Search Results (5,364)

Soil salinity disrupts rhizosphere interactions, impairing root–microbe symbioses, nutrient uptake, and water relations in onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.). This study evaluated the efficacy of biofertilizers (Azotobacter chroococcum SARS 10 and Azospirillum lipoferum SP2) and organic amendments (sewage sludge and poultry manure) in salt-affected soils in Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt. Five treatments were applied: (T1) control (no amendments); (T2) biofertilizer (3 L/ha for onion, 12 L/ha for garlic) + inorganic P (150 kg/ha P₂O₅ for onion, 180 kg/ha for garlic) and K (115 kg/ha K₂SO₄ for onion, 150 kg/ha for garlic); (T3) 50% inorganic N (160 kg/ha for onion, 127.5 kg/ha for garlic) + 50% organic manure (6000 kg/ha for onion, 8438 kg/ha for garlic) + P and K; (T4) biofertilizer + T3; and (T5) conventional inorganic NPK (320 kg/ha N for onion, 255 kg/ha N for garlic + P and K). Soil nutrients (N, P, K), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dehydrogenase activity, and microbial populations were analyzed using standard protocols. Plant growth (chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate), stress indicators (malondialdehyde, proline), and yield (bulb diameter, fresh yield) were measured. Treatment T4 increased MBC by 30–40%, dehydrogenase activity by 25–35%, available N (39.7 mg/kg for onion, 35.7 mg/kg for garlic), P (17.9 mg/kg for onion), and K (108 mg/kg for garlic). Soil organic matter rose by 8–12%, and cation exchange capacity by 26–36%. Chlorophyll content improved by 25%, malondialdehyde decreased by 20–30%, and fresh yields increased by 20–30% (12.17 tons/ha for garlic). A soybean bioassay confirmed sustained fertility with 20–25% higher dry weight and 30% greater N uptake in T4 plots. These findings highlight biofertilizers and organic amendments as sustainable solutions for Allium productivity in saline rhizospheres. Full article

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) play vital roles in crop growth. However, conventional fertilizers exhibit low utilization efficiency, making them prone to causing resource wastage and water eutrophication. Although metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great potential for application in controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), currently reported MOF-based CRFs suffer from low nutrient content, which limits their further application. To address this issue, this study synthesized a series of hierarchically porous MOFs, denoted as MIL-156(X), using sodium acetate as a modulator under hydrothermal conditions. These materials were subsequently loaded with urea and phosphate from aqueous solution to form MOFs-based CRFs (N-P-MIL-156(X)). Results indicate that MIL-156(X) retain microporous integrity while incorporating abundant mesopores. Increasing modulator content reduced particle size and average pore diameter but increased specific surface area and adsorption capacity for urea and phosphate. MIL-156-H (with a high modulator content addition) exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, conforming to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption mechanisms of urea and phosphate involved hydrogen bonding and the formation of Ca intra-spherical complexes, respectively. N-P-MIL-156-H contained 10.8% N and 16.3% P₂O₅, with sustained release durations exceeding 42 days (N) and 56 days (P₂O₅) in an aqueous solution. Pot trials demonstrated significantly higher nutrient use efficiency (N-44.8%, P₂O₅-16.56%) and a 12.22% yield increase compared to conventional fertilization (N-35.6%, P₂O₅-13.32%). Thus, N-P-MIL-156-H-based fertilization significantly promotes rice growth and N/P utilization efficiency, offering a promising strategy for developing controlled-release fertilizers and improving nutrient management. Full article

Fungi in tropical ecosystems remain an understudied yet critical component of climate change mitigation, particularly within the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. This review highlights their dual role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by regulating carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxides (N₂O) while enhancing long-term carbon sequestration. Mycorrhizal fungi are pivotal in maintaining soil integrity, facilitating nutrient cycling, and amplifying carbon storage capacity through symbiotic mechanisms. We synthesize how fungal symbiotic systems under LULUCF shape ecosystem networks and note that, in pristine ecosystems, these networks are resilient. We introduce the concept of Nature-based Culture (NbC) to describe symbiotic self-cultures sustaining ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Case studies demonstrate how the NbC concept is applied in reforestation strategies such as AeroHydro Culture (AHC), the Integrated Mangrove Sowing System (IMSS), and the 4N approach (No Plastic, No Burning, No Chemical Fertilizer, Native Species). These approaches leverage mycorrhizal networks to improve restoration outcomes in peatlands, mangroves, and semi-arid regions while minimizing land disturbance and chemical inputs. Therefore, by bridging fungal ecology with LULUCF policy, this review advocates for a paradigm shift in forest management that integrates fungal symbioses to strengthen carbon storage, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being. Full article

The growing potassium (K) demand and supply–demand imbalance in intensive agriculture require the development of multi-nutrient K fertilizers. Polyhalite (POLY), a multi-nutrient natural mineral rich in K, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, can enhance soil nutrient diversity and fertility. However, research on its synergistic application with nitrogen (N) fertilizer remains limited. Therefore, this study was designed to apply three different fertilizer composites at four N concentration gradients through field plot experiments to evaluate crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency. Results revealed that the application of both compound fertilizers with N fertilizer increased maize yield, ranging from 1.03% to 11.53%, compared with the PK control. Moreover, 25-7-8 (MOP)(POLY26%) achieved a maximum yield of 9499.88 kg/ha at the N1 (170 kg/ha) level. This represents a significant increase of 11.53% compared with the PK control. Moreover, the application of compound fertilizer containing POLY could significantly increase the N fertilizer utilization rate; improve the quality of maize; and exert a significant effect on soil pH, EC, and nutrient content. This study paves the way for broader application of POLY by establishing its novel role as a sustainable nutrient source. It provides critical strategic guidance for advancing global resource-efficient agriculture. Full article

The problems of excessive nitrogen fertilizer application and mismatch between varieties and planting density are common in potato production in the dryland farming areas of Loess Plateau, and it is of great significance to select suitable nitrogen application rates and planting densities for the green and sustainable production of dryland potatoes in this area. In this study, Longshu 16 was selected as the potato variety, and we investigated two nitrogen application rates: 200 kg·hm⁻² (N1), 300 kg·hm⁻² (N2); and three planting densities: 37,500 plants·hm⁻² (D1), 52,500 plants·hm⁻² (D2), 67,500 plants·hm⁻² (D3). The effects of different nitrogen fertilization rates and planting densities on photosynthetic characteristics, leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolism enzyme activities, and yield and quality of potato were measured and analyzed. The results showed that during the tuber swelling stage, the activity of ribose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) in potato leaves was increased by 9.05%. During the starch accumulation stage, the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) in potato leaves was increased by 3.02~22.34% in N1D2 treatment compared with other treatments, and the activity of glutamate synthase (GOGAT) was increased by 2.83~7.35% compared with other treatments. During the starch accumulation stage, the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) in potato leaves was increased by 7.85~31.17% in N1D2 treatment compared with other treatments. The contents of protein, starch, vitamin C, and calcium in potato tubers in N1D2 treatment were the highest, and the yield was the highest in N1D2 treatment. In conclusion, the recommended nitrogen application rate of 200 kg·hm⁻² and planting density of 52,500 plants·hm⁻² in dry-fed potato production improved the yield and quality of potato by enhancing activities of GAPDH, GS, and AGPase. Full article

This study explores the complex regulatory mechanisms of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supply interactions on the growth, root architecture, and nutrient uptake of Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ seedlings. It shows that these responses depend on nutrient concentrations and exhibit organ-specific patterns. Low P (0 mM) and sufficient N (15–30 mM) enhances plant height and aboveground biomass by promoting P acquisition processes. At moderate N levels (5–15 mM), P supply is sufficient (0.5–1.5 mM) for root and stem growth. Nitrogen application prioritizes aboveground biomass, reducing the root-to-shoot ratio. Root architecture also responds organ-specifically: sufficient N under low P promotes fine root growth to increase P absorption; under moderate P (0.5 mM), balanced N optimizes branching; and under sufficient P (1.5 mM), N increases root thickness while reducing fine root investment. In terms of P metabolism, moderate N under low P increases P concentrations by upregulating phosphate transporter genes, while sufficient N maintains P use efficiency (PUE). For N metabolism, added P under low N (0 mM) maintains N use efficiency (NUE), while higher N levels (15–30 mM) reduce NUE due to interference in nitrogen transport and enzyme activity. This study highlights the importance of organ-specific resource allocation in adapting to N–P interactions and suggests optimizing fertilization strategies based on soil nutrient status to avoid physiological imbalance. Full article

Urban lawns are a predominant form of vegetation in sports grounds and greenbelts. Nitrogen (N) fertilization is widely used to sustain lawn productivity. However, it also promotes nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. The microbial mechanisms underlying N₂O emissions from fertilized lawn soils remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a controlled incubation experiment with four N application rates [0 (N0), 100 (N100), 200 (N200), and 300 kg·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹ (N300)] to investigate N₂O emissions and associated microbial processes in urban lawn soil. Biological inhibitors combined with high-throughput sequencing were used to quantify the inhibitor-sensitive fraction of fungi and bacteria contributing to N₂O emissions. Our results showed that N fertilizer significantly increased N₂O emissions, with the highest emission observed under N200. The fungi inhibitor-sensitive fraction accounted for ~45% of total N₂O emissions, significantly higher than that of bacteria (~31%). Dominant fungal phyla included Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota, with N fertilization significantly increasing the relative abundance of Ascomycota and decreasing that of Basidiomycota. Redundancy analysis revealed strong positive correlations between Ascomycota abundance and N₂O emissions across N treatments. At the genus level, Pyrenochaetopsis, Myrothecium, and Humicola were positively associated with N₂O production and identified as key functional taxa. These findings demonstrate that moderate N fertilization can disproportionately stimulate fungal-driven N₂O emissions in urban lawns. The results provide a scientific basis for optimizing N fertilization strategies in green spaces, with implications for N policy and sustainable landscape management. Full article

Salinity is a major limitation on common bean productivity, while phosphorus in many soils is often immobilized, limiting its availability to plants. This study investigated the effects of coated and uncoated superphosphate fertilizers, applied at different rates and using distinct methods, on soil properties, plant growth, and ion regulation in common beans grown in saline soil over two seasons (2023–2024). Treatments combined two fertilizer types (coated with potassium sulfate and uncoated), two P rates (360 and 480 kg/ha), and two application methods: (1) conventional application, broadcasting followed by plowing to 30 cm depth during soil preparation; (2) surface application, broadcasting without incorporation. Six treatments were applied: T₁: 360 kg/ha of uncoated superphosphate (conventional method); T₂: 480 kg/ha of uncoated superphosphate (conventional method); T₃: 360 kg/ha of coated superphosphate (conventional method); T₄: 480 kg/ha of coated superphosphate (conventional method); T₅: 360 kg/ha of coated superphosphate (surface method); and T₆: 480 kg/ha of coated superphosphate (surface method). The results demonstrated that soil pH was unaffected across treatments. However, T₄ and T₆ significantly improved nutrient availability (N, P, and K), biomass, grain yield, and seed nutritional quality (protein, P, K, and Ca). Despite increased soil EC, these treatments enhanced ionic balance (higher K/Na and Ca/Na ratios) indicating improved stress tolerance. Importantly, T₃ (360 kg/ha coated) performed comparably to T₂ (480 kg/ha uncoated), suggesting that coated superphosphate at lower rates can reduce input costs without compromising yield. These results demonstrate the agronomic and environmental benefits of coated superphosphate, particularly under saline conditions, through enhanced nutrient use efficiency and improved crop performance. Full article

Reducing nitrogen (N) fertilizer input while sustaining maize yield and alleviating nitrogen leaching is a significant challenge due to economic and practical feasibility, as well as the environmental friendliness of this process. However, it remains unclear whether reducing nitrogen by using a blend of slow/controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (SCRNF) with urea at an equal nitrogen rate can achieve the desired yield and mitigate nitrogen leaching. A field experiment consisting of four treatments (240 kg·N·hm⁻², 100% urea, CK; 240 kg·N·hm⁻², 50% N from urea and 50% N from SCRNF, N100%; 192 kg·N·hm⁻², 50% N from urea and 50% N from SCRNF under 20% N reduction, NR20%; 144 kg·N·hm⁻², 50% N from urea and 50% N from SCRNF under 40% N reduction, NR40%) was conducted in Shanxi from 2019 to 2021. In this study, we explored the effects of a mixture of SCRNF and urea on grain yield, yield components, main agronomic traits, nitrogen partial factor productivity, and content of nitrate/ammonium nitrogen in soil in maize under decreasing amounts of nitrogen fertilization. The results showed that the mixture of SCRNF and urea can improve spring maize yield under reduced nitrogen input, with its yield and yield component factors generally performing better than those of the control. The yield of the NR20% treatment was highest in 2020 and 2021, increasing by 8.8% and 11.7% over CK, respectively; the NR20% and NR40% treatments had no significant impact on the main agronomic traits of spring maize, such as plant height, leaf area, shoot biomass, and SPAD value of the ear leaf, compared with CK; the NR20% and NR40% treatments significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced nitrogen partial factor productivity but reduced nitrate and ammonium nitrogen in 0~200 cm soil over the three years compared with CK. Therefore, reducing nitrogen input by 20% with 50% N from urea and 50% N from biodegradable film-coated urea was an appropriate nitrogen fertilizer management measure for mitigating environmental risks without compromising maize yield in North China. Full article

Grasslands cover more than 25% of the Earth’s surface and play essential ecological roles, such as forage production, supporting pollinators, and carbon sequestration. This study aimed to evaluate the recovery of a degraded pasture of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk through aerial dry mass production, plant height, and foliar macronutrients concentration and uptake after fertilization with polyhalite. The experiment was carried out at the Teaching, Research, and Extension Farm of the School of Agrarian and Technological Sciences, UNESP—Dracena Campus, in a dystrophic red–yellow latosol soil. A randomized block design with four replications was used. The treatments included the following: (T1) control, (T2) N + P + liming, (T3) T2 + 30 kg ha⁻¹ K₂O (polyhalite), (T4) T2 + 60 kg ha⁻¹ K₂O (polyhalite), (T5) T2 + 60 (30 + 30) kg ha⁻¹ K₂O (polyhalite), and (T6) 60 kg ha⁻¹ K₂O (polyhalite). The treatment with N + P + liming + 60 kg ha⁻¹ K₂O (polyhalite) resulted in 93% more dry mass production when compared with the control treatment. This treatment was most effective for grassland recovery, whereas polyhalite alone was ineffective. Tissue N and S concentrations increased as a result of the addition of N + P + liming + 60 kg ha⁻¹ K₂O (polyhalite). Full article

Different strategies are used in organic and conventional cultivation, which can significantly influence crop yield, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and soil quality. However, the relative efficiency of these fertilization practices has not been systematically compared. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of organic, conventional, and semi-organic fertilization systems on soil properties, crop productivity, and GHG emissions through a comprehensive meta-analysis. The analysis showed that conventional systems had the highest increase in nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions (+62%), followed by semi-organic (+55%) and organic (+21%). Soil texture strongly influenced methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) fluxes, with clay soils showing the highest CH₄ response (+50%). Cropping practices such as intercropping and crop rotation enhanced soil nitrate availability (+18%), while vegetable and cereal systems improved crop yield by +29% and +19%, respectively. Importantly, semi-organic systems increased yield (+25%) while reducing greenhouse gas intensity (+13%), especially in cereals under intercropping. Integrating organic inputs into semi-organic systems, especially in cereal cultivation under intercropping practices, appears to reduce the carbon intensity per unit yield while maintaining productivity. These findings underscore the importance of context-specific management strategies to optimize agronomic performance and mitigate environmental impacts. Full article

Numerous factors, including genetic, environmental, and nutritional, are involved in testicular development and spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the effects of seasonal factors on pre-sexual maturity testicular development in Hu rams, which are famous for their high fertility and year-round estrus onset. This study explored the effect of the birth season on testicular development and spermatogenesis in Hu sheep. Thirty-six 6-month-old male lambs born in summer (n = 18) and winter (n = 18) were selected for analysis. Results showed that summer-born lambs exhibited significantly higher cauda sperm density (102.65 ± 9.56 vs. 16.86 ± 2.02 × 10⁷/g), antioxidant indices such as superoxide dismutase (SOD: 6.29 ± 1.01 vs. 4.09 ± 0.25 U/mgprot), and higher expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) than winter-born lambs. Conversely, the malondialdehyde content (1.08 ± 0.32 vs. 2.13 ± 0.34 nmol/mgprot) was significantly lower in the summer-born group (p < 0.05) than in the winter-born group. A total of 44 differential oxylipins and 326 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and transcriptomics, respectively. An integrated analysis of oxylipins and transcriptomics revealed that these differential molecules were enriched in metabolic pathways. Notably, downregulated DEGs (e.g., UAP1L1 and NAT8L) were significantly correlated with upregulated differential oxylipins (e.g., epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids). These results indicate that compared to the winter-born group, the testicular tissues of summer-born rams showed stronger testicular antioxidant capacity and lower lipid peroxidation at the sexual maturity stage, which contributes to spermatogenesis. Full article

This study investigates the groundwater over-exploitation zone in Xingtai City, North China Plain, to address two critical gaps in the current understanding of groundwater chemistry: the lack of established natural background levels (NBLs) and the ambiguous mechanisms of groundwater contamination. Sixty shallow-groundwater samples were collected and analyzed using a combination of Piper diagrams, cumulative-probability statistics, contamination-index methods, and multivariate statistical techniques to determine NBLs and threshold values (TVs) for major chemical constituents and to clarify the contamination mechanisms. The results indicate that the groundwater is weakly alkaline, with the most prevalent water types being HCO₃–Na and SO₄·Cl–Na. The NBLs for Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, $\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{O}}_4^{2-}$ and $\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_3^{-}$ are 32.3 mg/L, 34.1 mg/L, 17.8 mg/L, 46.2 mg/L, 66.4 mg/L and 0.886 mg/L, respectively, and the corresponding TVs are 116 mg/L, 54.6 mg/L, 33.9 mg/L, 248 mg/L, 258 mg/L and 44.7 mg/L. Based on the TVs, 56.7% of the sampling sites are identified as anthropogenically contaminated. Principal component analysis reveals that groundwater over-extraction, industrial activities and water–rock interaction are the dominant drivers of groundwater contamination, whereas intensive abstraction, agricultural fertilization and domestic sewage discharge exert additional influence. The findings provide a scientific basis for pollution control and sustainable utilization of groundwater in over-exploited regions. Full article

Frequent and severe droughts intensify water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions, creating an urgent need for alternative water resources in agriculture. Treated wastewater (TWW) has emerged as a sustainable option; however, its long-term use may alter soil properties and pose risks if not carefully managed. This study tested the hypothesis that long-term TWW irrigation increases soil salinity, alters fertility, and affects microbial quality, with rainfall partially mitigating these effects. Soil samples (n = 96 at each time point) were collected from two calcareous soils in Jordan, silt loam (Mafraq) and silty clay loam (Ramtha), under four treatments (control and 2, 5, and 10 years of TWW irrigation) at three depths (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm). Sampling was conducted at two intervals, before and after rainfall, to capture the seasonal variation. Soil indicators included the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), and microbial parameters (total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and Escherichia coli). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model with repeated measures, and significant differences were determined using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at p < 0.05. The results showed that rainfall reduced Na⁺ by 70%, Cl⁻ by 86%, EC by 73%, the ESP by 28%, and the SAR by 30%. Furthermore, the TC and FC concentrations were diminished by almost 96%. Moderate TWW irrigation (5 years) provided the most balanced outcomes across both sites. This study provides one of the few long-term field-based assessments of TWW irrigation in semi-arid calcareous soils of Jordan, underscoring its value in mitigating water scarcity while emphasizing the need for monitoring to ensure soil sustainability. Full article

Low energy N⁺ ion beam implantation has been used to create the novel rice mutant “shuangli”, which produces partially fertile spikelets containing double grains. Abnormal ovule development is a major cause of partial fertility and grain diversity in rice mutants. To elucidate the developmental mechanism of ovule diversity in shuangli, ovules undergoing development were stained using eosin Y and H33342 and observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Different developmental abnormalities were observed in the ovary, embryo sac, and ovule. Abnormal development was observed in 35.18% of the ovary structures, primarily manifesting as “tumor” like cell clusters, “false ovaries”, stamen degeneration, and double ovaries. In the embryo sac, abnormal development occurred in about 17.35% of the megaspore cells, including the formation of three nuclei, two daughter cells of asynchronously divided dyads, multiple megaspore tetrads, and “narrow and elongated” cavities. At the female gametogenesis stage, the abnormal development rate was 27.53%, mainly involving the degeneration of the central polar nucleus, egg apparatus, antipodal cell mass, or female germ unit. In shuangli, abnormal development occurred in 28.06% of the ovule structures, including lateral tissue, nucellar tissue, double ovules and double embryo sacs. Of the observed lateral tissues, 8.27% did not differentiate into sexual reproductive tissue, which affected the fertilization of the embryo sac, leading to atrophy and degeneration. A new abnormal tissue similar to the inner integument was found on both sides of the nucellar tissue, and the two specialized nucellar tissues appeared to have “staggered” growth within a single ovary. Of the examined ovules, 10.79% exhibited different types of double ovules, including heart-shaped, “anatropous”, “conjoined” structures. However, the double ovules typically developed synchronously, explaining the production of different sizes of the two grains in shuangli. In addition, “double” embryo sacs from two “twinborn” nucelli were found in one ovule, and the frequency of “double” embryo sacs was 3.60%. Therefore, ovule development diversity may result in fertilization or gradual degeneration after fertilization, explaining the lower fertility of shuangli at the embryological level. Full article