levels, pointing to a cross-regulation among these genes. The regulation by AtNATA2 on AtADC2 and AtADC2 on AtADC1 could be crucial for plant growth and overall stress tolerance by interacting with polyamine catabolism, which shapes the plant metabolic profile under different growth conditions. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms involving crosstalk between AtADC and AtNATA genes in polyamine metabolism and the connection with certain SMBBs like Put can lead to more effective agricultural practices, improving plant growth, nitrogen uptake, and resilience under challenging conditions.

Preparation of Biofertilizers from Banana Peels: Their Impact on Soil and Crop Enhancement

Disposing of banana peels (BPs) as bio-organic waste is an environmental challenge. Rich in potassium, BPs are often discarded despite their agricultural value. Reports on the valorization of BP are increasing, but no review has focused on BP fertilizer preparation methods. This study aims to review and analyze these methods to guide researchers and agriculturists in optimizing BP utilization, promoting sustainable waste management, and effective agricultural practices. This review has uncovered significant findings. A composite of banana and orange peels emerged as the most favoured and widely used approach, closely followed by dried BPs. This study highlighted the substantial impact of fertilizer application methods such as top and basal dressing. Most of the results revealed that the peels significantly improved the growth parameters of various plants. However, for biochar, the plant height was insignificant between treatments, further emphasizing the importance of the application method used. Banana peels are a valuable resource for biofertilizer synthesis. The banana–orange peel composite exhibits outstanding fertilizer properties. More new studies should go beyond the seedling stage, especially to harvest. This would give more information on the performance and viability of BP fertilizers.

Machine Learning based Suggestion Method for Land Suitability Assessment and Production Sustainability

The global population is projected to increase by an additional two billion by 2050, as per the assessment conducted by Food and Agriculture Management. However, the arable land is anticipated to expand by just 5%. Consequently, intelligent and effective agricultural practices are essential to enhancing farming production. Evaluating rural Land Suitability (LS) is a crucial instrument for agricultural growth. Numerous novel methods and concepts are being adopted in agriculture as alternatives for gathering and processing farm data. The swift advancement of wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) has prompted the creation of economical and compact sensor gadgets, with the Internet of Things (IoT) serving as a viable instrument for automation and decision-making in farmers. To evaluate agricultural LS, this study offers an expert system integrating networked sensors with Machine Learning (ML) technologies, including neural networks. The suggested approach would assist farmers in evaluating agricultural land for cultivating across four decision categories: very appropriate, suitable, somewhat suitable, and inappropriate. This evaluation is based on the data gathered from various sensor devices for system training. The findings achieved with the MLP with four concealed layers demonstrate efficacy for the multiclass categorization method compared to other current models. This trained system will assess future evaluations and categorize the land post-cultivation.

Joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data for the evaluation of the impact of irrigation systems on the time until the occurrence of phoma leaf spot in Arabica coffee plants.

The coffee crop is prominent in Brazilian agriculture, making the country a global power in this area. One of the main concerns in the coffee sector is disease, which can affect coffee productivity and quality. Thus, it is important to evaluate the factors that may affect coffee quality and thus enhance the development of strategies to reduce coffee losses and costs and optimize production. This study evaluated the influence of the type of irrigation (self-propelled, drip, and center pivot) on the time until the occurrence of phoma leaf spot on Arabica coffee plants, considering the intensity of the disease. Additionally, the association between longitudinal incidence and the time until an event of interest was assessed based on the joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data. The results of this study identify the effectiveness of drip irrigation system compared with other systems; the use of such systems was associated with an ~46.5% reduction in the risk of leaf spot disease compared with the use of a self-propelled irrigation system. The use of a center pivot system increased the risk of disease progression compared with a self-propelled system. An association between the longitudinal and survival processes was also observed. The findings demonstrate the superior performance of the drip irrigation system in controlling phoma leaf spot disease in Arabica coffee plants compared with self-propelled and center pivot systems. This research highlights the potential of using drip irrigation to establish more effective agricultural practices in coffee cultivation, contributing to better disease management and improved crop quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of farming practices on growth, yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under soybean-wheat cropping sequence

Effect of farming practices on growth, yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under soybean-wheat cropping sequence

Oat/Soybean Intercropping Reshape the Soil Bacterial Community for Enhanced Nutrient Cycling

ABSTRACTIntercropping, particularly within legume‐based systems, has been shown to enhance yields and optimize resource use efficiency. Yet, the potential contribution of intercropping on soil microbial communities and functions to soil nutrients cycling are not fully understood. We conducted the same field experiments at Youyu (Site1) and Zhangbei (Site2) in Northern China to evaluate the impact of oat/soybean intercropping on the rhizosphere soil bacterial community structure, composition, and co‐occurrence networks. Our results indicated that intercropping significantly modified the bacterial community structure for both oat and soybean at Site1, with changes observed only in the oat community at Site2. Specifically, intercropping led to a substantial increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Patescibacteria in the oat rhizosphere by 48.3% and 65.4% (Site1), respectively. Conversely, in the soybean rhizosphere at Site1, there was a notable decrease in the abundance of Patescibacteria and Nitrospirae by 32.4% and 40.0%, respectively. The soil bacterial functional groups demonstrated robust positive correlations with key soil parameters such as available nitrogen (Nmin), available phosphorus (Avail‐P), and the activities of nitrogen‐ and phosphorus‐acquiring enzymes in the rhizosphere. In conclusion, intercropping is an effective agricultural practice for enhancing nitrogen and phosphorus cycling by reshaping the soil bacterial community, offering a distinct advantage over monoculture practices. This insight underscores the potential of intercropping to foster sustainable soil nutrient management, highlighting the importance of integrating such practices into modern agricultural strategies to ensure long‐term productivity and environmental sustainability.

The effects of agricultural practices on earthworm communities in Estonia

Earthworms support and mediate the provision of many processes in the soil. They are therefore important in maintaining soil functioning and contribute towards the sustainability of soil management systems. Assessment of earthworm communities can provide answers regarding the land management conservation efforts and insight on soil quality. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of farming (organic vs conventional) and tillage (no-tillage vs minimum tillage vs conventional tillage) systems on earthworm communities under varying soil conditions in arable fields across Estonia. To achieve this, we compiled data from studies carried out over a period of 21 years on Estonian arable fields. While organic farming and conventional farming showed a similar earthworm abundance, earthworm diversity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) under the organic system. Higher abundance, species richness, and the proportion of anecic species suggest that a no-tillage system creates the most favourable habitat conditions for earthworms. Soil texture further influenced the effect of management system on earthworm abundance and diversity indexes. For example, the differences in earthworm abundance and diversity between the management systems increased from lighter textured to heavier textured soils. Our results suggest that soil texture is a major factor influencing earthworm communities in Estonian agricultural fields and emphasizes the importance of including different soil texture classes when assessing the effects of agricultural management practices in field-scale studies.

Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Straw Incorporation on Maize Yield and Water Use Efficiency in China under Different Production Conditions

Maize plays a crucial role in China’s grain production, with a cultivation area reaching 44.22 million hectares and an annual yield of 289 million tons in 2023. However, the challenge remains on how to further increase maize yield and water use efficiency (WUE) without adding to the environmental burden. To systematically evaluate the impact of straw incorporation under varying production conditions on maize yield and WUE, this study collected experimental data from multiple locations across China. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effects of straw incorporation versus no incorporation, and the main influencing factors were identified using correlation analysis and a random forest model. The results indicate that straw incorporation significantly enhances both maize yield and WUE, with the most pronounced improvements observed under conditions of an average growing season temperature of 19–23 °C, soil pH of 6.5–7.5, low initial soil organic matter content, and deep plowing for straw incorporation. Additionally, moderate nitrogen application rates and straw incorporation amounts (9000–15,000 kg·ha−2) also significantly boost maize yield and WUE. Field management practices and meteorological conditions are identified as the primary factors affecting maize yield and WUE under straw incorporation conditions. Therefore, straw incorporation stands out as an effective agricultural practice for achieving high maize yields and efficient resource utilization. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for global food security and the sustainable development of agriculture.

The Role of Agrotechnology in Pest Management: Assessing the Effectiveness of Biopesticides, Integrated Pest Management, and Genetic Engineering

This qualitative study investigates the role of agrotechnology in pest management by assessing the effectiveness of biopesticides, integrated pest management (IPM), and genetic engineering. Through an extensive review of existing literature and case studies, the research aims to elucidate how these technological advancements contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and effective pest control. Biopesticides, derived from natural materials such as microorganisms, plants, and certain minerals, are highlighted as a key component in modern pest management. The study finds that biopesticides offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, reducing the ecological impact and the risk of pesticide resistance. They are effective against a broad spectrum of pests while being safe for non-target species, including humans and beneficial insects. The research underscores the importance of developing and optimizing biopesticide formulations to enhance their efficacy and acceptance among farmers. In conclusion, the study suggests that the integration of biopesticides, IPM, and genetic engineering in pest management strategies can lead to more sustainable and effective agricultural practices. It advocates for continued research and collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and farmers to develop and implement these technologies responsibly. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of these technologies on agricultural ecosystems and their potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Unveiling the barriers of Cd translocation from soil to rice: Insights from continuous flooding

Understanding the spatiotemporal processes governing Cd behavior at the soil-solution-root interface is crucial for developing effective remediation strategies. This study examined the processes of chemical remediation in Cd-contaminated paddy soil using rhizotrons over the entire rice growth period. One-dimensional profile sampling with a 10 cm resolution revealed that during the initial flooding, paddy soil was strongly stimulated, followed by stabilization of porewater properties. X-ray diffraction of freeze-dried porewater confirmed the generation of submicron-precipitates such as CdS under continuous flooding, resulting in low ion levels of water-soluble Cd (<1 μg/L) and sulfate (<10 mg/L) in porewater. Two-dimensional imaging technologies indicated the maximum iron‑manganese plaque (IP) within 20–110 μm of the root surface. Subsequently, monitoring O2 in the rhizosphere with a planar optode by two 100 cm2 membranes for a consecutive month revealed significant circadian O2 variations between the root base and tip. Destructive sampling results showed that acid-soluble Cd in soils, as available Cd, is crucial for Cd uptake by rice roots under continuous flooding. The IP deposited on the root surface, as the barriers of Cd translocation, increased with rice growth and blocked Cd translocation from soil to rice by about 18.11 %–25.43 % at maturity. A Si-Ca-Mg compound amendment reduced available Cd by about 10 % and improved Cd blocking efficiency by about 7.32 % through increasing IP concentration, resulting in the absorption ratio of Cd in the amendment group being half that of the control group. By unveiling the complex Cd interactions at the soil-rice interface, this study lays the groundwork for developing effective agricultural practices to mitigate Cd-contaminated paddy and ensure food safety.

Reevaluating the Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Toward Sustainable and Inclusive Agriculture in Telangana: A Review

The Rythu Bandhu Scheme (RBS), initiated by the Government of Telangana, India, on February 25, 2018, provides financial assistance to farmers across all categories. Its primary objective is to prevent farmers from succumbing to debt and to improve their financial stability. By enabling them to procure essential inputs like fertilizers, seeds, machinery, and labour, the scheme aims to enhance effective agricultural practices. However, it falls short in addressing critical environmental and social challenges in agriculture, including soil degradation, water pollution, climate change and food security. This paper proposes a comprehensive set of recommendations to enhance the Rythu Bandhu Scheme (RBS), ensuring its long-term sustainability and inclusivity for Telangana’s agricultural sector. The following strategies are crucial for achieving these goals: To enhance soil health and reduce erosion, encourage practices like minimum tillage, crop rotation and cover cropping. Livestock rearing provides supplementary income, valuable manure and draught power, diversifying farmers’ livelihoods. Address environmental and health concerns related to chemical fertilizers by recommending organic or bio-fertilizers. Utilize crop residues as mulch, fodder, or biofuel instead of burning them to minimize air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Establish vegetation strips along water bodies to safeguard water quality, preserve biodiversity, and prevent soil erosion. Financial incentives for sustainable practices ensure farmers’ profitability and food security. Implement district-level advisory bodies to educate farmers about sustainable methods. These recommendations align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

AI for Sustainable Farming

Abstract: Technology like the AI and IoT have been employed in farming for some time now, along with other forms of cutting-edge computer science. There has been a shift in recent years towards thinking about how to put this new technology to use. Agriculture has provided a large portion of humanity’s sustenance for thousands of years, with its most notable contribution being the widespread use of effective agricultural practices for several crop types. The advent of cutting edge IoT know-hows with the ability for monitoring agricultural ecosystems and guarantee high-quality production is underway. Smart Sustainable Agriculture continues to face formidable hurdles due to the widespread dispersion of agricultural procedures, such as the deployment4/ and administration of IoT and AI devices, sharing of data and administration, interoperability, and analysis and storage of enormous data quantities. The project aims to address pressing global challenges by promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Sustainable agriculture is characterized by its long-term viabilityand ecological compatibility, prioritizing the well-being of both humans and natural resources. It encompasses various techniques and methods that protect soil quality, conserve water resources, enhance biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

MSP and Cost of Cultivation of Crops in Relation to Mechanisation of Cultivation of Crops

Agricultural cost is the key to finding the farmers’ cost for a particular crop. India is a nation where a sizable section of the population relies on the agriculture sector, yet it is the only industry that consistently experiences challenges and produces at a rate that is lower than what is anticipated. Indian farms must be mechanised in order to boost input usage effectiveness, decrease human labour-intensive tasks, raise production and productivity of food-grains, lower production costs, and handle difficulties with labour shortages in agriculture and timely farm operations. The use of engineering and technology in agricultural operations to perform a task more effectively and increase production is known as farming mechanization. Mechanization will be used in various stages of the cultivation process where the human intervention will be reduced. Improving crop production involves a combination of factors ranging from selecting the right crop varieties and implementing effective agricultural practices to managing resources efficiently and mitigating risks. Mechanization in the process of cultivation involves the use of various machines and equipment to perform agricultural tasks more efficiently and effectively. Here's how mechanization is applied at different stages of the cultivation process: land preparation, planting, weed control, irrigation, fertilization, crop monitoring, harvesting etc.

Sustainable management strategies for balancing crop yield, water use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions

CONTEXTTo ensure food security in the face of climate change, it is crucial to use effective agricultural management practices that produce the triangular win-win for water, crops, and environments. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to explore the sustainable management measures for balancing crop yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in China during 1981–2020. METHODSThe study selected the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region of China as the research area, where there were sharp contradictions among water shortage, food security and polluted environment. Four irrigation treatments and four fertilization treatments were set referring to the local cultivated experiences. The daily dynamic changes in crop yield, WUE and GHG emissions were simulated by optimized Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe irrigations had positive impacts on crop yield and WUE in BTH region. The irrigation amount's rise caused a gradual augmentation in the total yield of winter wheat and summer maize from 1981 to 2020.The highest total yield was achieved under W4 irrigation treatment (320 mm water for winter wheat and 60 mm water for summer maize), with an annual mean of 24,579.2 kg·ha−1. The annual average WUE under the W3 irrigation treatment (240 mm water for winter wheat) was the highest, with an average of 13.9 kg·ha−1·mm−1. However, extensive fertilization exacerbated soil GHG emissions. The soil GHG emissions were found to be significant increase as the input amount of fertilization. The FI fertilization measure (no fertilization) was assessed to have the least impact on the environment, with an average GHG emissions of 0.4 Mg·CO2-eq·ha−1. The optimal goals of high yield, high WUE and low GHG emissions were achieved by choosing effective combination practices of water and nitrogen management. Overall, the W3 irrigation and F3 fertilization (180 kg/ha fertilizer for winter wheat and 120 kg/ha fertilizer for summer maize.) treatments had the maximum water-fertilizer production indexes in the BTH region. SIGNIFICANCEThis study highlights the importance of agricultural management measures for guaranteeing food security and environmental sustainability at the same time under climate change.

Application of Rice Straw Inhibits Clubroot Disease by Regulating the Microbial Community in Soil.

Straw return is an effective agricultural management practice for alleviating soil sickness, but only a few studies have focused on the incorporation of straw with deep plowing and rotary tillage practices in vegetable production. To determine the effects of rice straw return on Chinese cabbage clubroot, a field experiment for three consecutive years in the same area was performed. Soil microbial high-throughput sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other methods were used to detect Chinese cabbage plant growth, clubroot occurrence, soil chemical properties and soil microbial diversity and abundance. The results showed that straw addition could significantly reduce the clubroot disease incidence. Through Illumina Miseq sequencing, the diversity of the fungi decreased obviously. The relative abundance of the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes was strikingly reduced, while that of Chloroflexi was significantly increased. Redundancy analysis suggests that soil properties may also affect the soil microbial composition; changes in the microbial structure of bacteria and fungi were associated with the available phosphorus. In conclusion, the continuous addition of rice straw can promote the growth and control the occurrence of clubroot, which is closely related to the microbial composition, and the inhibition effect is proportional to the age of addition.

Effect of Brucea javanica Oil on the Toxicity of β-Cypermethrin Emulsifiable Concentrate Formulation.

Enhancing the performance of traditional pesticide formulations by improving their leaf surface wetting capabilities is a crucial approach for maximizing the pesticide efficiency. This study develops an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) of 4.5% β-cypermethrin containing Brucea javanica oil (BJO). The incorporation of BJO aims to improve the leaf-wetting properties of the EC formulation and enhance its insecticidal effectiveness. The droplet size and emulsion characteristics of β-CYP EC emulsion with varying concentrations of the emulsifier were evaluated, and changes after incorporating BJO were assessed to develop the optimal formulation. A comprehensive comparison was conducted among commercial 4.5% β-cypermethrin EC (β-CYP EC-1), 4.5% β-cypermethrin EC with BJO (β-CYP EC-2), and 4.5% β-cypermethrin EC without BJO (β-CYP EC-3). This comparison encompassed various factors including storage stability, insecticidal activity, cytotoxicity, and wetting performance on cabbage leaves. The results indicated that the ideal emulsifier concentration was 15% emulsifier 0201B. β-CYP EC-2 demonstrated superior wetting properties on cabbage leaves (the wetting performance of β-CYP EC-2 emulsion on cabbage leaves is 2.60 times that of the β-CYP EC-1 emulsion), heightened insecticidal activity against the third larvae of Plutella xylostella [diamondback moth (DBM)] [the insecticidal activity of the β-CYP EC-2 emulsion against the third larvae of DBM is 1.93 times that of the β-CYP EC-1 emulsion (12 h)], and more obvious inhibitory effects on the proliferation of DBM embryo cells than the other tested formulations. These findings have significant implications for advancing pest control strategies and promoting sustainable and effective agricultural practices.

MicroRNA‐encoded peptides inhibit seed germination of the root parasitic plant Orobanche cumana

Societal Impact StatementThe root parasitic plant Orobanche cumana (sunflower broomrape) is one of the major pests of sunflower crops. Despite intense efforts to develop effective agricultural practices and breeding programs, selective control of broomrapes is still rare and ineffective in terms of sustainability. It is thus essential to develop new specific control methods against those pests. miRNA‐encoded peptides (miPEPs) are a new class of peptides regulating the expression of miRNAs and their corresponding target genes. This study demonstrates that certain miPEPs strongly inhibit the germination of broomrape seeds by regulating their miR gene, making them good candidates for use as biocontrol agents against this pathogen.Summary Root parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae family are a constant and growing threat to agriculture worldwide. Among them, the parasitic weed Orobanche cumana, the sunflower broomrape, causes significant losses to sunflower production in European‐Asian and North African countries. Despite the use of several conventional control methods against this pathogen, none has proved effective or durable, underlining the need to develop innovative strategies. miRNA‐encoded peptides (miPEPs) are regulatory peptides stimulating the expression of their own primary transcript of miRNA, and plant watering with those molecules leads to down‐regulating specifically miRNA target genes and altering plant physiology. Through seed germination assays and qRT‐PCR analysis, we investigated the impact of exogenous treatments of synthetic miPEPs on broomrape seed germination. First, we report that the conserved miRNA repertoire of O. cumana consists of 39 members. Thirty‐nine miPEPs were designed, synthetized, and assayed, 11 of which strongly inhibited O. cumana seed germination. Interestingly, miPEP319a showed the strongest inhibiting effect while miPEP319b did not. Three out of the four corresponding miR319 target genes showed upregulation after treatment with a germination stimulant, which was impaired by treatment with miPEP319a. This downregulation of expression is associated with an increase in the expression of the corresponding pri‐miR319a. We reveal thus that the use of miPEPs can increase our knowledge of key molecular mechanisms underlying a complex parasite interaction and should provide a new phytosanitary method to control broomrape parasitism with highly specific and biodegradable natural substances.

Assessment of Impact of Agricultural Land-Use Types on Some Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria

Agricultural land-use practices play a pivotal role in shaping the physical and chemical properties of soil, which in turn influence crop productivity, environmental sustainability, and overall ecosystem health. Understanding the impact of different agricultural land-use types on soil properties is crucial for sustainable land management and effective agricultural practices. This study utilized electrical resistivity technique (ERT) and geochemical methods to assess the impact of different land-uses (mineral farms, organic farms, thick plantations, and cattle stations) on soil physicochemical properties. The research aimed to explore the correlation between soil resistivity and fertility, as well as evaluate the influence of specific land-use types on soil characteristics. Four resistivity traverses were conducted, each corresponding to a different land-use type, and soil samples were collected from various depths. Laboratory analysis revealed high clay content in the cattle station, while all land-use types showed high sand content. Available phosphorus was significantly affected by both land-use and soil depth, negatively correlating with electrical conductivity. Exchangeable bases were generally low across all land-use types. The study recommends promoting site-specific, sustainable land management practices within different agricultural land-use systems.

Fine sediment and the insecticide chlorantraniliprole inhibit organic‐matter decomposition in streams through different pathways

Abstract Intensive agriculture drives an ongoing deterioration of stream biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across the planet. Key agricultural stressors include increased deposited fine sediment and insecticides flushed from adjacent land into streams. The individual and combined effects on aquatic biota are increasingly studied, but the functional consequences of biodiversity loss associated with agricultural stressors remain poorly understood. We addressed this knowledge gap by examining the effects of fine sediment and different concentrations of the insecticide chlorantraniliprole on organic‐matter decomposition. We conducted an outdoor stream mesocosm experiment. Mesocosms contained a standardised organic‐matter assay (the cotton‐strip assay), which was used to assess organic‐matter decomposition rates (as tensile‐strength loss of the fabric) and microbial respiration of the cotton strips. The decomposition rate of strips buried under fine sediment was inhibited, a result we attribute to the limited accessibility for invertebrate feeding and microbial activities, as well as the limited nutrient and dissolved oxygen exchange. The insecticide also inhibited decay rates, a finding we relate to reduced invertebrate grazing and associated excessive algal growth. In contrast to decomposition rates, we did not observe stressor effects on microbial respiration. An interaction between fine sediment and chlorantraniliprole was not identified. Our results suggest that stressors induced by agriculture affect functions of stream ecosystems through a variety of pathways and operate by modifying habitats and biotic interactions. By examining a combination of stressors and responses that have not been addressed before, this study gives important insights into the effects of agricultural practices on streams. Understanding the effects of chlorantraniliprole is especially important since it is likely to become more widely used in future agricultural practice due to the increasing ban on neonicotinoid insecticides. Furthermore, most experimental studies address multiple stressor effects on biota. For a comprehensive understanding of complex stressor effects on ecosystems, ecosystem functions also need to be studied, such as the organic‐matter decomposition within streams.

Effects of reductive soil disinfestation combined with different types of organic materials on the microbial community and functions.

Reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) is an effective method to inhibit soilborne pathogens. However, it remains unclear how RSD combined with different types of organic materials affects the soil ecosystems of perennial plants. Pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of RSD incorporated with perilla (PF), alfalfa (MS), ethanol, and acetic acid on soil properties, enzyme activities, microbial communities and functions, and seedling growth. Results showed that RSD-related treatments improved soil properties and enzyme activities, changed microbial community composition and structure, enhanced microbial interactions and functions, and facilitated seedling growth. Compared with CK, RSD-related treatments increased soil pH, available nitrogen, and available potassium contents, sucrase and catalase activities, and decreased soil electric conductivity values. Meanwhile, RSD-related treatment also significantly reduced the relative abundance of Fusarium while increasing the relative abundance of Arthrobacter, Terrabacter, and Gemmatimonas. The reduction was more evident in PF and MS treatment, suggesting the potential for RSD combined with solid agricultural wastes to suppress pathogens. Furthermore, the microbial network of RSD-related treatment was more complex and interconnected, and the functions related to carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen cycling were significantly increased, while the functions of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens were decreased. Importantly, RSD-related treatments also significantly promoted seed germination and seedling growth. In summary, RSD combined with solid agricultural wastes is better than liquid easily degradable compounds by regulating the composition and function of microbial communities to improve soil quality and promote plant growth.IMPORTANCEReductive soil disinfestation (RSD) is an effective agricultural practice. We found that RSD combined with solid agricultural wastes is better than that of liquid easily degradable compounds, may improve soil quality and microbial community structure, inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and contribute to the growth of replanted crops. Thus, RSD combined with solid agricultural wastes is more effective than liquid easily degradable compounds.