Could natural phytochemicals be used to reduce nitrogen excretion and excreta‑derived N_(2)O emissions from ruminants?

Ruminants play a critical role in our food system by converting plant biomass that humans cannot or choose not to consume into edible high-quality food.However,ruminant excreta is a significant source of nitrous oxide(N_(2)O),a potent greenhouse gas with a long-term global warming potential 298 times that of carbon dioxide.Natural phytochemicals or forages containing phytochemicals have shown the potential to improve the efficiency of nitrogen(N)utilization and decrease N_(2)O emissions from the excreta of ruminants.Dietary inclusion of tannins can shift more of the excreted N to the feces,alter the urinary N composition and consequently reduce N_(2)O emissions from excreta.Essential oils or saponins could inhibit rumen ammonia production and decrease urinary N excretion.In grazed pastures,large amounts of glucosinolates or aucubin can be introduced into pasture soils when animals consume plants rich in these compounds and then excrete them or their metabolites in the urine or feces.If inhibitory compounds are excreted in the urine,they would be directly applied to the urine patch to reduce nitrification and subsequent N_(2)O emissions.The phytochemicals’role in sustainable ruminant production is undeniable,but much uncertainty remains.Inconsistency,transient effects,and adverse effects limit the effectiveness of these phytochemicals for reducing N losses.In this review,we will identify some current phytochemicals found in feed that have the potential to manipulate ruminant N excretion or mitigate N_(2)O production and deliberate the challenges and opportunities associated with using phytochemicals or forages rich in phytochemicals as dietary strategies for reducing N excretion and excreta-derived N_(2)O emissions.

Effects of Slow-release Nitrogen Fertilizer on Yield and Nitrogen Accumulation of Summer Maize in Shajiang Black Soil Area

[Objectives] This study was conducted to verify the field application effect of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on summer maize in Shajiang black soil area by simultaneous sowing and fertilization, and explore the application scope and nitrogen metabolism mechanism, so as to lay a foundation for fertilizer reduction and efficiency improvement. [Methods] With maize variety Beiqing 340 and sulfur-coated urea as experimental materials, five nitrogen application levels were set, namely, control (C0), slow-release nitrogen 70 kg/hm^(2) (C70), slow-release nitrogen 140 kg/hm^(2) (C140), slow-release nitrogen 210 kg/hm^(2) (C210) and slow-release nitrogen 280 kg/hm^(2) (C280). The phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were all in accordance with the unified standard. [Results] With the application rate of slow-release nitrogen increasing, the nitrogen accumulation in organs increased first and then decreased after tasseling stage of maize. In order to reduce the fertilizing amount and increase efficiency, 210 kg/hm^(2) of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer was the best fertilizing amount for summer maize in Shajiang black soil area. [Conclusions] This study provides reference for fertilizer reduction, efficiency improvement and sustainable development of summer maize in Shajiang black soil area.

Integration of root architecture,root nitrogen metabolism,and photosynthesis of‘Hanfu’apple trees under the cross-talk between glucose and IAA

Sugars and auxin have important effects on almost all phases of plant life cycle,which are so fundamental to plants and regulate similar processes.However,little is known about the effect of cross-talk between glucose and indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)on growth and development of apple trees.To examine the potential roles of glucose and IAA in root architecture,root nitrogen(N)metabolism and photosynthetic capacity in‘Hanfu’(Malus domestica),a total of five treatments was established:single application of glucose,IAA,and auxin polar transport inhibitor(2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid,TIBA),combined application of glucose with TIBA and that of glucose with IAA.The combined application of glucose with IAA improved root topology system and endogenous IAA content by altering the mRNA levels of several genes involved in root growth,auxin transport and biosynthesis.Moreover,the increased N metabolism enzyme activities and levels of genes expression related to N in roots may suggest higher rates of transformation of nitrate(NO3--N)into amino acids application of glucose and IAA.Contrarily,single application of TIBA decreased the expression levels of auxin transport gene,hindered root growth and decreased endogenous IAA content.Glucose combined with TIBA application effectively attenuated TIBA-induced reductions in root topology structure,photosynthesis and N metabolism activity,and mRNA expression levels involved in auxin biosynthesis and transport.Taken together,glucose application probably changes the expression level of auxin synthesis and transport genes,and induce the allocation of endogenous IAA in root,and thus improves root architecture and N metabolism of root in soil with deficit carbon.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer on protein synthesis, accumulation, and physicochemical properties in common buckwheat

Nitrogen(N)fertilization affects grain quality in common buckwheat(Fagopyrum esculentum Moench).But the effects of N fertilizer on various buckwheat protein parameters are not fully understood.This study aimed to investigate the synthesis,accumulation,and quality of buckwheat protein under four N application rates in the Loess Plateau,China.Optimal N application(180 kg N ha-1)improved yield,agronomic traits,and N transport and increased protein yield and protein component accumulation.Prolamin and glutelin accumulation first increased and then decreased with increasing N application.The relationships between the contents of protein components and the amount of applied N generally followed quadratic functions.Nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities first increased and then decreased with increasing N levels.Optimal N fertilizer increased the waterholding capacity and thermal stability of buckwheat protein and reduced its emulsification capacity,but negligibly changed its oil-absorption capacity.Hydrophobic amino acids and glutelin content were the main factors affecting protein quality.

Plant growth and metabolism of exotic and native Crotalaria species for mine land rehabilitation in the Amazon

Despite its enormous benefits,mining is respon-sible for intense changes to vegetation and soil properties.Thus,after extraction,it is necessary to rehabilitate the mined areas,creating better conditions for the establishment of plant species which is challenging.This study evaluated mineral and organic fertilization on the growth,and carbon and nitrogen(N)metabolism of two Crotalaria species[Cro-talaria spectabilis(exotic species)and Crotalaria maypu-rensis(native species from Carajás Mineral Province(CMP)]established on a waste pile from an iron mine in CMP.A control(without fertilizer application)and six fertilization mixtures were tested(i=NPK;ii=NPK+micronutrients;iii=NPK+micronutrients+organic compost;iv=PK;v=PK+micronutrients;vi=PK+micronutrients+organic compost).Fertilization contributed to increased growth of both species,and treatments with NPK and micronutrients had the best results(up to 257%cf.controls),while organic fertilization did not show differences.Exotic Crotalaria had a greater number of nodules,higher nodule dry mass,chlorophyll a and b contents and showed free ammonium as the predominant N form,reflecting greater increments in biomass compared to native species.Although having lower growth,the use of this native species in the rehabilitation of mining areas should be considered,mainly because it has good development and meets current government legislation as an opportunity to restore local biodiversity.

Effects of Aeration on Root Physiology and Nitrogen Metabolism in Rice

In order to clarify the effects of aeration on root nitrogen metabolism in rice seedlings,rice cultivars Guodao 6 （indica） and Xiushui 09 （japonica） were investigated for root growth,the activities of glutamine synthetase （GS）,glutamic acid-pyruvic acid transaminase （GPT） and glutamic acid oxaloacetate transaminase （GOT）,the nitrate （NO 3-N） concertration,the contents of free amino acids and soluble sugar in root under hydroponics with continuous aeration treatment.The results showed that rice seedlings grown in oxygenation solutions had higher root dry matter,longer root length,stronger root activity and larger root absorption area compared with the control.In addition,the contents of soluble sugar,root vigor and the activities of GS,GOT and GPT in the aeration solutions were higher than those in the control.The results also indicated that the activities of enzymes involved in root nitrogen metabolism of Xiushui 09 were enhanced by aeration,however,there was no significant influence on root nitrogen metabolism of Guodao 6,which suggested that effect of oxygenation on rice root nitrogen metabolism might be genotype-specific.

Effects of lanthanum(Ⅲ) on nitrogen metabolism of soybean seedlings under elevated UV-B radiation

The hydroponic culture experiments of soybean bean seedlings were conducted to investigate the effect of lanthanum （La） on nitrogen metabolism under two different levels of elevated UV-B radiation （UV-B, 280-320 nm）. The whole process of nitrogen metabolism involves uptake and transport of nitrate, nitrate assimilation, ammonium assimilation, amino acid biosynthesis, and protein synthesis. Compared with the control, UV-B radiation with the intensity of low level 0.15 W/m^2 and high level 0.45 W/m^2 significantly affected the whole nitrogen metabolism in soybean seedlings （p 〈 0.05）. It restricted uptake and transport of NO3^-, inhibited activity of some key nitrogen-metabolism-related enzymes, such as： nitrate reductase （NR） to the nitrate reduction, glutamine systhetase （GS） and glutamine synthase （GOGAT） to the ammonia assimilation, while it increased the content of free amino acids and decreased that of soluble protein as well. The damage effect of high level of UV-B radiation on nitrogen metabolism was greater than that of low level. And UV-B radiation promoted the activity of the anti-adversity enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase （GDH）, which reduced the toxicity of excess ammonia in plant. After pretreatment with the optimum concentration of La （20 mg/L）, La could increase the activity of NR, GS, GOGAT, and GDH, and ammonia assimilation, but decrease nitrate and ammonia accumulation. In conclusion, La could relieve the damage effect of UV-B radiation on plant by regulating nitrogen metabolism process, and its alleviating effect under low level was better than that under the high one.

Weakened carbon and nitrogen metabolisms under post-silking heat stress reduce the yield and dry matter accumulation in waxy maize

Post-silking high temperature is one of the abiotic factors that affects waxy maize(Zea mays L. sinensis Kulesh) growth in southern China. We conducted a pot trial in 2016–2017 to study the effects of post-silking daytime heat stress(35°C) on the activities of enzymes involved in leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolisms and leaf reactive oxygen species(ROS) and water contents. This study could improve our understanding on dry matter accumulation and translocation and grain yield production. Results indicated that decreased grain number and weight under heat stress led to yield loss, which decreased by 20.8 and 20.0% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. High temperature reduced post-silking dry matter accumulation(16.1 and 29.5% in 2016 and 2017, respectively) and promoted translocation of pre-silking photoassimilates stored in vegetative organs, especially in leaf. The lower leaf water content and chlorophyll SPAD value, and higher ROS(H2O2 and O2^-·) content under heat stress conditions indicated accelerated senescent rate. The weak activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPCase), Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase(Ru BPCase), nitrate reductase(NR), and glutamine synthase(GS) indicated that leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolisms were suppressed when the plants suffered from a high temperature during grain filling. Correlation analysis results indicated that the reduced grain yield was mainly caused by the decreased leaf water content, weakened NR activity, and increased H2O2 content. The increased accumulation of grain weight and post-silking dry matter and the reduced translocation amount in leaf was mainly due to the increased chlorophyll SPAD value and NR activity. Reduced PEPCase and Ru BPCase activities did not affect dry matter accumulation and translocation and grain yield. In conclusion, post-silking heat stress down-regulated the leaf NR and GS activities, increased the leafwater loss rate, increased ROS generation, and induced pre-silking carbohydrate translocation. However, it reduced the post-silking direct photoassimilate deposition, ultimately, leading to grain yield loss.

Effects of Uniconazole on Nitrogen Metabolism and Grain Protein Content of Rice

The effects of uniconazole by soaking seeds and spraying leaves at booting stage with different concentrations （0, 20 and 40 mg/kg） on the nitrogen metabolism of flag leaf and grains after flowering, and rice grain protein content and yield were studied with hybrid rice combination Shanyou 63. Under uniconazole treatment, the soluble protein content in flag leaf was increased in early and middle period of grain filling, but this content was nearly the same as or even lower than that of control at maturity; Glutamine synthetase activity in superior and inferior grains and non-protein nitrogen content in superior grains at early stage of grain development were promoted, and moreover, the transforming speed from non-protein nitrogen to protein nitrogen was accelerated; Non-protein nitrogen content was lower than that of control at maturity, but protein nitrogen content at each stage was higher than those of control; Protein nitrogen content in superior and inferior grains and protein nitrogen absolutely accumulative content in a grain both were enhanced and protein content and yield in rice grain were raised. The application of uniconazole by soaking seeds and spraying leaves raised crude protein content by an average of 7.2% and 8.3%, and protein yield by an average of 13.1% and 13.4%, respectively.

The effects of phenolic acid on nitrogen metabolism in Populus 3 euramericana ‘Neva’

The declines in soil fertility and productivity in continuously cropped poplar plantations axe related to phenolic acid accumulation in the soil. Nitrogen is a vital life element for poplar and whether the accumulation of phenolic acid could influence nitrogen metabolism in poplar and thereby hinder continuous cropping is not clear. In this study, poplar cuttings of Populus × euramericana ‘Neva＇ were potted in vermiculite, and phenolic acids at three concentrations （032, 0.5X and 1.0X） were added according to the actual content （1.0X） in the soil of a second-generation poplar plantation. Each treatment had eight replicates. We measured gas exchange parameters and the activities of key enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism in the leaves. Leaf photosynthetic parameters varied with the concentration of phenolic acids. The net photosynthetic rate （PN） significantly decreased with increasing phenolic acid concentration, and non-stomatal factors might have been the primary limitation for PN- The activities of nitrate reductase （NR）, glutamine synthetase （GS） and glutamate synthase （GOGAT）, as well as the contents of nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and total nitrogen in the leaves decreased with increasing phenolic acid concentration. This was significantly and positively related to PN （P 〈 0.05）. The low concentration of phe- nolic acids mainly affected the transformation process of NO3- to NO2-, while the high concentration of phenolic acids affected both processes, where NO3- was transferred to NO2- and NH4＋ was transferred to glutamine （Gln）. Overall, phenolic acid had significant inhibitory effects on the photosynthetic productivity of Populus x euramericana ＇Neva＇. This was probably due to its influence on the activities of nitrogen assimilation enzymes, which reduced the amount of amino acids that were translated into protein and enzymes. Improving the absorption and utilization of nitrogen by plants could help to overcome the problems caused by continuous cropping.

Dynamics of Bt cotton Cry1Ac protein content under an alternating high temperature regime and effects on nitrogen metabolism

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of alternating high temperature on CrylAc protein content on Bt cotton cultivars Sikang 1 （SK-1, a conventional cultivar） and Sikang 3 （SK-3, a hybrid cultivar）. In 2011 and 2012, cotton plants were subjected to high temperature treatments ranging from 32 to 40℃ in climate chambers to investigate the effects of high temperature on boll shell insecticidal protein expression. The experiments showed that significant decline of the boll shell insecticidal protein was detected at temperatures higher than 38℃ after 24 h. Based on the results, the cotton plants were treated with the threshold temperature of 38℃ from 6：00 a.m. to 6：00 p.m. followed by a normal temperature of 27℃ during the remaining night hours （DH/NN） in 2012 and 2013. These treatments were conducted at peak boll growth stage for both cultivars in study periods of 0, 4, 7, and 10 d. Temperature treatment of 32℃ from 6：00 a.m. to 6：00 p.m. and 27℃ in the remaining hours was set as control. The results showed that, compared with the control, after the DH/NN stress treatment applied for 7 d, the boll shell CrylAc protein content level was significantly decreased by 19.1 and 17.5% for SK-1 and by 15.3 and 13.7% for SK-3 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Further analysis of nitrogen metabolic physiology under DH/NN showed that the soluble protein content and the glutamic pyruvic transaminase （GPT） activities decreased slightly after 4 d, and then decreased sharply after 7 d. The free amino acid content and the protease content increased sharply after 7 d. The changes in SK-1 were greater than those in SK-3. These results suggest that under DH/NN stress, boll shell CrylAc protein content decline was delayed. Reduced protein synthesis and increased protein degradation in the boll shell decreased protein content, including Bt protein, which may reduce resistance to the cotton bollworm.

Effect of CO_2 Concentration on Nitrogen Metabolism of Winter Wheat

Hoagland＇s solution was used as water culture medium to study the effect of CO2 concentration on nitrate metabolism of wheat under natural light and light-shaded conditions. NO3^-N, NH4^＋-N, nitrate reductase activity, total uptake N by wheat plants during solution cultural period and total N in plants were determined for comprehensive evaluation of the effect. Results showed that under both natural light and light-shaded conditions, addition of CO2 increased NO3^-N uptake and its assimilative capabilities by plants. However, there were some difference between shoots and roots. With increase of CO2 concentration, the concentration of NO3^-N and NH4^＋-N as well as nitrate reductase activity were all decreased for shoots while the difference was not so distinct in roots, and the nitrate reductase activity was not decreased, but increased. Since NO3^-N uptake by plants from the solution and the total N in plants were much higher by CO2 addition, it may be concluded that addition of CO2 has resulted in rise of nitrate absorption, assimilation and metabolism of wheat.

Effect of Euchsaena mexicana Schrad Diets on Nutrient Digestibility and Nitrogen Metabolism for Wulong Goose

One trial was conducted to study nutrition digestibility of Euchsaena mexicana Schrad (EMC) diets for Wulong Goose. Thirty-two geese of 9 months old were selected and divided into four groups randomly, with eight geese in each group. Four groups were fed with the isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets of different EMC contents (12, 19, 25 and 31%), respectively. The results showed that, as dietary EMC increased, dry matter (DM) digestibility was decreased significantly, meanwhile the digestibility of crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased significantly (P<0.05). The ratio of apparent essential amino acid (EAA) digestibility (except Leu) among the four groups had significant difference (P<0.01). the content of NH3-N in feces dropped (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in net protein utilization (NPU), N apparent digestibility, N deposition and Ca apparent digestibility in different groups (P> 0.05). The apparent digestibility of P in different groups elevated, while there was significant difference between group D and A (P<0.01), and there was significant difference between group D and B (P<0.05).

Effects of Neodymium on Nitrogen Metabolism of Plantlet Loquat in Vitro

The effect of NdCl_3 on the rooting and nitrogen metabolism of loquat in vitro was studied when NdCl_3 was added to the rooted medium. The results show that 0.4 μmol·L^(-1) NdCl_3 in the rooted medium can obviously increase the rooting rate, length of root and fresh weight of roots, and enhance the activities of nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase in the root system and in the leaves. The transformation of NO_3^- to NH_4^+ in root system and leaves are promoted and the nitrogen metabolism is accelerated with 0.4 μmol·L^(-1) NdCl_3 treatment.

Effects of root restriction on nitrogen and gene expression levels in nitrogen metabolism in Jumeigui grapevines(Vitis vinifera L.×Vitis labrusca L.)

To decipher the relationship between the inhibited shoot growth and expression pattern of key enzymes in nitrogen metabolism under root restriction, the effects of root restriction on diurnal variation of expression of nitrate reductase （NR）, nitrite reductase （NiR）, glutamine synthetase （GSI-1, GS1-2, GS2） and glutamate synthase （Fd-GOGAT, NADH-GOGAT） genes and nitrogen levels were evaluated in two-year-old Jumeigui grapevines （Vitis vinifera L.xVitis labrusca L.） when significant differences in shoot growth were observed between treatments at expansion stage （22 days after anthesis）. Grapevines were planted in root-restricting pits as root restriction and in an unrestricted field as the control. Results showed that root restriction significantly reduced shoot growth, but promoted the growth of white roots and fibrous brown roots and improved the fruit quality. （NO3-＋NO2-）-N concentration in all plant parts, NH4＋-N concentration in white roots and total N concentration in leaves and brown roots were significantly reduced under root restriction. Gene expression analysis revealed that mRNA levels of genes related to the GS1/NADH-GOGAT pathway were lower in root-restricted than in control petioles, whereas genes involved in the GS2/Fd-GOGAT pathway were up-regulated under root restriction. Root restriction also resulted in downregulation of genes involved in nitrogen metabolism in leaves, especially at 10：00, while transcript levels of all these genes were enhanced in root-restricted white and brown roots at most time points. This organ-dependent response contributed to the alteration in NO3- reduction and NH4＋ assimilation under root restriction, leading to less NO3- transported from roots and then assimilated in root-restricted leaves. Therefore, this study implied that shoot growth inhibition in grapevines under root restriction is closely associated with down-regulation of gene expression in nitrogen metabolism in leaves.

Effects of Grain Protein Content Selection on Protein Content and Key Enzyme Activity Involved in Nitrogen Metabolism in Progenies Derived from a Rice Cross

Two japonica rice parents （Tong 769 and Xixuan 1） and their progenies, significantly different in protein content of grains, were investigated to reveal the activities of proteinase in leaves and glutamine synthetase in grains, as well as the dynamic changes of soluble protein content in grains during rice grain filling. The results showed that the parents were very similar in protein content, however, advanced lines with different protein contents in grains and varied activities of proteinase and glutamine synthetase were acquired by consecutively directional selection of the grain protein content in their progenies. Moreover, the enzyme activity and the protein content in grains exceeded their parents during grain filling. The protein content in grains was positively related with the proteinase activity, and the soluble protein content was negatively related with the glutamine synthetase activity in grains to some extent.

Studies on Models,Patterns and Requirements of Digestible Amino Acids for Layers by Nitrogen Metabolism

The nitrogen (N) metabolic experiments were made to estimate separately amino acid requirements of 4348 weeks old layers for maintenance, for protein accretion to estabolish models to estimate digestible amino acid requirements. The regression relationship of nitrogen retention vs amino acid intake was estimated for each amino acid by giving, at rate of N intake of 091, 052, 015 and 0007gkg-1 body-weight (W075) per d, the semi-synthetic diets was made specially deficient in one amino acid. From the regression coefficients, it was calculated that, for the accretion of 1 g protein, the dietary digestible amino acid requirements were (mg) Thr 631, Val 1004, Met 399, Ile 886, Leu 1143, Phe 632, Lys 870, His 205, Arg 879, Trp 214, Met+Cys 776, and Phe+Tyr 1143. Daily amino acid requirements for N equilibrium were estimated to be (mgkg-1W075 per day) Thr 506, Val 747, Met 303, ILe 667 Leu 814, Phe 448, Lys 605 His 147, Arg 739 ,Trp 173, Met+Cys 586, and Phe+Tyr 839 The dietary degestible amino acid patterns for protein accretion and N equilibrium were also proposed. The models of estimating digestible amino acid requirements for the different productions were developed.

Effect of Salt Stress on Nitrogen Assimilation of Functional Leaves and Root System of Rice in Cold Region

The aims were to investigate the effect of salt stress on key enzyme activity of nitrogen metabolism and the concentration of nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen response to salt stress.Two rice cultivars,Mudanjiang 30(sensitive cultivar)and Longdao 5(salt-tolerant cultivar),were treated with different salt concentrations(CK 0%,S10.075%,S20.15%,S30.225%and S40.3%).The results showed that the activities of nitrate reductase(NR),glutamine synthase(GS),glutamate synthase(GOGAT)and glutamate dehydrogenase(GDH)in the functional leaves and roots of rice in cold region presented a single peak curve change and the peak occurred in the heading stage;compared with those of the CK,the activities of NR,GS and GOGAT of rice in cold region decreased,but the activity of GDH increased in the heading stage under salt stress.The variation for key enzyme activity of nitrogen metabolism was the highest under S4 treatment.The activities of NR,GS and GOGAT in the functional leaves significantly decreased compared with those in roots;the concentrations of nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in the functional leaves and roots of rice in cold region presented a single peak curve change and the peak occurred in the heading stage;compared with that of the CK,the concentration of nitrate nitrogen decreased in leaves and roots,the concentration of ammonium nitrogen decreased and the concentration of ammonium nitrogen in roots increased under salt stress.The variations for the activities of NR,GS and GOGAT in the functional leaves and roots of Longdao 5 were less than those of Mudanjiang 30 under the same concentration of salt stress.

Effects of Mg on C and N Metabolism of Soybean at Different Nitrogen Supplying Levels

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of magnesium on carbon and nitrogen metabolism of soybean at different nitrogen supplying levels. The results showed that the effects of magnesium at low nitrogen rate on N content, soluble protein, soluble sugar contents were not alike at different growth stage, although nodule dry weights raised, the yield and protein content of seeds decreased, however, the oil content was improved. The application of magnesium at medium and high nitrogen supplying levels promoted the uptake of N effectively, increased the soluble protein and soluble sugar contents, but the nodule dry weights of application magnesium at medium nitrogen supplying level decreased and the yield increased only a little despite the improved quality. Application of magnesium at high nitrogen supplying level raised nodule dry weights and soybean yield significantly, the quality of seeds was also improved.