Optimized NPK fertilizer recommendations based on topsoil available nutrient criteria for wheat in drylands of China

The optimized management of crop fertilization is very important for improving crop yield and reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers.Critical nutrient values can be used for evaluating the nutritional status of a crop,and they reflect the nutrient concentrations above which the plant is sufficiently supplied for achieving the maximum potential yield.Based on on-farm surveys of 504 farmers and 60 field experimental sites in the drylands of China,we proposed a recommended fertilization method to determine nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P),and potassium(K)fertilizer input rates for wheat production,and then validated the method by a field experiment at 66 different sites in northern China.The results showed that wheat grain yield varied from 1.1 to 9.2 t ha^(-1),averaging 4.6 t ha^(-1),and it had a quadratic relationship with the topsoil(0-20 cm)nitrate N and soil available P contents at harvest.However,yield was not correlated with the inputs of N,P,and K fertilizers.Based on the relationship(exponential decay model)between 95–105%of the relative yield and topsoil nitrate N,available P,and available K contents at wheat harvest from 60 field experiments,the topsoil critical nutrient values were determined as 34.6,15.6,and 150 mg kg^(-1)for soil nitrate N,available P,and available K,respectively.Then,based on five groups of relative yield(>125%,115–125%,105–115%,95–105%,and<95%)and the model,the five groups of topsoil critical nutrient levels and fertilization coefficients(Fc)were determined.Finally,we proposed a new method for calculating the recommended fertilizer input rate as:Fr=Gy×Nr×Fc,where Fr is the recommended fertilizer(N/P/K)input rate;Gy is the potential grain yield;Nr is the N(N_(rN)),P(N_(rP)),and K(N_(rK))nutrient requirements for wheat to produce 1,000 kg of grain;and Fc is a coefficient for N(N_c)/P(P_c)/K(K_c)fertilizer.A 2-year validated experiment confirmed that the new method reduced N fertilizer input by 17.5%(38.5 kg N ha^(-1))and P fertilizer input by 43.5%(57.5 kg P_2O_5 ha^(-1))in northern China and did not reduce the wheat yield.This outcome can significantly increase the farmers’benefits(by 7.58%,or 139 US$ha^(-1)).Therefore,this new recommended fertilization method can be used as a tool to guide N,P,and K fertilizer application rates for dryland wheat production.

Heavy metal (Pb,Zn) uptake and chemical changes in rhizosphere soils of four wetland plants with different radial oxygen loss

Lead and Zn uptake and chemical changes in rhizosphere soils of four emergent-rooted wetland plants;Aneilema bracteatum,Cyperus alternifolius,Ludwigia hyssopifolia and Veronica serpyllifolia were investigated by two experiments：（1） rhizobag filled with ＂clean＂ or metal-contaminated soil for analysis of Pb and Zn in plants and rhizosphere soils;and （2） applied deoxygenated solution for analyzing their rates of radial oxygen loss （ROL）.The results showed that the wetland plants with different ROL rates had significant effects on the mobility and chemical forms of Pb and Zn in rhizosphere under flooded conditions.These effects were varied with different metal elements and metal concentrations in the soils.Lead mobility in rhizosphere of the four plants both in the ＂clean＂ and contaminated soils was decreased,while Zn mobility was increased in the rhizosphere of the ＂clean＂ soil,but decreased in the contaminated soil.Among the four plants,V.serpyllifolia,with the highest ROL,formed the highest degree of Fe plaque on the root surface,immobilized more Zn in Fe plaque,and has the highest effects on the changes of Zn form （EXC-Zn） in rhizosphere under both ＂clean＂ and contaminated soil conditions.These results suggested that ROL of wetland plants could play an important role in Fe plaque formation and mobility and chemical changes of metals in rhizosphere soil under flood conditions.

Uptake and translocation of organic pollutants in plants:A review

Organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated dJbenzo-p-dioxins and polychlofinated dibenzofurans （PCDD/Fs）, polychlodnated biphenyls （PCBs）, antibiotics, herbicides, and bisphenol A （BPA）, are commonly found in agricultural environments. They are released into the environment as a result of their use for human health purposes and farm management activities, and are often discharged as waste-water effluents. Most of these organic pollutants are taken up by plants through roots and leaves, and when they enter the tissue, they cause serious damage to the plants. Although the toxicity of organic pollutants to plants, especially to plant cells, has been intensively studied, a systematic review of these studies is lacking. Here we review researches on the toxicity of organic pollutants, their uptake, and translocation in plants. Our objective is to assemble existing knowledge concerning the interaction of organic pollutants with plants, which should be useful for the development of plant-based systems for removing pollutants from aquatic and agricultural environments.

Impacts of plant secondary metabolites from conifer litter on the decomposition of Populus purdomii litter

A decomposition experiment of Populus purdomii litter,a commonly used afforestation species in the Qinling Mountains,China,was conducted.Water extracts of five conifer litters were used to treat P.purdomii litter and its soil.The P.purdomii litter was incubated at room temperature(20–25℃)and constant soil moisture for 6 months.During the decomposition period,the dynamics of litter mass and nutrient contents were detected to investigate the impacts of plant secondary metabolites.The results indicate that litter extracts of Pinus tabuliformis,Platycladus orientalis,Pinus armandii and Larix principisrupprechtii significantly inhibited the overall nutrient release of P.purdomii litter,while the last three types of litter extracts simultaneously inhibited its decomposition.Conversely,the litter extracts of Picea asperata significantly accelerated the overall nutrient release of P.purdomii.Generally,most of the conifer species,whose litter released terpenoids,phenolics,steroids,and aliphatic acids,will inhibit the decomposition and/or nutrient release from P.purdomii litter.Their negative effects on the decomposers and soil enzymatic activities indicates that planting diversity should be lower when mixed planted with P.purdomii.

Can phosphate compounds be used to reduce the plant uptake of Pb and resist the Pb stress in Pb-contaminated soils?

The effects of different phosphate-amendments on lead （Pb） uptake, the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and the level of malondialdehyde （MDA） in cauliflower （Brassica oleracea L.） in contaminated soils with 2500, or 5000 mg P2O5/kg soil of hydroxyapatite （HA）, phosphate rock （PR）, single-superphosphate （SSP） and the mix of HA/SSP （HASSP） were evaluated in pot experiments. Results showed that the Pb concentrations in shoots and roots decreased by 18.3%-51.6% and 16.8%-57.3% among the treatments respectively compared to the control samples. The efficiency order of these phosphate-amendments in reducing Pb uptake was as follows： HASSP= HA 〉 SSP ,= PR. With the addition of SSP, HA and the mix of HA/SSP, the SOD activity in shoot was reduced markedly （P 〈 0.05） compared with that in the control group. For example, the SOD activities in shoot by the treatments of HASSP, SSP, and HA in 5000 mg P2O5/kg were found to be only 51.3%, 56.2%, and 56.7%, respectively. Similar effects were also observed on the level of MDA in the shoots with a decrease in 24.5%-56.3%. The results verified the inference that phosphate compounds could be used to reduce the plant uptake of Pb and resist the Pb stress in the plant vegetated in Pb-contaminated soils.

Low-Density Co-Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum SAY3-7 and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 Promotes Plant Growth and Nitrogen Fixation in Soybean Cultivars

Inoculation density has a marked effect on nodulation and N fixation in soybean (Glycine max L.). Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the optimal inoculation density of Bradyhizobium japonicum SAY3-7 (SAY3-7) and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 (P4) for plant growth, nodulation, and N fixation, and to investigate the effect of co-inoculation on selected soybean cultivars, using the optimal inoculation density. Nitrogen fixation, in terms of an acetylene reduction activity value, was measured using a flame ionization gas chromatograph. In this study, low-density single inoculation with P4 (105 or 106 cells mL-1) was associated with the highest plant biomass, compared with normal- and high-density single inoculation with P4 (107 or 108 cells mL-1). Moreover, low-density single or co-inoculations with SAY3-7 and/or P4 produced the highest nodule biomass and highest nitrogenase activity, compared with single or dual inoculation at other inoculation densities. Therefore, we evaluated low-density co-inoculation with P4 and SAY3-7, at the rate of 105 cells mL-1, on selected soybean cultivars. Low-density co-inoculation increased the plant biomass, compared with un-inoculated plants. The effects of single and co-inoculation on nodulation did not differ significantly for any of the cultivars, except “Yezin-9” in the first experiment and “Shan Seine” in the second experiment. Low-density inoculation with both bacteria increased N fixation by 15% - 75% for seven of the cultivars in the first experiment and by 15% - 39% for three of the cultivars in the second experiment, compared with single inoculation with SAY3-7. Based on the overall results, we concluded that low-density co-inoculation with P4 and SAY3-7 gave improved plant growth and N fixation.

Effects of Fermented Nori (<i>Pyropia yezoensis</i>) Liquid Fertilizer on Plant Growth Characteristics and Nutrient Content of Komatsuna (<i>Brassica rapa</i>L. var. Wakana Komatsuna) Cultivated in Vermiculite

We conducted plant growth experiments in microbe-free vermiculite to study the effects of four types of fermented seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) made from nori (Pyropia yezoensis) seaweed on the germination, plant growth characteristics, SPAD value, and nutrient content and uptake of komatsuna (Brassica rapa L. var. wakana komatsuna). The four types of fermented nori SLF used in this study were prepared by anaerobic fermentation of unwashed nori (SLF1), aerobic fermentation of unwashed nori (SLF2), anaerobic fermentation of washed nori (SLF3), and aerobic fermentation of washed nori (SLF4). Komatsuna seeds treated with 200-, 300-, and 400-fold dilutions of SLFs exhibited improved relative germination ratios (RGRs) at 3 and 4 days after sowing (DAS). At 4 DAS, the RGRs of seeds treated with 10-, 100-, 200-, 300-, and 400-fold SLF dilutions showed no differential effect. Seeds treated with undiluted SLFs did not germinate by 4 DAS. SLF1 may promote komatsuna seed germination. The nitrogen (N), calcium, magnesium, sodium (Na), and iodine (I) contents of plants treated with SLF1 were significantly increased relative to plants treated with the other SLFs. Moreover, the I and Na contents of plants were significantly increased by foliar spray application of different dilutions of SLF1. However, SLF treatment markedly reduced the shoot dry weight compared with 1/2-strength modified Hoagland nutrient (MHN) solution, although the same amounts of N and K were applied. SPAD values of the plants treated with SLFs were significantly higher than those of plants treated with MHN. Foliar treatment with SLFs had no significant effect on plant growth, SPAD value, or uptake of nutrients (except Na) relative to the control, but the I content was increased. Plants treated with SLF1 and SLF2 exhibited the highest Na uptake. Foliar spray treatments with SLF1 resulted in the highest I contents in plants. Based on our results, SLF1 is suitable for use as a liquid fertilizer to promote germination and increase nutrient content in komatsuna. These results need to be followed up in soil experiments in the presence of microbes in the rhizosphere.

Effects of the combined application of organic and chemical nitrogen fertilizer on soil aggregate carbon and nitrogen:A 30-year study

To understand the long-term effects of combined organic and chemical nitrogen fertilization on soil organic C(SOC) and total N(TN), we conducted a 30-year field experiment with a wheat–maize rotation system on the Huang-HuaiHai Plain during 1990–2019. The experimental treatments consisted of five fertilizer regimes: no fertilizer(control), chemical fertilizer only(NPK), chemical fertilizer with straw(NPKS), chemical fertilizer with manure(NPKM), and 1.5 times the rate of NPKM(1.5NPKM). The NPK, NPKS, and NPKM treatments had equal N inputs. The crop yields were measured over the whole experimental duration. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil(0–10 and 10–20 cm) and subsoil(20–40 cm) layers for assessing soil aggregates and taking SOC and TN measurements. Compared with the NPK treatment, the SOC and TN contents increased significantly in both the topsoil(24.1–44.4% for SOC and 22.8–47.7% for TN) and subsoil layers(22.0–47.9% for SOC and 19.8–41.8% for TN) for the organically amended treatments(NPKS, NPKM and 1.5NPKM) after 30 years, while no significant differences were found for the average annual crop yields over the 30 years of the experiment. The 0–10 cm layer of the NPKS treatment and the 20–40 cm layer of the NPKM treatment had significantly higher macroaggregate fraction mass proportions(19.8 and 27.0%) than the NPK treatment. However, the 0–10 and 20–40 cm layers of the 1.5NPKM treatment had significantly lower macroaggregate fraction mass proportions(–19.2 and –29.1%) than the control. The analysis showed that the higher SOC and TN in the soil of organically amended treatments compared to the NPK treatment were related to the increases in SOC and TN protected in the stable fractions(i.e., free microaggregates and microaggregates within macroaggregates), in which the contributions of the stable fractions were 81.1–91.7% of the increase in SOC and 83.3–94.0% of the increase in TN, respectively. The relationships between average C inputs and both stable SOC and TN stocks were significantly positive with R2 values of 0.74 and 0.72(P<0.01) for the whole 40 cm soil profile, which indicates the importance of N for soil C storage. The results of our study provide key evidence that long-term combined organic and chemical nitrogen fertilization, while maintaining reasonable total N inputs, benefited soil C and N storage in both the topsoil and subsoil layers.

Effects of Different Planting Densities on the Yield of Rice Developed from Seedlings Dry Raised in Plug Trays

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different planting densities on rice tillering dynamics and yield. [Methods]The effects of different planting densities on rice yield were studied based on seedlings dry raised in plug trays. [Results]Planting density had obvious effects on tillering dynamics,number of panicles per unit area,number of grains per panicle and rice yield under the condition of seedlings dry raised in plug trays. Comprehensive analysis showed that the row spacing × hill spacing = 25 cm × 14 cm,that is,the planting density of 2. 85 × 10~5 hills/hm^2,achieved the highest yield,at 9 960 kg/hm^2. [Conclusions]This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing rice cultivation techniques and achieving high yield and high efficiency in rice production.

Assessment of the crucial factors influencing the responses of ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions to controlled release nitrogen fertilizer: A meta-analysis

Reducing ammonia(NH3) and nitrous oxide(N2O) emissions have great effects on mitigating nitrogen(N) nutrient loss and greenhouse gas emissions. Controlled release urea(CRU) can control the N release rate, which reduces reactive N loss and increases nitrogen use efficiency relative to conventional urea(CU). However, the crucial factors influencing the responses of NH3and N2O emissions to CRU relative to CU are still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the responses of NH3and N2O emissions to CRU based on collected field data with a meta-analysis. CRU reduced the NH3and N2O emissions by 32.7 and 25.0% compared with CU, respectively. According to subgroup analysis, CRU presented better mitigation of NH3and N2O emissions in soils with pH 6.5–7.5(–47.9 and –23.7%) relative to either pH<6.5(–28.5and –21.4%) or pH>7.5(–29.3 and –17.3%), and in the rice season(–34.8 and –29.1%) relative to the wheat season(–19.8 and –22.8%). The responses of NH3and N2O emissions to CRU increased from rainfed(–30.5 and –17.0%) to irrigated(–32.5 and –22.9%), and then to paddy(–34.8 and –29.1%) systems. In addition, the response of N2O emission mitigation increased with increases in soil total nitrogen(TN);however, soil TN did not significantly affect the response of NH3volatilization. The reduction in NH3emission was greater in sandy-textured soil(–57.7%) relative to loam-textured(–32.9%) and clay-textured(–32.3%) soils, whereas soil texture did not affect N2O emission. Overall, CRU was a good option for reducing the NH3and N2O emissions relative to CU in agricultural production. This analysis improves our understanding of the crucial environmental and management factors influencing the mitigation of NH3and N2O emissions under CRU application, and these site-specific factors should be considered when applying CRU to reduce reactive N loss and increase NUE.

The effects of co-utilizing green manure and rice straw on soil aggregates and soil carbon stability in a paddy soil in southern China

The co-utilization of green manure (GM) and rice straw (RS) in paddy fields has been widely applied as an effective practice in southern China.However,its effects on soil aggregate and soil organic carbon (SOC) stability remain unclear.In the present study,the effect of GM,RS,and co-utilization of GM and RS on particle size distribution of soil aggregates and SOC density fractions were measured in a field experiment.The experiment included six treatments,i.e.,winter fallow (WF) without RS return (Ctrl),WF with 50%RS return (1/2RS),WF with 100%RS return (RS),GM without RS return (GM),GM with 50%RS return (GM1/2RS) and GM with 100%RS return (GMRS).The results showed that the proportion of small macro-aggregates (0.25–2 mm) and the mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates in the GMRS treatment was greater (by 18.9 and 3.41%,respectively) than in the RS treatment,while the proportion of silt+clay particles (<0.053 mm) was lower (by 14.4%).The concentration of SOC in microaggregates (0.053–0.25 mm)and silt+clay particles was higher in the GMRS treatment than in GM and RS treatments individually.The concentration and proportion of free light organic carbon (fLOC) in aggregates of various particle sizes and bulk soil was greater in the GMRS treatment than the RS treatment,whereas the concentration and proportion of mineral-associated organic carbon in small macroaggregates,microaggregates,and bulk was lower in the GMRS treatment than in the RS treatment.The proportion of intra-aggregate particulate organic carbon (iPOC) was greater in the GMRS treatment than in GM treatment.The GMRS treatment had strong positive effects on iPOC in small macroaggregates,suggesting that SOC was transferred from fLOC to iPOC.In conclusion,co-utilizing green manure and rice straw cultivated the SOC pool by increasing the concentration of fLOC and improved soil carbon stability by promoting the sequestration of organic carbon in iPOC as a form of physical protection.

The potential of green manure to increase soil carbon sequestration and reduce the yield-scaled carbon footprint of rice production in southern China

Green manure(GM)has been used to support rice production in southern China for thousands of years.However,the effects of GM on soil carbon sequestration(CS)and the carbon footprint(CF)at a regional scale remain unclear.Therefore,we combined the datasets from long-term multisite experiments with a meta-analysis approach to quantify the potential of GM to increase the CS and reduce the CF of paddy soils in southern China.Compared with the fallow-rice practice,the GM-rice practice increased the soil C stock at a rate of 1.62 Mg CO_(2)-eq ha^(-1) yr^(-1) and reduced chemical N application by 40%with no loss in the rice yield.The total CF varied from 7.51 to 13.66 Mg CO_(2)-eq ha^(-1) yr^(-1) and was dominated by CH_(4) emissions(60.7-81.3%).GM decreased the indirect CF by 31.4%but increased the direct CH_(4) emissions by 19.6%.In the low and high CH_(4) emission scenarios,the CH_(4) emission factors of GM(EF_(gc))were 5.58 and 21.31%,respectively.The greater soil CS offset the increase in GM-derived CF in the low CH_(4) scenario,but it could not offset the CF increase in the high CH_(4) scenario.A trade-off analysis also showed that GM can simultaneously increase the CS and reduce the total CF of the rice production system when the EF_(gc) was less than 9.20%.The variation in EF_(gc) was mainly regulated by the GM application rates and water management patterns.Determining the appropriate GM application rate and drainage pattern warrant further investigation to optimize the potential of the GM-rice system to increase the CS and reduce the total CF in China.

Green manuring facilitates bacterial community dispersal across different compartments of subsequent tobacco

Green manure–crop rotation is a sustainable approach to protect crops against diseases and improve yield.However,the mechanism by which green manuring manipulates the crop-associated microbial community remains to be elucidated.In this study,we explored the horizontal processes of bacterial communities in different compartments of the soil–root interface(bulk soil,rhizosphere soil,rhizoplane and endosphere)of tobacco by performing a field experiment including four rotation practices,namely,tobacco rotated with smooth vetch,ryegrass,radish,and winter fallow(without green manure).Results showed that the co-occurrence networks constructed by adjacent compartments of the soil–root interface with green manuring had more edges than without green manuring,indicating dramatic microbial interactions.Green manuring increased the dispersal-niche continuum index between bulk soil and other compartments,indicating that it facilitated the horizontal dispersal of microbes.For the different green manuring practices,the neutral community model explained 24.6–27.6%of detection frequency for bacteria,and at least one compartment under each practice had a normalized stochasticity ratio higher than the 50%boundary point,suggesting that the deterministic and stochastic processes jointly shaped the tobacco microbiome.In conclusion,green manuring generally facilitates bacterial community dispersal across different compartments and enhances potential interactions among adjacent compartments.This study provides empirical evidence for understanding the microbiome assembly under green manure–crop rotation.

Combining rhizosphere and soil-based P management decreases the P fertilizer demand of China by more than half based on LePA model simulations

Phosphorus(P)is a finite natural resource and is increasingly considered to be a challenge for global sustainability.Agriculture in China plays a key role in global sustainable P management.Rhizosphere and soil-based P management are necessary for improving P-use efficiency and crop productivity in intensive agriculture in China.A previous study has shown that the future demand for phosphate fertilizer by China estimated by the LePA model(legacy phosphorus assessment model)can be greatly reduced by soil-based P management(the building-up and maintenance approach).The present study used the LePA model to predict the phosphate demand by China through combined rhizosphere and soil-based P management at county scale under four P fertilizer scenarios:(1)same P application rate as in 2012;(2)rate maintained same as 2012 in low-P counties or no P fertilizer applied in high-P counties until targeted soil Olsen-P(TPOlsen)level is reached,and then rate was the same as P-removed at harvest;(3)rate in each county decreased to1–7 kg ha^(-1) yr^(-1) after TPOlsen is reached in low-P counties,then increased by 0.1–9 kg ha^(-1) yr^(-1) until equal to P-removal;(4)rate maintained same as 2012 in low-P counties until TPOlsen is reached and then equaled to P-removal,while the rate in high-P counties is decreased to 1–7 kg ha^(-1) yr^(-1) until TPOlsen is reached and then increased by 0.1–9 kg ha^(-1) yr^(-1)until equal to P-removal.Our predictions showed that the total demand for P fertilizer by whole China was 693 Mt P2O5and according to scenario 4,P fertilizer could be reduced by 57.5%compared with farmer current practice,during the period 2013–2080.The model showed that rhizosphere P management led to a further 8.0%decrease in P fertilizer use compared with soil-based P management.The average soil Olsen-P level in China only needs to be maintained at 17 mg kg^(-1) to achieve high crop yields.Our results provide a firm basis for government to issue-relevant policies for sustainable P management in China.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on zinc uptake,translocation and accumulation in winter wheat during whole plant growth stages

Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)could play important roles in zinc(Zn)uptake in host plants,the effects of AMF on Zn uptake and transport in winter wheat during the whole growth stages remain unclear.A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Funneliformis mosseae(Fm)and Claroideoglomus etunicatum(Ce)on Zn absorption,transport,and accumulation in winter wheat growing in soils spiked with different Zn levels(0,2.5,and 25 mg kg^(-1)).The results showed that there was a significant correlation between mycorrhizal colonization rate and Zn absorption efficiency in winter wheat roots during the post-anthesis period,but there was no significant correlation during the pre-anthesis period.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi significantly increased Zn concentrations(0.56–1.58 times)in wheat grains under 0 mg kg^(-1)Zn level,but decreased Zn concentrations in wheat grains under 25 mg kg^(-1)Zn level.Additionally,at the filling and maturity stages,AMF increased Zn absorption rate and the contribution of root Zn uptake to grain Zn by 3–14 and 0.36–0.64 times,respectively,under 0 mg kg^(-1)Zn level and 0.21–1.02 and 0.27–0.37 times,respectively,under 2.5 mg kg^(-1)Zn level.However,AMF decreased root Zn absorption rate(0.32–0.61 times)and increased the contribution of Zn remobilization in vegetative tissues to grain Zn(1.69–2.01 times)under 25 mg kg^(-1)Zn level.This study would complement the mechanisms and effects of AMF on Zn absorption and transport in winter wheat and provide a potential method for the application of AMF to enrich wheat grain Zn.

The first factor affecting dryland winter wheat grain yield under various mulching measures: Spike number

Water is the key factor limiting dryland wheat grain yield.Mulching affects crop yield and yield components by affecting soil moisture.Further research is needed to determine the relationships between yield components and soil moisture with yield,and to identify the most important factor affecting grain yield under various mulching measures.A long-term 9-yearifeld experiment in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China was carried out with three treatments:no mulch (CK),plastic mulch (M_(P)) and straw mulch (M_(S)).Yield factors and soil moisture were measured,and the relationships between them were explored by correlation analysis,structural equation modeling and significance analysis.The results showed that compared with CK,the average grain yields of M_(P) and M_(S) increased by 13.0and 10.6%,respectively.The average annual grain yield of the M_(P) treatment was 134 kg ha^(–1) higher than the M_(S) treatment.There were no significant differences in yield components among the three treatments (P<0.05).Soil water storage of the M_(S) treatment was greater than the M_(P) treatment,although the differences were not statistically signifiant.Soil water storage during the summer fallow period (SWSSF) and soil water storage before sowing (SWSS) of M_(S) were significantly higher than in CK,which increased by 38.5 and 13.6%,respectively.The relationship between M_(P) and CK was not statistically significant for SWSSF,but the SWSS in M_(P) was significantly higher than in CK.In terms of soil water storage after harvest (SWSH) and water consumption in the growth period(ET),there were no signi?cant differences among the three treatments.Based on the three analysis methods,we found that spike number and ET were positively correlated with grain yield.However,the relative importance of spike number to yield was the greatest in the M_(P )and M_(S) treatments,while that of ET was the greatest in CK.Suifcient SWSSF could indirectly increase spike number and ET in the three treatments.Based on these results,mulch can improve yield and soil water storage.The most important factor affecting the grain yield of dryland wheat was spike number under mulching,and ET with CK.These findings may help us to understand the main factors influencing dryland wheat grain yield under mulching conditions compared to CK.

Trends of Yield and Soil Fertility in a Long-Term Wheat-Maize System

The sustainability of the wheat-maize rotation is important to China＇s food security. Intensive cropping without recycling crop residues or other organic inputs results in the loss of soil organic matter （SOM） and nutrients, and is assumed to be non- sustainable. We evaluated the effects of nine different treatments on yields, nitrogen use efficiency, P and K balances, and soil fertility in a wheat-maize rotation system （1991-2010） on silt clay loam in Shaanxi, China. The treatments involved the application of recommended dose of nitrogen （N）, nitrogen and phosphorus （NP）, nitrogen and potassium （NK）, phosphorus and potassium （PK）, combined NPK, wheat or maize straw （S） with NPK （SNPK）, or dairy manure （M） with NPK （M1NPK and M2NPK）, along with an un-treated control treatment （CK）. The mean yields of wheat and maize ranged from 992 and 2 235 kg ha-1 under CK to 5 962 and 6 894 kg ha-1 under M2NPK treatment, respectively. Treatments in which either N or P was omitted （N, NK and PK） gave significantly lower crop yields than those in which both were applied. The crop yields obtained under NP, NPK and SNPK treatments were statistically identical, as were those obtained under SNPK and MNPK. However, M2NPK gave a significant higher wheat yield than NP, and MNPK gave significant higher maize yield than both NP and NPK. Wheat yields increased significantly （by 86 to 155 kg ha-1 yr-1） in treatments where NP was applied, but maize yields did not. In general, the nitrogen use efficiency of wheat was the highest under the NP and NPK treatments; for maize, it was the highest under MNPK treatment. The P balance was highly positive under MNPK treatment, increasing by 136 to 213 kg ha-1 annually. While the K balance was negative in most treatments, ranging from 31 to 217 kg ha^-1 yr^-1, levels of soil available K remained unchanged or increased over the 20 yr. SOM levels increased significantly in all treatments. Overall, the results indicated that combinations of organic manure and inorganic nitrogen, or retuming straw with NP is likely to improve soil fertility, increasing the yields achievable with wheat-maize system in a way which is environmentally and agronomically beneficial on the tested soil.

Effects of urea enhanced with different weathered coal-derived humic acid components on maize yield and fate of fertilizer nitrogen

Humic acid(HA) is a readily available and low-cost material that is used to enhance crop production and reduce nitrogen(N) loss. However, there is little consensus on the efficacy of different HA components. In the current study, a soil column experiment was conducted using the ^(15)N tracer technique in Dezhou City, Shandong Province, China, to compare the effects of urea with and without the addition of weathered coal-derived HA components on maize yield and the fate of fertilizerderived N(fertilizer N). The HA components were incorporated into urea by blending different HA components into molten urea to obtain the three different types of HA-enhanced urea(HAU). At harvest, the aboveground dry biomass of plants grown with HAU was enhanced by 11.50–21.33% when compared to that of plants grown with U. More significantly, the grain yields under the HAU treatments were 5.58–18.67% higher than the yield under the urea treatment. These higher yields were due to an increase in the number of kernels per plant rather than the weight of individual kernels. The uptake of fertilizer N under the HAU treatments was also higher than that under the urea treatment by 11.49–29.46%, while the unaccounted N loss decreased by 12.37–30.05%. More fertilizer-derived N was retained in the 0–30 cm soil layer under the HAU treatments than that under the urea treatment, while less N was retained in the 30–90 cm soil layer. The total residual amount of fertilizer N in the soil column, however, did not differ significantly between the treatments. Of the three HAU treatments investigated, the one with an HA fraction derived from extraction with pH values ranging from 6 to 7, resulted in the best improvement in all assessment targets. This is likely due to the abundance of the COO/C–N=O group in this HA component.

Soil Quality Assessment of Acid Sulfate Paddy Soils with Different Productivities in Guangdong Province,China

Land conversion is considered an effective measure to ensure national food security in China, but little information is available on the quality of low productivity soils, in particular those in acid sulfate soil regions. In our study, acid sulfate paddy soils were divided into soils with high, medium and low levels based on local rice productivity, and 60 soil samples were collected for analysis. Twenty soil variables including physical, chemical and biochemical properties were determined. Those variables that were significantly different between the high, medium and low productivity soils were selected for principal component analysis, and microbial biomass carbon （MBC）, total nitrogen （TN）, available silicon （ASi）, pH and available zinc （AZn） were retained in the minimum data set （MDS）. After scoring the MDS variables, they were integrated to calculate a soil quality index （SQI）, and the high, medium and low productivity paddy soils received mean SQI scores of 0.95, 0.83 and 0.60, respectively. Low productivity paddy soils showed worse soil quality, and a large discrepancy was observed between the low and high productivity paddy soils. Lower MBC, TN, ASi, pH and available K （AK） were considered as the primary limiting factors. Additionally, all the soil samples collected were rich in available P and AZn, but deficient in AK and ASi. The results suggest that soil AK and ASi deficiencies were the main limiting factors for all the studied acid sulfate paddy soil regions. The application of K and Si on a national basis and other sustainable management approaches are suggested to improve rice productivity, especially for low productivity paddy soils. Our results indicated that there is a large potential for increasing productivity and producing more cereals in acid sulfate paddy soil regions.

Removal of Cd and Pb with biochar made from dairy manure at low temperature

Biochar(BC) derived from waste products is a cost-effective sorbent for remediation of metal-contaminated soils.We studied the kinetics and adsorption mechanisms for removal of metal ions,such as lead(Pb^(2+)) and cadmium(Cd^(2+)) with biochar.The adsorption capacities of BC for Pb^(2+) and Cd^(2+) increased after alkaline treatment.The highest sorption capacities were 175.53 and 68.08 mg g^(–1),for Pb and Cd,respectively.The Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo second kinetic equation could well fit the adsorption processes,revealing that the sorption mechanisms of Pb^(2+) and Cd^(2+) by BC are complex and predominantly controlled by chemisorption.BC has a higher affinity for Pb than Cd,due to easy hydrolysis of Pb at low pH.Furthermore,precipitation as carbonate minerals(2PbCO_3·Pb(OH)_2 and CdCO_3) and complexation with functional groups(carboxyl and hydroxyl) were also important for adsorption of Pb and Cd by BC.