Response of Shoot and Root Growth, Yield, and Chemical Composition to Nutrient Concentrations in Soybean Varieties Grown under Soilless and Controlled Environment Conditions

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

In this manuscript, the authors evaluated that the effects of different nutrient concentrations, based on the soilless substrate on the root, shoot and pod of soybean (Glycine max [L.]Merr.) plants grown in a plant growth chamber. The treatments comprised four levels of nutrient concentrations (0%, 50%, 100%, and 150%), and the root length increased of soybean in 50% nutrient concentration. The nutrient concentration of 100% and 150%, resulting in increased 100 grain weight, grain yield, protein and lipid content, it’s important in the production application for Martina and Johanna.

Overall, this study contains some interesting findings and is valuable for high-quality and pesticide-free production systems in soybean. However, the authors need to address the following points for publication in Agriculture.

1.     In the section on results (3.1 Root length), the author mentioned that at a nutrient concentration of 50%, the variety Johanna had deeper roots than Martina. The significant letters in Fig 1 of two varieties need to be added, it will be easy for readers to understand.

2.     The format in the figures is improper (such as Fig.1, Fig.1and Fig. 3). Please modify them following the instructions of this journal.

3.     In the section on results (3.2 Shoot weight/plant (g), root weight/plant (g) and shoot: root ratio), the author mentioned that the comparison between the two soybean varieties regarding shoot and root weight showed that the shoot and root of the Martina variety were heavier than the Johanna variety (Figure 3). However, the description of Fig.3 is confusing to me, please rephrase the text and figure.

4.     In the section on results (lines 347-349), the author mentioned that according to variety treatment, there was no significant difference between Martina and Johanna's grain weight/pod. Please add the information of two varieties at different nutrient concentrations in Table 5.

5.     In the section on discussion (lines 347-349), the author mentioned that Our finding also revealed that only nutrient concentration significantly affects protein and lipid yield. Please give more evidence to support it.

 The conclusion is too long. please rephrase it.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Enclosed please find our detailed anwer. 

Sincerely yours,
The Authors.

Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 2 Report

A clear and understandable work in all aspects. However, these results are already expected. I wish a limiting factor had been studied in this study. eg hot or cold or salinity. It could have been a more effective and scientific study of higher quality.

  Congratulations...

1. Determining the response of soybean to fertilization under controlled conditions 2. It can shed light on the trials to be carried out in the laboratory environment. Apart from this, it does not have the power to produce answers to problems in a field. 3. Similar studies are available in many plants. The fact that it is a study specific to soybean plant creates its difference. 4. Frankly, there are no surprises in these results. Similar results were obtained in many plants. If any limiting factors (temperature, drought, etc.) had been added to this study, it would have been more meaningful and effective. 5. The study is quite consistent in itself. 6. The references given are compatible with the work, but frankly, I did not examine much in terms of spelling and technical suitability. 7. It is very convenient in terms of form and intelligibility. However, there are inconsistencies in the fonts, lightness and darkness of the texts, especially in the figures, and I recommend the authors to review them.

 

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Enclosed please find our detailed anwer. 

Sincerely yours,
The Authors.

Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 3 Report

The authors should add more details regarding the two soybean varieties used in the project. Besides that, more detailed information is needed about the plant vegetative stage.

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Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Enclosed please find our detailed anwer. 

Sincerely yours,
The Authors.

Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 4 Report

Must have a higher number of varieties to draw clear conclusions as stated by authors.

Must have a higher number of varieties to draw clear conclusions as stated by authors.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Enclosed please find our detailed anwer. 

Sincerely yours,
The Authors.

Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 5 Report

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of different nutrient concentrations on shoot and root growth, yield components, yield, and chemical compositions for two soybean varieties (Martina and Johanna). The findings of the study provide the basis for the development of a high-quality and pesticide-free soybean production system.  The manuscript is well designed and written, and therefore could be acceptable after minor revision for possible publication in Agriculture. However, some corrections should be considered as listed below:

Abstract is too long, please summarize it. An abstract represents a short summary of key elements of the manuscript.

Please provide taxonomic authorities for all plant names at the species level at their first mention in the text.

Add latest references in the introduction.

Line 93-96, please add the below reference at the end of sentence:

An important factor that needs to be emphasized in the planting system .... where inorganic fertilizers are used as nutrient sources [9; Croce et al., 2022]

Croce, J., Badano, E.I., Trigo, C.B. et al. Experimental approaches to select tree species for forest restoration: effects of light, water availability and interspecific competition in degraded areas. J. For. Res. 33, 1197–1207 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-021-01401-0

Please provide a Figure showing the experimental planning and images of plants differently treated.

Materials and methods are standard and well-drafted but authors should provide evidence that data/scores obtained with replications.

The references in the discussion also need to be updated.

Please use the below reference in discussion:

Fussy A, Papenbrock J. An Overview of Soil and Soilless Cultivation Techniques—Chances, Challenges and the Neglected Question of Sustainability. Plants. 2022; 11(9):1153. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091153

 

Please make sure your conclusions' section underscores the scientific value-added of your paper, and/or the applicability of your findings/results. Highlight the novelty of your study. What suggestions do you have for future research in this field?

 

 

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Enclosed please find our detailed anwer. 

Sincerely yours,
The Authors.

Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Round 2

Reviewer 4 Report

The authors improved substantially the manuscript

Author Response

Dear Professor, 

Thank you for your kind help, your comments greatly improved the quality of the manuscript. 

Sincerely, 
The Authors