Soil Productivity Research Articles

Long-Term Effects of Crop Treatments and Fertilization on Soil Stability and Nutrient Dynamics in the Loess Plateau: Implications for Soil Health and Productivity

Soil degradation and erosion pose significant threats to agricultural sustainability in fragile ecosystems, such as the Loess Plateau in northern China. This study examines the long-term impacts of fertilization regimes and land-use systems on soil health, focusing on soil aggregate stability, fertility, and crop productivity. Six treatment combinations were evaluated in our study, including three continuous alfalfa fields (AL-CK, AL-P, and AL-NPM) and three continuous wheat fields (WH-NPM, WH-NP, and WH-P), each representing a combination of land use and three fertilization treatments: (1) no fertilization (CK), (2) inorganic fertilization (120 kg ha−1 N, 60 kg ha−1 P-NP), and (3) a combination of organic and inorganic fertilization (75 t ha−1 cow manure-NPM). Soil samples were collected from three depths (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm) to assess physical and chemical properties. We evaluated the long-term effects of different fertilization treatments on soil stability, fertility, and crop yield to explore the interactions among soil’s physical and chemical properties under two land-use types and to assess the effectiveness of combined organic and inorganic fertilization strategies in improving soil health and mitigating erosion in vulnerable landscapes. The study revealed significant depth-specific variations with surface layers (0–10 cm) showing the greatest improvement under NPM treatments, particularly in continuous alfalfa fields, which exhibited higher soil fertility, improved soil structure, and crop yield. In contrast, continuous wheat fields with minimal fertilization demonstrated significantly lower soil quality and productivity. Using the combination of mineral fertilizers and organic amendments, such as cow manure, proved to be the most effective strategy for significantly enhancing nutrient availability and overall soil health. Partial Least Squares Modeling (PLS-M) and Mantel analysis highlighted the critical role of fertilization management in maintaining soil quality, boosting crop productivity, and mitigating erosion in high-risk areas. This study emphasizes the importance of integrated nutrient management for sustainable land use and soil conservation in erosion-prone regions.

Edaphic factors mediate the response of nitrogen cycling and related enzymatic activities and functional genes to heavy metals: A review.

Soil nitrogen (N) transformations control N availability and plant production and pose environmental concerns when N is lost, raising issues such as soil acidification, water contamination, and climate change. Former studies suggested that soil N cycling is chiefly regulated by microbial activity; however, emerging evidence indicates that this regulation is disrupted by heavy metal (HM) contamination, which alters microbial communities and enzyme functions critical to N transformations. Environmental factors like soil organic carbon, soil texture, water content, temperature, soil pH, N fertilization, and redox status play significant roles in modulating the response of soil N cycling to HM contamination. This review examines how different HMs affect soil N processes, including N fixation, mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), and immobilization, as well as microbial activities and functional genes related to soil N transformations. The review additionally outlines the impact of HMs on environmental degradation, including the risk of soil N losses (e.g., leaching, runoff, and gaseous emissions) and depletion of soil fertility, thus threatening the sustainability of the ecosystem. The effect of edaphic factors and fertilization on soil N cycling response to HM contamination was also examined. The effect of phytoremediation, a sustainable approach to remediate HM polluted soils, on N cycling was also reviewed. Thus, this review underscores the importance of increasing research and innovative strategies to combat HM pollution's effects to enhance soil health, boost crop yields, and protect soil stability and productivity.

Anthrax: Transmission, Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment

Bacillus anthracis is a deadly pathogen that under unfavourable conditions forms highly resistant spores which enable them to survive for a long period of time. Spores of B. anthracis are transmitted through the contaminated soil or animal products and enter to the host through the skin, lungs or oral route and can cause cutaneous, injection, inhalation and gastrointestinal anthrax, respectively. The disease is caused by the toxin which is produced by them once they germinate within the host cell. Anthrax toxin is the major virulence factor which has the ability to kill the host cell. The role of protein kinases and phosphatases of B. anthracis in toxin production and other virulence related properties have also been reported. There are two vaccines, BioThrax and CYFENDUSTM, which are approved by the FDA-USA to prevent anthrax disease. Recently, anthrax toxin has also been shown to be a potential candidate for cancer therapeutics. Through present review, we aim to provide insights into sporulation, transmission and pathogenesis of B. anthracis as well as the current state of its prevention, treatment, vaccines and possible therapeutic uses in cancer.

Sustainable tillage and residue management for enhanced soil health and productivity in North Bihar’s rice–wheat-green gram system

Sustainable tillage and residue management for enhanced soil health and productivity in North Bihar’s rice–wheat-green gram system

Optimizing nitrogen fertilization rate to achieve high yield and high soil quality in paddy ecosystems with straw incorporation.

Plastic film mulching is a potentially water-saving cultivation strategy, while straw return coupled with nitrogen (N) fertilization can ensure sustainable soil productivity and increased soil organic matter (SOM) sequestration. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of how soil quality and agronomic productivity respond to long-term N fertilization and straw incorporation practices under non-flooded conditions with plastic film mulching remains elusive. Herein, a 15-year field experiment with straw incorporation practices (straw return and no straw return) under various N fertilization rates (N0, N1, N2, N3, and N4: 0, 45, 90, 135, and 180kgN ha-1, respectively) was conducted to explore their long-term effects. Compared with N0, N fertilization significantly improved rice yield (52.2-74.0%) and plant N uptake (50.1-96.8%). Effective panicle density was the primary component affecting rice yield under different N conditions. However, N use efficiency was lowest under 180kgN ha-1. N fertilization primarily impacted rice yield by directly supplying N for rice growth, accounting for 79% of the rice yield variation. The modest enhancement in rice yield resulting from straw return was attributed to its positive effects on soil physicochemical properties. Straw return increased alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, Olsen-phosphorus, and NH4OAc-exchangeable potassium by 3.4%, 10.4%, and 38.5%, respectively. N fertilization rates altered the impact of straw return on SOM; SOM increased in N2 and N4 under straw return, whereas no difference was observed between the straw management groups under N0, N1, or N3 fertilization. Moreover, while higher N fertilization rates decreased the soil quality index (SQI), straw return offset this negative effect. Considering rice yield, N use efficiency, and SQI, straw return treatment coupled with N application rate of 135kgha-1 was deemed suitable for sustainable rice production with plastic film mulching.

Improving Maize Yield and Soil Productivity through N Management Practices in Maize-legume Intercropping

Improving Maize Yield and Soil Productivity through N Management Practices in Maize-legume Intercropping

Melatonin Enhances Maize Germination, Growth, and Salt Tolerance by Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation and Antioxidant Systems.

Melatonin (MT) is a crucial hormone that controls and positively regulates plant growth under abiotic stress, but the biochemical and physiological processes of the combination of melatonin seed initiation and exogenous spray treatments and their effects on maize germination and seedling salt tolerance are not well understood. Consequently, in this research, we utilized the maize cultivars Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) and Demeiya 1 (DMY1), which are extensively marketed in northeastern China's high-latitude cold regions, to reveal the modulating effects of melatonin on maize salinity tolerance by determining the impacts of varying concentrations of melatonin on maize seedling growth characteristics, osmoregulation, antioxidant systems, and gene expression. The findings revealed that salt stress (100 mM NaCl) significantly inhibited maize seed germination and seedling development, which resulted in significant increases in the H2O2 and O2- content and decreases in the antioxidant enzyme activity and photosynthetic pigment content in maize seedlings. However, exogenous melatonin considerably reduced the development inhibition caused by salt stress in maize seedlings. Moreover, exogenous melatonin alleviated NaCl-induced membrane damage and oxidative stress, and reduced Na+ content and excessively large quantities of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, exogenous melatonin increased antioxidant enzyme activity and the expression of the antioxidant enzyme genes ZmSOD4, ZmCAT2, and ZmAPX2. This study demonstrates the potential role of combined melatonin seed initiation and foliar spray treatments in mitigating the detrimental effects of salt stress on maize growth, giving a theoretical foundation to future research on the possible advantages of exogenous regulating chemicals in attaining sustainable production in salt-alkaline soils.

Improvement of some soil properties and productivity of Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) super Giza 94 under salt stress conditions

Improvement of some soil properties and productivity of Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) super Giza 94 under salt stress conditions

Mitigating soil compaction and enhancing corn (Zea mays L.) growth through biological and non-biological amendments

Soil compaction is a pressing issue in agriculture that significantly hinders plant growth and soil health, necessitating effective strategies for mitigation. This study examined the effects of sugarcane bagasse, both in its raw form and as biochar, along with biological activators (Bacillus simplex UTT1 and Phanerochaete chrysosporium) on soil characteristics and corn (Zea mays L.) plant biomass in a compacted soil. Using a completely randomized factorial design, we assessed their impact on soil bulk density, porosity, nutrient concentrations, and plant growth parameters. Results indicated that combining organic amendments with microbial inoculation (B. simplex UTT1 + P. chrysosporium) significantly reduced soil bulk density (7–14%) (p < 0.05) and enhanced soil aggregate stability (38%), soil permeability coefficient (52%), and total porosity (40%) (p < 0.01) compared to controls. Notably, the application of biochar and microbial inoculants improved soil moisture retention (p < 0.05) and soil nutrient availability, particularly potassium and phosphorus, which increased by 18% and 23%, respectively. Plant biomass responses (10–35%) varied, with combined microbial treatments (B. simplex UTT1 + P. chrysosporium) yielding optimal outcomes (p < 0.01) compared to individual applications. The study emphasizes that integrating organic amendments with biological processes not only mitigates soil compaction but also fosters soil health and productivity. These findings support the need for sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting the role of effective resource management in enhancing soil structure and crop yields. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms of these interactions and their long-term implications for soil health and agricultural sustainability.Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Distribution and Environmental Preference of Potential Mercury Methylators in Paddy Soils across China.

The neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is produced mainly from the transformation of inorganic Hg by microorganisms carrying the hgcAB gene pair. Paddy soils are known to harbor diverse microbial communities exhibiting varying abilities in methylating inorganic Hg, but their distribution and environmental drivers remain unknown at a large spatial scale. Using hgcA gene amplicon sequencing, this study examined Hg-methylating communities from major rice-producing paddy soils across a transect of ∼3600 km and an altitude of ∼1300 m in China. Results showed that hgcA+ OTU richness was higher in tropical and subtropical paddy soils compared to temperate zones. Geobacteraceae, Smithellaceae, and Methanoregulaceae were identified as the dominant hgcA+ families associated with MeHg production, collectively accounting for up to 77% of total hgcA+ sequences. Hierarchical partitioning analyses revealed that pH was the main driver of hgcA genes from Geobacteraceae (14.8%) and Methanoregulaceae (16.3%), while altitude accounted for 21.4% of hgcA genes from Smithellaceae. Based on these environmental preferences, a machine-learning algorithm was used to predict the spatial distribution of these dominant hgcA+ families, thereby providing novel insights into important microbial determinants for improved prediction of MeHg production in paddy soils across China.

Comparative Performance of Zinc Sources on Productivity of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Zinc Stressed Soils of Cauvery Delta Zone

Rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation is a cornerstone of India's economy and food security, with the nation ranking second only to China in annual production. Despite considerable advancements in recent years, rice yields remain below their maximum potential. Enhancing rice productivity through precise and advanced mineral nutrition techniques offers a promising solution for overcoming nutrient deficiencies in soils and improving crop yields. Zinc, an essential micronutrient, plays a crucial role in enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and overall plant metabolism. However, zinc deficiency is a widespread issue in many agricultural soils, particularly affecting rice crops, leading to reduced growth and yield. Addressing this deficiency through the application of appropriate zinc formulations is vital for improving rice productivity in zinc-deficient soils. A pot experiment was carried out in department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu during kharif of 2023 and included four sources of zinc and four levels of zinc levels to study their comparative performances and improve the yield of rice. Growth characters viz., plant height, number of tillers hill-1, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, dry matter production, yield characters viz., no of panicles pot-1, no. of grains panicle-1, panicle length and test weight and grain and straw yield were recorded. The results indicated that the application of zinc lysinate at 5 kg ha-1, either individually or in combination, produced the highest growth and yield parameters, with grain (43.01 g pot-1) and straw (58.87 g pot-1) yields surpassing those of other treatments, demonstrating its potential to improve rice productivity in zinc-deficient soils.

Enhancing Clay Soil Productivity with Fresh and Aged Biochar: A Two-Year Field Study on Soil Quality and Wheat Yield

Biochar application has gained attention as an effective soil amendment for improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity, particularly in clay-rich soils facing challenges such as compaction, poor drainage, and nutrient limitation. This two-year field study evaluated the effects of fresh and artificially aged biochar on soil chemical, physical, and biological properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield. The experiment was conducted on clay soil with treatments including no biochar application as a control (CK), 5 and 10 t ha−1 fresh biochar (B5, B10) and 5 and 10 t ha−1 aged biochar (AB5, AB10). The results showed significant improvements in soil pH, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, and plant-available water capacity, particularly with higher doses of biochar. In both years, the effects of the treatments on the soil quality index area (SQI-area) were found to be statistically significant. The AB10 treatment increased SQI-area by 19% compared to the CK in the first year and by 33% in the second year. In the first year, the highest grain yield was obtained from the AB10 treatment, reaching 5.25 t ha−1, which was 13% higher than the CK. In the second year, the highest yield was obtained from the B10 treatment, reaching 4.09 t ha−1, which was 24% higher than the CK. Despite these positive changes, the correlation between SQI and yield was not statistically significant, suggesting that crop yield may also depend on other interacting variables. These results highlight the potential of biochar, particularly aged biochar, as a sustainable practice to improve soil health and productivity in clay soils.

Rekal Remineralizer as an Alternative to Potassium Fertilization in Soybean Cultivation

The agricultural sector seeks regional solutions to reduce environmental impact and to develop practices that consider the assumptions of the circular bioeconomy, in addition, to meeting the objectives set out in the 2030 agenda of the United Nations. In this context, Brazil leads research with soil remineralizers to contribute to regenerative agriculture and to have greater sovereignty in the use of natural inputs. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the remineralizer of Rekal soils in soybean commercial areas in the State of Goi&amp;aacute;s, verifying the availability and mobility of potassium in soils compared to using soluble source (KCl). The methodology adopted was the application of doses of a Rekal remineralizer in four commercial areas in the municipalities of Santa Rita do Novo Destino/GO, Mimoso de Goi&amp;aacute;s/GO, and Niquel&amp;acirc;ndia/GO, in rainfed and irrigated systems. The experimental design was the same for all experimental fields, randomized blocks made with four experimental treatments and four replications. The treatments were constituted of the farm standard using KCl (potassium chloride), as the only supplier of K2O demand, and three different doses of a Rekal remineralizer of soils. The parameters evaluated were the determination of the residual potassium content in the soil at three depths (0 to 10 cm, 0 to 20 cm, and 20 to 40 cm); determination of potassium leaf concentrations; determination of potassium concentrations in the grains; yield and weight of one thousand grains (PMG). The remineralizer of Rekal soils did not show significant differences, compared to the use of KCl (potassium chloride), in the variables of potassium content (soil, leaf, and grain) productivity and PMG in different productive environments in a commercial study of soybean cultivation in the Cerrado Goiano.

Effects of Different Nitrogenous Fertilizers and Potassium Doses on Yield, Yield Components, and Fruit Quality of Tomato Grown in Alkaline and Acidic Soils

Different nitrogen fertilizers and potassium applications have an important impact on the yield and yield components and fruit-quality parameters of tomatoes in both alkaline and acidic reaction soils. This study investigated the effects of different nitrogenous fertilizers and potassium doses on the yield, yield components, and fruit quality of tomatoes grown on alkaline and acidic soils. The experiment was carried out in the research greenhouse of the Agriculture Faculty, at Selcuk University. It was performed by using two different soil types, three nitrogen fertilizers [ammonium sulfate (AS), ammonium sulfate with inhibitor (AS+inh.), and calcium nitrate (CaNit)], and three different concentrations of potassium sulfate (0, 240, and 480 mg K2O kg-1). We conducted the study by using a randomized experimental plot design with four replications. According to the research results, the highest fruit yield in alkaline soil was 'inh. AS and 480 mg K2O kg-1', while the highest fruit yield in acid soils was obtained with 'calcium nitrate and 240 mg K2O kg-1'. Furthermore, different nitrogen sources and potassium doses significantly affected tomato yield components such as stem diameter, plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit hardness, fruit pH, and Brix values. According to the results of the completed soil analysis, the applications demonstrated the importance of accurate and balanced fertilization for high-yield and quality tomato production in different soils. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate nitrogen fertilizers and potassium doses to increase tomato yield and yield components in alkaline and acidic soils. It provides valuable insights for tomato farmers and researchers seeking to improve tomato cultivation techniques in different soil conditions.

Improved plant biomass production under low nitrogen conditions through conditional accumulation of the second messenger, guanosine tetraphosphate, in chloroplasts and mitochondria.

To enhance plant biomass production under low nitrogen conditions, we employed a method to artificially and temporarily accumulate the bacterial second messenger, guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp), to modify plastidial or mitochondrial metabolism. Specifically, we fused a chloroplast or mitochondrial transit-peptide to the N-terminus of the bacterial ppGpp synthase YjbM, which was conditionally expressed by an estrogen-inducible promoter in Arabidopsis. The resulting recombinant Arabidopsis plants exhibited estrogen-dependent ppGpp accumulation in chloroplasts or mitochondria and showed reduced fresh weight compared to wild type (WT) plants when grown on agar-solidified plates containing a certain amount of estrogen. This finding aligns with the previous study indicating that plastidial ppGpp levels can influence plant biomass production. When the recombinant plants were grown in the soil with estrogen and low nitrogen-containing water at specific time intervals, they exhibited greater fresh weight than WT plants. These results suggest that the conditional accumulation of ppGpp in not only chloroplasts, but also in mitochondria can lead to improved plant biomass production in soil with low nitrogen applications.

Effect of Recommended and Graded Doses of Biochar with and without ZMB Biofertilizer and Zinc on the Growth Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Students' Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya, to assess the impact of graded doses of biochar, varying fertility levels, and the addition of biofertilizers and zinc on rice cultivation under partially reclaimed sodic soils. Nine treatments were applied, including combinations of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF), biochar (5 t ha⁻¹ and 2.5 t ha⁻¹), biofertilizer (ZMB), and zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF), T3 (50% RDF), T4 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T5 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), T6 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄), T7 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T8 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), and T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄). The rice variety NDR 2065 was used as the test crop. Growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, root length, root volume, number of tillers, and panicle length were evaluated. The results showed that the treatment T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄) produced the highest growth and quality parameters, indicating a significant improvement in rice performance. The study suggests combining biochar, biofertilizers, and zinc under reduced fertilizer levels can enhance rice growth and productivity in sodic soils, offering a sustainable approach to soil fertility management.

Editorial: Strategies to reduce fertilizers: how to maintain crop productivity and profitability in agricultural acidic soils

Editorial: Strategies to reduce fertilizers: how to maintain crop productivity and profitability in agricultural acidic soils

Exogenous Oxygen Replenished as a Promising Method for Mitigating Salt Stress in Maize Seedling Stage

ABSTRACT Soil salinization is one of the main reasons for soil degradation, which limiting the improvement of soil productivity. To evaluate the response plant height, stem diameter, plant biomass and nutrient uptake of maize, and soil properties to various salt stress and oxygen supply rates, a soil culture experiment with two factors were carried out: different salt stress degrees (A0, 0 g L−1 NaCl irrigation; A3, 3 g L−1 NaCl irrigation; A6, 6 g L−1 NaCl irrigation; A9, 9 g L−1 NaCl irrigation;) and different rhizosphere oxygen supply degrees (B0, 0 ml L−1 H2O2 solution; B0.5, 0.5 ml L−1 H2O2 solution; B1, 1 ml L−1 H2O2 solution; B1.5, 1.5 ml L−1 H2O2 solution). The results showed that the plant height, stem diameter, aboveground and root biomass of maize under different salt stress degrees were reduced by 6.8–9.8%, 4.4–9.8%, 18.4–45.5% and 21.4–35.8% at the end of the experiment compared to A0, respectively. Meanwhile, the nutrient uptake of aboveground and root were declined, especially under high salt stress degree, but the sodium (Na+) uptake was increased significantly. Rhizosphere oxygen supply enhanced the plant height, stem diameter, aboveground and root biomass by 2.0–6.5%, 4.1–6.1%, 27.5–56.6% and 19.5–47.1% at the end of the experiment compared to B0, respectively. The restriction of nutrient absorption caused by salt stress could be alleviated. Soil quality indicators were influenced by salt stress and oxygen supply management as well. Overall, rhizosphere oxygen supply could alleviate the restriction of salinization on maize growth at seedling stage, improve soil chemical quality and water use efficiency.

Impact of Organic Inputs (Jeevamruth and Beejamruth) on Quality Parameters of Fenugreek

The present study on Biochemical evaluation of organic inputs (Jeevamruth and Beejamruth) and their efficacy on Greens was carried out at the Department of sustainable organic agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and the laboratory experiments were carried out at the Department of Environmental Sciences. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications. Biometric observations were taken during 10th, 20th and 30th days after sowing. Soil samples were collected during initial and at the stage of harvest and analysed for chemical and biological properties. Plant samples were analysed for protein and chlorophyll contents. Quality parameters like protein content was found to be high in both treatments Jeevamruth @ 5 % Spray (using Green gram flour) and Jeevamruth @ 5 % Spray (using Green gram +Black gram flour); and the chlorophyll content was high in Jeevamruth @ 5 % Spray (Green gram flour). From the results, the application of Jeevamruth as a 5 % spray was observed as a viable organic approach to improve soil and eco-friendly fenugreek production.

Effect of Precision Nitrogen Fertilization of Grassland on Soil Microbial Structure

The synergistic application of advanced technologies enables precise determination of plant growth, health, and nutritional requirements. However, despite the widespread use of modern technologies, the microbial status of the soil is often neglected, even though it significantly impacts soil productivity. Soil microbial activity serves as a crucial indicator of site-specific soil conditions. This article presents efforts to explore the quantitative and qualitative relationships between identified actinomycetes and soil nitrate content, as well as their distribution within the soil profile. Field data analysis facilitated the assessment of nitrate concentrations and the evaluation of the quantitative and species composition of actinomycetes in the soil profile at depths ranging from 0.05 to 0.35 m. The highest nitrate concentration (22 mg/100 g of soil) and actinomycete abundance (1076 CFU/g of soil) were observed in the topsoil layer. Additionally, spatial correlations between these parameters were analyzed for each soil layer. The correlation coefficients were approximately −0.6, indicating an inverse relationship. Areas with low nitrogen content corresponded to reduced microbial abundance within the soil profile, as supported by the spatial correlation data. These findings demonstrate the potential to predict actinomycete abundance in the soil profile based on nitrate content, offering valuable insights into soil health and productivity.