Soybean Response to Seed Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and/or Nitrogen Fertilization

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. This study examines the effects of soybean seed inoculation with rhizobia and/or nitrogen fertilizer application on soybean growth and yield, which is of great significance in the context of current climate change. With the increasing impact of climate change on agricultural production, it is of great practical significance to study how to optimize soybean planting technology to improve yield and quality.

2. Innovative Approach. The study used a combination of different doses of commercial inoculants and nitrogen fertilizer applications to systematically assess the effects of these treatments on soybean growth, nodulation, yield, and seed chemistry. This multi-factor experimental design provides rich data for the study and can reveal the combined effects of different treatment combinations.

3. Years of field experiment data. The study conducted field experiments between 2021 and 2023, covering different climatic conditions. This long-term, multi-year data collection enhances the reliability and generalizability of the study results and helps to better understand the impact of climate conditions on soybean planting performance.

4. Limitations of the experimental design. Although the study used many years of field experiments, the experimental site was limited to one agricultural experiment station in Poland. Soil types, climate conditions and agricultural practices in different regions may affect the generalizability of the findings. Therefore, the applicability of the findings to other regions may be questioned.

5. Lack of in-depth analysis of microbial communities. Studies focused on the effects of inoculants on soybean growth and yield, but there was a lack of in-depth analysis of changes in microbial communities in soil and their interactions with soybean rhizobium. This may limit the understanding of the long-term effects and mechanisms of inoculants.

6. The effects of climate change are not sufficiently discussed. Although the study mentions the effects of climate conditions on the experimental results, there is limited discussion of the specific mechanisms of the effects of climate change and its future trends. More detailed climate model analysis and projections may enhance the depth and persuasiveness of the research.

7. Expand the experimental scope. It is recommended to conduct similar field experiments in different regions and different soil types to verify the universality of the research results. This will allow for a more comprehensive assessment of the effects of inoculant and nitrogen fertilizer application on soybean cultivation.

8. In-depth analysis of the microbial community . Increased analysis of the soil microbial community, in particular the effects of inoculants on other microorganisms in the soil, and the interactions of these microorganisms with soybean rhizobium. This will lead to a better understanding of the long-term effects and mechanisms of action of inoculants.

9. Strengthen climate change research. Further study of the specific impact of climate change on soybean cultivation, combined with climate models for prediction analysis. This will help develop more forward-looking farming strategies to adapt to the challenges posed by future climate change.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Agriculture

 

I share my observations about the manuscript agriculture-3083194 “Soybean response to seed inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and/or nitrogen fertilization”. The manuscript showed the effect of inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and nitrogen fertilization on the soybeans. The results of this manuscript can help future studies. However, there are some points that need to be improved. In the material and methods, the correct term is chlorophyll content in SPAD value because the measurements were made with the A SPAD 502P chlorophyll meter. The interaction analysis between factors should be written in the material and methods. In table 2, there are terms that weren’t written before (I measurement and II measurement). The conclusions should be revised.

 

Best regards!

 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please find the detailed responses below and the corresponding corrections.

Comments 1:

In the material and methods, the correct term is chlorophyll content in SPAD value because the measurements were made with the A SPAD 502P chlorophyll meter. 

Response 1:

We agree with this comment. The sentence has been corrected:
 "Leaf area index (LAI – m2/m2) and chlorophyll content in SPAD value (SPAD - soil plant analysis development) were assessed twice in each plot, during the budding stage (BBCH 55) and at the flowering stage ( BBCH 65).

Comments 2:

The interaction analysis between factors should be written in the material and methods.

Response 2:

Missing information about the interaction between factors has been added to subsection: 2.6. Statistical calculations

Comments 3:  

In table 2, there are terms that weren’t written before (I measurement and II measurement). 

Response 3:

In Table 2, the column descriptions have been changed according to the Reviewer's suggestion.

Comments 4:

The conclusions should be revised.

Response 4:

One sentence was changed in the conclusion:

Measurements using soil plant analysis development (SPAD) demonstrated that in the absence of available nitrogen (both symbiotic and soil-borne), plants were less nourished (low SPAD value) and had lower leaf area index (LAI) values, which was particularly noticeable in years with low rainfall. Seed inoculation generally had a beneficial effect on the chemical composition of soybean seeds, except for the fat content. 

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you once more for your valuable time and expertise. We hope that our manuscript now aligns with your expectations and those of the editorial board. Your guidance has been immensely appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

Authors