Soil-plant System Research Articles

Effect of mineral and organic fertilizer on N dynamics upon erosion-induced topsoil dilution

Erosion-induced topsoil dilution strongly affects cropland biogeochemistry and is associated with a negative effect on soil health and crop productivity. While its impact on soil C cycling has been widely recognized, there is little information about its impact on soil N cycling and N fertilizer dynamics. Here, we studied three factors potentially influencing N cycling and N fertilizer dynamics in cropping systems, namely: 1.) soil type, 2.) erosion-induced topsoil dilution and 3.) N fertilizer form, in a full-factorial pot experiment using canola plants. We studied three erosion affected soil types (Luvisol, eroded Luvisol, calcaric Regosol) and performed topsoil dilution in all three soils by admixing 20 % of the respective subsoil into its topsoil. N fertilizer dynamics were investigated using either mineral (calcium ammonium nitrate) or organic (biogas digestate) fertilizer, labeled with 15N. The fertilizer 15N recovery and the distribution of the fertilizer N in different soil fractions was quantified after plant maturity. Fertilizer N dynamics and utilization were influenced by all three factors investigated. 15N recovery in the plant-soil system was higher and fertilizer N utilization was lower in the treatments with diluted topsoil than in the non-diluted controls. Similarly, plants of the organic fertilizer N treatments took up significantly less fertilizer N in comparison to mineral fertilizer treatments. Both topsoil dilution and organic fertilizer application promoted 15N recovery and N accumulation in the soil fractions, with strong differences between soil types. Our study reveals an innovative insight: topsoil dilution due to soil erosion has a negligible impact on N cycling and dynamics in the plant-soil system. The crucial factors influencing these processes are found to be the choice of fertilizer form and the specific soil type. Recognizing these aspects is essential for a precise and comprehensive assessment of the environmental continuum, emphasizing the novelty of our findings.

Biodegradable Microplastic-Driven Change in Soil pH Affects Soybean Rhizosphere Microbial N Transformation Processes.

The potential impacts of biodegradable and nonbiodegradable microplastics (MPs) on rhizosphere microbial nitrogen (N) transformation processes remain ambiguous. Here, we systematically investigated how biodegradable (polybutylene succinate, PBS) MPs and nonbiodegradable (polyethylene, PE) MPs affect microbial N processes by determining rhizosphere soil indicators of typical Glycine max (soybean)-soil (i.e., red and brown soils) systems. Our results show that MPs altered soil pH and dissolved organic carbon in MP/soil type-dependent manners. Notably, soybean growth displayed greater sensitivity to 1% (w/w) PBS MP exposure in red soil than that in brown soil since 1% PBS acidified the red soil and impeded nutrient uptake by plants. In the rhizosphere, 1% PBS negatively impacted microbial community composition and diversity, weakened microbial N processes (mainly denitrification and ammonification), and disrupted rhizosphere metabolism. Overall, it is suggested that biodegradable MPs, compared to nonbiodegradable MPs, can more significantly influence the ecological function of the plant-soil system.

Fate of Carbamazepine and Its Metabolites in a Soil–Aromatic Plant System

The use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation could result in the release of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) and their metabolites into the agroecosystem. In this study, we investigated the fate of carbamazepine (CBZ) and its metabolites, with the aim of clarifying their behavior in a soil–plant system in a greenhouse experiment. The research was carried out using irrigation water especially fortified with high doses of CBZ (200 or 600 ppb) in order to evaluate the dynamics of CBZ and its metabolites in the soil and basil organs. The results of the study showed that CBZ is easily absorbed by the aerial part of the basil plant. The soil contained two metabolites of CBZ, namely acridine and carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, as revealed by high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses. In addition, acridine was found in the aerial parts of basil plants. Furthermore, the greater presence of CBZ and its metabolites in bulk soil indicated a positive role of the basil rhizosphere in the degradation of such compounds or a positive role of the plant in the removal of the contaminant by uptake. Considering the observed morphological parameters and the mean CBZ content in wastewater, significantly lower than that used in the experiment, basil can be considered resistant to the application of irrigation water contaminated with CBZ.

Differential impacts of microplastics on carbon and nitrogen cycling in plant-soil systems: A meta-analysis

Microplastics (MPs) are widely present in terrestrial ecosystems. However, how MPs impact carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling within plant-soil system is still poorly understood. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis utilizing 3338 paired observations from 180 publications to estimate the effects of MPs on plant growth (biomass, nitrogen content, nitrogen uptake and nitrogen use efficiency), change in soil C content (total carbon (TC), soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC)), C losses (carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane), soil N content (total nitrogen, dissolved organic nitrogen, microbial biomass nitrogen, total dissolve nitrogen, ammonium, nitrate (NO3−-N) and nitrite) and nitrogen losses (nitrous oxide, ammonia (NH3) volatilization and N leaching) comprehensively. Results showed that although MPs significantly increased CO2 emissions by 25.7 %, they also increased TC, SOC, MBC, DOC and CO2 by 53.3 %, 25.4 %, 19.6 % and 24.7 %, respectively, and thus increased soil carbon sink capacity. However, MPs significantly decreased NO3−-N and NH3 volatilization by 14.7 % and 43.3 %, respectively. Meanwhile, MPs significantly decreased plant aboveground biomass, whereas no significant changes were detected in plant belowground biomass and plant N content. The impacts of MPs on soil C, N and plant growth varied depending on MP types, sizes, concentrations, and experimental durations, in part influenced by initial soil properties. Overall, although MPs enhanced soil carbon sink capacity, they may pose a significant threat to future agricultural productivity.

Effect of continuous FYM and fertilizer applications over nine years utilizing STCR based targeted yield equations on transfer and uptake of micronutrients in an acid Alfisol under a maize-wheat cropping system

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based nutrient management in regulating soil micronutrient status and optimizing crop productivity under a maize-wheat cropping system in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was initiated during monsoon 2007, consisted of eight treatments viz., control, farmers’ practice, general recommended dose, soil test-based, STCR based targeted yield of 25 (wheat)/30 (maize) and 35 (wheat)/40 (maize) q ha−1 with FYM @ 5 t ha−1 and without FYM. Results revealed that the soil available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn exhibited depletion in unfertilized plots over initial status. However, the STCR (Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply; IPNS) based targeted yield approach of fertilizer application maintains higher values of DTPA extractable micronutrients in comparisons to all other treatments. After nine continuous years, the highest DTPA- extractable Fe (27.6 mg kg−1), Mn (25.1 mg kg−1), Zn (1.25 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.75 mg kg−1) were recorded in treatment where, FYM was added along with fertilizers for targeted yield of 35 q ha−1. The micronutrient uptake by wheat was higher in STCR (IPNS) treatments. Low SRC values of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn indicated that long-term prescription based chemical fertilizers and FYM application can meet the plant nutritional requirement of wheat crop. Hence long-term STCR based integration of FYM (with NPK fertilizers) has an advantage in regulating the supply of micronutrients in soil-plant system and addressing the micronutrient deficiencies.

Isotopic study of honey documents widespread plant uptake of old carbon in North America

A comprehensive understanding of carbon cycling pathways in the soil-plant system is needed to develop models that accurately predict global carbon reservoir responses to anthropogenic perturbations. Honey is a carbon-rich natural food produced by wild and managed pollinating insects all over the world; the composition of a single sample is a function of millions of pollinator-plant interactions. We studied the 13C/12C and Δ14C of 121 honey samples sourced from the United States, and found a significant older carbon contribution. The effect is observed from 25 to 45° latitude, not correlated with 13C/12C, and consistent with a previously published study on European honeys. In specific cases, the measured values were up to 20 ‰ (Δ14C) higher than the expected atmospheric 14CO2 value for the given year, which shows a significant older carbon contribution. We hypothesize that the older carbon is from plant liquids derived in part from soil carbon or stored nonstructural carbohydrates from plants, which shifts the calibrated age of the sample by 5 years or more. Our work is the first to describe the widespread occurrence of older carbon in honey and shows that radiocarbon measurements can be a powerful tool to trace carbon allocations in terrestrial food webs and detect the atmosphere-soil-plant carbon cycle contributions.

NITIRSOIL: A model that balances complexity with prediction uncertainty for improving nitrogen fertilization in agriculture

Mismanagement of the nitrogen (N) fertilization in agriculture leads to low N use efficiency (NUE) and therefore pollution of waters and atmosphere due to NO3− leaching, and N2O and NH3 emissions. The use of N simulation models of the soil-plant system can help improve the N fertilizer management increasing NUE and decreasing N pollution issues. However, many N simulation models lack balance between complexity and uncertainty with the result that they are not applied in actual practice. The NITIRSOIL is a one-dimensional transient-state model with a monthly time step that aims at addressing this lack in the estimation of, mainly, dry matter yield (DMY), crop N uptake (Nupt), soil mineral N (Nmin), and NO3− leaching in agricultural fields. According to its global sensitivity analysis for horticulture, the NITIRSOIL simulations of the aforementioned outputs mostly depend on the critical N dilution curve, harvest index, dry matter fraction, potential fresh yield and nitrification coefficients. According to its validation for 35 nitrogen fertilization trials with 11 vegetables under semi-arid Mediterranean climate in Eastern Spain, the NITIRSOIL presents indices of agreement between 0.87 and 0.97 for the prediction of total dry matter, DMY, Nupt, NO3− leaching and soil Nmin at crop season end. Therefore, the NITIRSOIL model can be used in actual practice to improve the sustainability of the N management in, particularly horticulture, due to the balance it features between complexity and prediction uncertainty. For this aim, the NITRISOIL can be used either on its own, or in combination with “Nmin” on-site N fertilization recommendation methods, or even could be implemented as the calculation core of decision support systems.

Molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles accelerate the transformation of levofloxacin in planting soil upon exposure

The use of nanocatalytic particles for the removal of refractory organics from wastewater is a rapidly growing area of environmental purification. However, little has been done to investigate the effects of nanoparticles on soil-plant systems with antibiotic contamination. This work assessed the effect of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) on the soil-Phragmites communis system containing levofloxacin (LVX). The results showed that the addition of MoS2 had restoration potential for stressed plant. The MoS2 with catalytic activity promoted the transformation of LVX in rhizosphere soils. The transformation pathways of LVX in the different exposure groups were proposed. The continuous output of radicals in the high MoS2 dosage group facilitated the transformation of LVX to small molecule compounds, which were eventually mineralized. Moreover, the electron-density-difference analysis revealed the easier flow of electrons from the MoS2 surface towards the LVX molecules. This finding provides theoretical support for the application of nanocatalytic particles in ecological environments.

Joint utilization of Chinese milk vetch and lime materials mitigates soil cadmium risk and improves soil health in a double-cropping rice system

Cadmium (Cd) in paddy soil poses significant risks to humans due to its strong biological migration and toxicity. Chinese milk vetch (MV) is commonly used as green manure in the paddy fields of southern China and its potential to decrease the availability of Cd has been identified. Nevertheless, the effects of MV combined with lime materials (lime, L; limestone, LS) on Cd availability, soil properties, enzyme activity and comprehensive benefits are still not fully understood in double-cropping rice system. A field study was conducted to investigate these changes. The results indicated that all treatments notably decreased soil available Cd (Avail-Cd) by 19.3–44.3% and 14.9–43.1% during early and late rice, compared with CK. Moreover, the Cd fractions transformed to more stable forms. Compared to CK, all treatments reduced brown rice Cd content by 34.6–64.2% and 12.7–52.5% during the two periods. Furthermore, the translocation factors root to shoot, as well as shoot to brown rice, decreased. The combination led to improvements in soil properties, soil enzyme activity. Meantime, Cd in iron-manganese plaque (IMP) decreased by 31.9–51.1% and 29.0–42.7% respectively during two periods in amendments treatments. Soil pH and DOC were more important factors for Cd bioavailability than other properties. Additionally, rice Cd uptake was positively correlated with Cd in IMP. Enzyme activity exhibited a negative correlation with soil active Cd. Partial Least Squares Path Model (PLS-PM) indicated that the mitigation of Cd pollution helped to improve soil enzyme activity. Grey correlation analysis (GRA) indicated that MVLS showed the best comprehensive benefits in soil-plant system. Overall, the combination of MV and lime materials could reduce Cd availability, enhance soil properties and enzyme activity. And this could be strengthened by the combination. These findings will provide valuable insights for Cd-contaminated soil remediation.

Warming enhanced the interaction effects of fungi and fungivores and soil potassium mineralization in tropical forest

Potassium (K) cycling in forest systems has received less attention than nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles, despite its critical role in maintaining primary production and regulating water economy and use under climate warming. This study conducted a 10-year study in which we translocated dominant tropical forest tree seedlings and underlying soil (i.e., in situ soil) from high-altitude sites (600 m a.s.l.) to lower altitude sites at 300 m a.s.l. (+1.0 °C) and 30 m a.s.l. (+2.1 °C) to simulate climate warming in southern China. We investigated soil microbial and nematode communities, soil and foliar K concentrations at the aggregate level, and tree growth under different altitude sites. Microbial community was characterized by high-throughput sequencing, nematodes were identified to the genus level using microscope. The findings revealed that warming treatments significantly (p < 0.01) increased soil fungal gene abundance (+78 % at 300 m and +62 % at 30 m), fungal/bacterial abundance ratio (+121 % at 300 m and +101 % at 30 m), and soil fungivore abundance (+274 % at 300 m and +233 % at 30 m). These results indicate a shift in the soil decomposition pathway from bacterial to fungal-based channels. In addition, warming amplifies the interactions between fungi and fungivores. Aggregates had few effects on microbial biomass, but had significant effect on nematode abundance. Soil microcosm experiments consistently demonstrated that addition of the dominant fungivore Aphelenchoides significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced soil-exchangeable K by stimulating fungal gene abundance and activity. Furthermore, warming-induced changes in forest communities were observed. At the species-specific tree level, Syzygium rehderianum demonstrated the ability to take advantage of this scenario, exhibiting increased K uptake (−4% at 300 m and +32 % at 30 m). This may be attributed to the species being ectomycorrhizal-forming, where colonizing root surfaces can mobilize interlayer and structural K from the minerals. In contrast, Machilus breviflora exhibited lower foliar K concentrations (−42 % at 300 m and −41 % at 30 m) and reduced growth. However, warming had little effect on Schima superba, Myrsine seguinii, Itea chinensis, and Ardisia lindleyana growth. Warming-induced changes in the plant–soil system K cycle highlight the emergence of a new ecosystem structure with different soil web structures and distinct plant community species composition. Our results prompt further research to understand the microbiome-mediated complexities of understudied nutrient cycles, which are likely to be further altered in the future owing to climate change.

The Influence of Soil Physico-Mechanical Properties on Plant Growth and Subsoil Water Movement

Abstract Within the cutting-edge realm of Geotechnical Biology, the interplay between soil mechanics and biological systems has unveiled profound insights that align with the rural sustainability, forestry and agroecosystems. This inquiry, encompassing the role of soil characteristics and parameters in shaping plant behavior and root growth, creating a suction effect that draws water towards them and underscores the intricate relationships that govern soil-plant interactions. A numerical simulation was expertly dissected using Plaxis 2D software, particularly focused on understanding the complex behavior of root water uptake over time and the changing level of groundwater and its dynamics rhythm affected by the evolution of plants. The output results in our study have important implications for understanding the soil-plant system and the role of geotechnical processes in biological analyses. Our findings suggest that the stability and behavior of geotechnical systems can have a significant impact on plant growth and distribution, underscoring the importance of considering geotechnical processes in biological analyses.

Distribution of microplastics in (sub)urban soils of Serbia and Cd, As, and Pb uptake by Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik

Omnipresent in terrestrial ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) represent a hazard to soil biota and human health, while their relationship with other environmental contaminants remains poorly acknowledged. This study investigated MPs prevalence in (sub)urban soils of Serbia and its impact on Cd, As, and Pb mobility in the soil-medicinal plant Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik system. Soil physicochemical parameters (pH, Eh, SOM, and texture) were analyzed alongside the Cd, As, and Pb pseudo-total (aqua regia) and phytoavailable (EDTA) contents. Toxic elements' concentrations in soil fractions and C. bursa-pastoris roots and shoots were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Pseudo-total Cd, As, and Pb contents in soils ranged from 0.16 to 2.23 μg g−1, 2.00–36.92 μg g−1, and 0.18–65.54 μg g−1, respectively. Using an optimized density separation method with 30% H2O2 and 5% NaClO, we found an average abundance of 489 MPs per kg of soil. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of seven polymer types, whereby the main contributors were polystyrene (PS) – 28.57% and cardanol prepolymer (PCP) – 23.81%. The dominant associated pollution sources were road networks and industrial activities. Spearman correlation analysis revealed the interconnection among soil MPs, physicochemical variables, and Cd, As, and Pb mobility. We identified significant positive correlations between MPs' abundance and phytoavailable concentrations of Cd, As, and Pb (ρ = 0.82, 0.95, and 0.63). Moreover, soil MPs strongly positively correlated with Cd contents in roots (ρ = 0.61) and shoots of C. bursa-pastoris (ρ = 0.65). These findings underscore the synergistic effects of MPs and toxic metals in urban environmental pollution, with possible implications for human health. Further research is required to deepen our understanding of the impact of MPs on element mobility in complex plant-soil systems and to elucidate the broader consequences of induced alterations.

Magnesium dynamics in the soil-plant system and its role in plant metabolism and nutrition: a review

Magnesium dynamics in the soil-plant system and its role in plant metabolism and nutrition: a review

Agrochemical characterization of Vitis labrusca grape pomace and its effect on a soil-plant system

Agrochemical characterization of Vitis labrusca grape pomace and its effect on a soil-plant system

Arsenic behavior in soil-plant system under the manure application with the combination of antibiotic and roxarsone

Limited attention has been given to the interaction between antibiotics and arsenic in the soil-plant system. In this investigation, Medicago sativa seedlings were grown in soil treated with cow manure containing oxytetracycline (OTC) or sulfadiazine (SD), as well as arsenic (introduced through roxarsone, referred to as ROX treatment). The study revealed a notable increase in As(III) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)) levels in rhizosphere soils and plant root tissues as arsenic contamination intensified in the presence of antibiotics, while concentrations of As(V) and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)) decreased. Conversely, elevated antibiotic presence resulted in higher levels of As(V) but reduced DMA concentrations in both rhizosphere soils and plant root tissues in the presence of arsenic. The arsenic biotransformation gene aioA was inhibited by arsenic contamination when antibiotics were present, and suppressed by antibiotic contamination in the presence of arsenic, especially in SD treatments, resulting in reduced expression levels at higher SD concentrations. Conversely, the arsM gene exhibited consistent upregulation under all conditions. However, its expression was found to increase with higher concentrations of ROX in the presence of antibiotics, decrease with increasing SD concentrations, and initially rise before declining with higher levels of OTC in the presence of arsenic. Bacterial genera within the Proteobacteria phylum, such as Geobacter, Lusitaniella, Mesorhizobium, and Methylovirgula, showed significant co-occurrence with both aioA and arsM genes. Correlation analysis demonstrated associations between the four arsenic species and the two arsenic biotransformation genes, emphasizing pH as a critical factor influencing the transformation and uptake of different arsenic species in the soil-plant system. The combined stress of antibiotics and arsenic has the potential to modify arsenic behavior and associated risks in soil-plant systems, highlighting the necessity of considering this interaction in future research endeavors.

Influence of Microalgae Biomasses Retrieved from Phycoremediation of Wastewaters on Yield of Lettuce, Soil Health, and Nitrogen Environmental Fate

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three microalgae strains, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus quadricauda, and Klebsormidium sp. K39, on the enhancement of lettuce yield and soil fertility and in mitigation of nitrogen losses in groundwater, focusing on some aspects of the complex soil-plant system. The experimental trials were carried in pots, and involved the application of microalgae cells at two different concentrations (50 and 500 mg kg− 1 of soil), alone or in combination with standard mineral fertilization. The yield, main morpho-biometric parameters, and protein content of lettuce seedlings, as well as the activities of key enzymes involved in the nitrogen pathway (nitrate reductase, glutamine synthase, and glutamate synthetase) at both root and shoot levels, were monitored and the results were compared to not-inoculated control plants. The nitrate leached due to over irrigation was also evaluated. Furthermore, even the effects of microalgae biostimulants on soil biochemical activity were analysed by monitoring fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase, and urease activities. All treatments significantly improved lettuce growth, especially when combined with mineral fertilization, providing comparable levels to the control plants treated only with microalgae cells. Furthermore, microalgae treatments positively influenced soil biological activities, as evidenced by increased of the potential biochemical index of soil fertility (Mw). In conclusion, microalgae soil treatments may be considered as a viable strategy to assist growers in reducing the use of mineral fertilizers, with a view to improve plant growth as well as soil biological activity.

Behavior of &lt;sup&gt;137&lt;/sup&gt;Cs in the soil-plant system in the floodplain landscapes of the Sozh River basin

Studies were carried out in the most affected by the Chernobyl accident part of the Bryansk region, in the ecosystems of floodplains of the Iput, Besed and Unecha rivers, in zones with different 137Cs pollution density. The purpose of the work is to study the peculiarities of the vertical distribution of 137Cs in the soil–plant system of the floodplain landscape long after the Chernobyl accident. As a result of studies, it was revealed that the vertical distribution of 137Cs, in the 0–20 cm layer, is determined by the position on the relief and the genesis of the soils of floodplain subsystems. The distribution character can be uniform, decreasing with depth, or with accumulation in certain layers. In the floodplain ecosystem, the concentration of 137Cs in the 0–20 cm layer increases from the river channel to the terrace above floodplain subsystems. Currently, the use of the territory of the west of the Bryansk region with a 137Cs pollution density above 555 kBq/m2 in feed production is strictly limited. The coefficient of 137Cs transition from soil to plants decreases from the central part to the near-channel one and to terrace above floodplain.

From the rhizosphere to plant fitness: Implications of microplastics soil pollution

Microplastics (MPs) are a widespread contaminant in the terrestrial environment, with potential impacts on the soil-plant system not yet well understood. This study explores the effects of oxidised low-density polyethylene-MPs (LDPE-MPs) on the rhizosphere ecology and plant fitness of Fragaria x ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier. The rhizospheric microbial community was investigated under the influence of 0,5 % LDPE-MPs by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16 S rRNA metagenomic analysis; photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and nutrient accumulation were assessed to evaluate plant physiological and biochemical status. Genes related to jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene biosynthesis, and nitrate signalling pathways were analysed to define the plant molecular response. Our results showed a shift in the rhizosphere microbial community. We identified MPs molecular biomarkers in the contaminated rhizosphere (Fusarium, Thanatephorus and Pseudallescheria) with potential pathogenic functions and two novel molecular biomarkers (Ohtaekwangia and Ascobolus). MPs pollution negatively impacts plant fitness, which showed decreased chlorophyll a and b (40 and 48 %, respectively), a change in nutrient content (fluctuations between 14,42 and 26,7 %) at the leaf level and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Gene expression related to JA, ethylene biosynthesis, and nitrogen signalling pathways is enhanced in plants grown in contaminated soil, as well as the root endophytic and epiphytic microorganism interactions. Our results demonstrate that MPs pollution influences the rhizosphere microbial community and functions, and consequently, negatively impacts plant health.

Environmental efficacy of polyethylene microplastics: Enhancing the solidification of CuO nanoparticles and reducing the physiological toxicity to peanuts

Microplastics and metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) are environmental pollutants that have attracted significant attention. However, there have been relatively few studies on the combined pollution of these substances in the soil-plant system. To investigate the environmental impact and interaction mechanisms of these two pollutants, a pot experiment was conducted to examine the effects of soil exposure on peanut growth. The experiment results revealed that polyethylene (PE) had a minimal effect on peanut growth, while CuO NPs significantly inhibited peanut growth. Peanut biomass decreased by over 50 % in all Cu treatments. The presence of PE significantly impacted the dissolution and absorption of CuO NPs. When 0.5 % PE was present, the dissolution and transformation of CuO NPs were limited, resulting in a total Cu concentration of 458 mg/kg. Conversely, when 5 % PE was present, the dissolution and transformation of CuO NPs were promoted, leading to a DTPA-Cu concentration of 141 mg/kg, the highest level observed. The distribution of trace elements in peanut stems also responded to the differences in Cu concentration. Both pollutants significantly disrupted soil bacteria, with CuO NPs having a more pronounced effect than PE. Throughout the entire growth cycle of peanuts, no chemical adsorption occurred between PE and CuO NPs, and CuO NPs had no significant impact on the aging rate of PE. In summary, this study provides insights into the environmental impact and transport mechanisms of composite pollution involving microplastics and metal-based nanoparticles in the soil-peanut system.

Multi-year aboveground data of minirhizotron facilities in Selhausen

Improved understanding of crops’ response to soil water stress is important to advance soil-plant system models and to support crop breeding, crop and varietal selection, and management decisions to minimize negative impacts. Studies on eco-physiological crop characteristics from leaf to canopy for different soil water conditions and crops are often carried out at controlled conditions. In-field measurements under realistic field conditions and data of plant water potential, its links with CO2 and H2O gas fluxes, and crop growth processes are rare. Here, we presented a comprehensive data set collected from leaf to canopy using sophisticated and comprehensive sensing techniques (leaf chlorophyll, stomatal conductance and photosynthesis, canopy CO2 exchange, sap flow, and canopy temperature) including detailed crop growth characteristics based on destructive methods (crop height, leaf area index, aboveground biomass, and yield). Data were acquired under field conditions with contrasting soil types, water treatments, and different cultivars of wheat and maize. The data from 2016 up to now will be made available for studying soil/water-plant relations and improving soil-plant-atmospheric continuum models.