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Agronomic bio-fortification is one of the main approaches for mitigation of micronutrient shortage in human populations and endorses sustainable production of food and feed. Studies related to agronomic bio-fortification of crops are mainly focused on single or rarely two micronutrients application, and no attempt has made to study the combined effect of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) on forage sorghum. Therefore, this research was accomplished to evaluate the effect of Zn, Fe and Se bio-fortification on diverse sorghum accessions. The field experiments were conducted in a randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement. The treatments comprised of Zn (10 mg/L as ZnSO₄∙5H₂O), Fe (7 mg/L as FeSO₄∙7H₂O), Se (3 mg/L as SeSO₄) and CK (control) were applied to five sorghum accessions: G₁ (Y-16), G₂ (YSH-166), G₃ (YSH-134), G₄ (YSS-98) and G₅ (YSH-132). According to our results, the sorghum accession G₅ showed superiority over all other accessions and produced maximum values of all growth and quality traits except grains number per panicle and 1 000-grain weight. All applied micronutrients (Zn, Fe and Se) enhanced the growth, quality and uptake of nutrients in sorghum accessions. However, Se recorded the highest plant height, stem diameter, 1 000-grain weight and Zn produced the maximum protein, oil and starch contents. Conclusively, it can be concluded that G₅ with Se must be used to achieve the optimum values of agronomic traits, while G₅ with Zn found more effective to improve the quality traits of sorghum.

The effect of agronomic factors on the amount of water consumption and its productivity in arid and semiarid regions is very important. This study was conducted to diagnose agronomical procedures for increasing the yield and water productivity of sugar beet in two years (2016 and 2017). The experimental factors were: sowing date (spring and summer), planting arrangement (25-50 cm and 40-50 cm, double rows with a distance of 25 cm or 40 cm and a distance between each double row of 50 cm), and plant density (90, 120 and 160 thousand plant/ha). In the second year, the harvesting date, which consisted of conventional (October) and delayed (November), was added to the experiment. High temperature during and immediately after planting decreased emergence on the summer sowing date. The uniformity of roots and irrigation water productivity (WPirrig) in spring crops was higher than those of summer crops; meanwhile, on the summer sowing date, water consumption declined by 27% (and the sugar yield decreased intensively by 44%). Furthermore, planting arrangements of 25-50 resulted in better plant establishment and eventually increased the number of final plants. Besides, increasing plant density improved the uniformity of plants root. Sowing in summer compared to spring reduced root and sugar yield on a conventional harvesting date by about 40%. After 25 days' delay in harvesting time on both sowing dates (by mean), root yield, sugar yield, and WPirrig, increased by about 14, 28 and 22%, respectively. In general, at moderate densities (about 120 000), planting arrangement 40-50 and at low densities (less than 90 000, which usually occurs on the summer sowing date), planting arrangement 25-50 is recommended to increase yield and WPirrig.

To investigate how sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) regulated the content of vitamin C (Vc) in strawberry fruit, we explored the effects of Na₂SeO₃ on the enzymes responsible for Vc metabolism. The findings showed that 10 mg/L Na₂SeO₃ improved the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), l-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH) at periods of young fruit (YFP), small fruit (SFP), middle fruit (MFP), large fruit (LFP), white fruit (WFP), colour-changed fruit (CFP) and ripen fruit (RFP). 30 mg/L Na₂SeO₃ improved the activities of APX, MDHAR, GR and GaILDH at YFP, LFP, WFP, CFP and RFP. 60 mg/L Na₂SeO₃ improved the activities of MDHAR, GR and GaILDH at all periods studied. In addition, 10 mg/L Na₂SeO₃ decreased the activity of ascorbate oxidase (AAO) at WFP and CFP. 30 mg/L Na₂SeO₃ decreased AAO activity at MFP, LFP, WFP and CFP. 60 mg/L Na₂SeO₃ decreased AAO activity at YFP, SFP, MFP, LFP, WFP and CFP. Meanwhile, all concentrations of Na₂SeO₃ significantly increased the contents of Vc and Se. Among different concentrations, 30 mg/L Na₂SeO₃ had better effects on the enzymes responsible for Vc metabolism, which further improved Vc content in strawberry fruit. Besides, all concentrations of Na₂SeO₃ increased fruit average weight, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield, compared with control. The above results indicated that Na₂SeO₃ could improve the content of Vc in fruit and fruit yield of strawberries, especially for 30 mg/L Na₂SeO₃.

Among the various disposal strategies for sewage sludge (SS), soil application is the most suitable. This study was conducted to evaluate soil amendment with SS (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/kg) and its impact on soil fertility and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth. The SS significantly improved the agromorphological attributes, the number of produced fruits, and the fruit biomass of tomato plants. The 30 g/kg application of SS led to the highest growth rate and fruit yield. Considering the fruits, the best safe enrichment of metal nutrients was recorded at 30 g/kg, with a significant increase in the micronutrient metals Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Fe with 624, 193, 125, 70, and 32%, respectively, compared to the control. The SS amendment enhanced soil fertility, and heavy metals were within the permissible ranges for agricultural soils. Bioaccumulation factors (BFs) indicated that SS application induced the accumulation of most of the studied metals in the roots, and the BF values of Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb were > 1. The current study concluded that recirculating SS nutrient components to agricultural soils could offer a valid solution for the sustainable management of this organic waste and enhance plant-crop productivity.

CO2 emissions represent one of the greenhouse gases significantly affecting climate change. Reduced tillage practices can contribute to the mitigation of CO2 emissions from soils. The effect of tillage practices with different straw incorporation on CO2 emissions was studied in field experiments in the years 2020 and 2021. The winter wheat straw was used in 2020, and spring barley straw in 2021. Treatments were: (1) chiselling to 10-12 cm; (2) shallow chiselling (5-6 cm depth); (3) straw mulch, and (4) stubble. The chiselling to 10-12 cm in the warm summer period of 2020 increased the CO2 emissions from soils even twice in comparison with other used soil tillage practices. The soil temperature and CO2 emissions decreased in the following order: chiselling to 10-12 cm < shallow chiselling ≤ stubble ≤ mulch in 2020. Low CO2 emissions without significant differences among treatments were observed in the year 2021 when low soil temperatures and excessive soil water content filling soil pores caused by intensive precipitations (23 mm) coming shortly after soil tillage were observed. The CO2 emissions from soils are affected by a number of factors. Among them the current weather conditions as well as soil temperature the depth of soil tillage and handling of postharvest residues, are important.

Drought stress is a major environmental factor limiting crop growth and productivity. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) plays an essential role during stress response by acting as a signal molecule that activates multiple stress tolerance mechanisms. In this study, the effects of H₂O₂ on agronomic traits were studied in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105) was subjected to drought stress. H₂O₂ was applied by either seed priming or foliar application method with a concentration of 1, 5, and 15 mmol/L. The results showed that both seed priming and foliar application with H₂O₂ improved some yield components. The tiller numbers, number of panicles, number of filled grains, filled grain weight, and harvest index were improved approximately 1.13, 1.04, 1.23, 1.21, and 1.1 times compared to the untreated plants. Foliar application, however, helps the plant by reducing yield loss as indicated by a 0.5-time reduction in the number of unfilled grain and lower unfilled grain weight. It was suggested that 5 mmol/L H₂O₂ was the most effective concentration to alleviate the effect of drought stress during the reproductive stage in rice.

The aeroponic system is a viable technological alternative for potato minituber production within a potato tuber seed system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the productivity of potato minitubers grown in aeroponic culture and collected in 14 successive periods of the growing season. The minitubers of cvs. Ametyst and Tajfun were tested in an experimental field after a storage period. It was found that cv. Ametyst was characterized by higher yield and number of tubers than cv. Tajfun. Yield of cv. Ametyst averaged 42.6 t/ha, and cv. Tajfun 37.3 t/ha. The number of tubers over 3 cm of cv. Ametyst averaged 644.2 per ha, and cv. Tajfun 437.7 per ha. The yield and number of tubers was dependent on the physiological age of minitubers harvested on successive dates. Comparing the productivity of minitubers grown in aeroponics and in the soil, a significant difference was found in the number of tubers with a transversal diameter over 3 cm. There were more daughter tubers from minitubers grown in soil. They are the result of different-size minitubers used for planting, smaller ones from aeroponics and larger from soil.

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of soil characteristics and the applied amount of nicosulfuron on the degradation rate in soil. Soil samples were collected at three localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Manjača, Kosjerovo and Tunjice. The experiment was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Plant protection product based on nicosulfuron (40 g a.s./L, OD) was applied in concentrations of 0.075, 0.15, and 0.30 mg a.s./kg of soil. Nicosulfuron residues were analysed by the modified QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS. Soils are classified as silty loams, with variations in mechanical composition and chemical properties. In slightly alkaline soil, the half-life (DT50) of nicosulfuron has increased (43.31 days) compared with DT50 (9.43–16.13 days) in acidic soils. The results indicate that soil characteristics and applied concentration significantly influence nicosulfuron persistence. Hence, it can be considered that nicosulfuron, applied to silty loam soils of Bosnia and Herzegovina, poses a low risk to subsequent crops and the environment.

Drunken horse grass (Achnatherum inebrians (Hance) Keng) is a toxic perennial bunchgrass native to Northwestern China. Epichloë endophytic fungi infection could enhance the stress tolerance of drunken horse grass. However, there is a scarcity of literature regarding the effects of intraspecific competition. As a result, we anticipated that the intraspecific competitive dynamics between endophyte-infected (EI) and endophyte-free (EF) plants would become more transparent for four years by planted as the proportions of 2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2. The results showed the EI plants exhibited more biomass, seed yields, and survival rates than EF plants. Endophyte infection also facilitated a competitive advantage by enhancing photosynthesis and soil nutrition. Our findings constituted the inaugural investigation into the influence of the intraspecific competitive ability of grass infected with Epichloë endophyte fungi. EI plants caused them to become stronger and stronger, while EF became weaker and weaker by timing and planting proportion increasing, and EF drunken horse grass could be replaced by EI. These conclusions were instrumental in elucidating why the endophytic fungal infection rate of drunken horse grass is 100% observed in natural wilderness. Epichloë endophyte could reduce plant diversity and enhance the dominance of EI plants in intraspecific competition; drunken horse grass may be threatening the persistence of native plant species.

Standard roses are a widely used ornamental plant in urban landscapes, valued for their attractive flowers and adaptability to various environmental conditions. This study investigated how different substrate types affect the growth and development of standard roses and their potential to improve the ecology of urban landscapes. Nine substrate conditions (rotted corn stover, decomposed shiitake mushroom residue, perlite, and combinations) were compared with field soil as a control treatment. The physical and chemical characteristics of each substrate were analysed, and the growth and development of standard rose plants were observed over six months. The results indicated that the substrate T4 (70% rotted corn stover, 15% decomposed shiitake mushroom residue, 15% perlite) achieved the highest evaluation index, leading to superior plant growth compared to other substrates. This combination provided optimal water retention, aeration, and nutrient supply, making it the most effective substrate for cultivating standard roses. Additionally, the use of these substrates can improve soil quality and reduce environmental pollution, offering a sustainable option for urban landscape management.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a key role in regulating the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. However, there is little information on how AMF inoculation affects the carbon fluxes of paddy fields, which are major sources of global carbon emissions. We, therefore, designed an experiment to study the effects of AMF inoculation on methane and carbon dioxide emissions from a paddy field. Results showed that: (1) Among the tested factors, the C/N ratio was the main environmental determinant of microbial community structure in the investigated soil; (2) compared with traditional fertilisation (control), the soil C/N ratio increased by 2.1~15.2% and 1.4~10.5% as a result of AMF application alone (M) or in combination with mineral fertiliser (FM) throughout the growing season, respectively. This change shifted microbial community composition to higher G⁺/G⁻ bacterial and fungal/bacterial ratios; (3) the microbial community change favoured soil carbon retention. Methane (CH₄) emission peaks were reduced by 59.4% and 76.0% versus control in the M treatment and by 52.5% and 29.4% in the FM treatment in the midseason and end-of-season drainage periods, and CO₂ emission peaks were reduced by 70.1% and 52.3% in the M plots and by 55.4% and 66.4% in the FM plots.

This study comprehensively investigates the impact of varying red-to-blue light ratios on the growth of Spanish lettuce. The research considers various factors such as growth morphology, photosynthetic parameters, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Lettuce was cultivated in an environment with a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 200 ± 20 μmol/m²/s and a photoperiod of 16 h per day. The experiment incorporated eight distinct light treatment methodologies, with the red-to-blue light ratios ranging from 2 : 8 (R2B8) to 9 : 1 (R9B1). The data implies that during the initial 20 days of growth, groups exposed to a higher proportion of red light demonstrated superior growth. In particular, the R9B1 group exhibited the highest increase in plant height. The photosynthetic performance of leaves (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate) showed a tendency to rise with a decreasing red-to-blue ratio within a particular range, peaking at R3B7. However, both the dry matter content and fresh weight were relatively lower under the R3B7 light quality ratio. The results indicate that cultivating lettuce under the R8B2 ratio led to optimal outcomes. This group significantly outperformed the other test groups in terms of weight and exhibited higher photosynthetic rates. Despite exhibiting lower stomatal conductance, this group reduced energy consumption and ultimately achieved the highest overall weight.

Magnetic fields, as a form of physical energy, exert an influence on biological activities. However, our current understanding of the impact of magnetic fields on wheat yield remains limited. In this study, our objective was to investigate the effects of magnetic field treatment of wheat plants on their yield, root growth, absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus and soil bacterial diversity. The experiments were conducted at two agricultural research stations in China, Zhengzhou and Xuchang. Plants were treated with magnetic fields of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mT induced by permanent magnets for chronic exposure. Untreated plants were considered as controls. Our result showed that soil nutrients were found to have a substantial impact on wheat nitrogen and phosphorus absorption, and wheat nitrogen and phosphorus absorption significantly affected wheat yield. The change in soil nutrient content was caused by the change in soil bacterial community diversity and abundance, and increased soil nutrients increased wheat yield. The results suggest that magnetic field treatment stimulated wheat plant growth and yield, and changed soil nutrient content through improved soil bacterial community diversity and increased soil nitrogen and phosphorous absorption.

In the present study, a field establishment was initiated in 2018 with eight treatment conditions using biochar application rates of 0, 10, 20, or 30 t/ha and nitrogen application rates of 0 or 150 kg/ha. After two years, the impact of biochar on carbon-nitrogen distributions, soil aggregate stability, and wheat yields was then assessed. The predominant mechanical aggregates after two years were > 5 mm and 2–5 mm granular aggregates, with notable increases in the amounts of these aggregates following the application of biochar with or without nitrogen that coincided with an increase in soil aggregate mechanical stability. Relative to control conditions, aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric weight diameter (GMD) values rose by 17.6% and 24.3% for biochar with nitrogen treatment (N: 150 kg/ha; biochar: 20 t/ha), respectively. Biochar application alone and the application of both biochar and nitrogen fertiliser were associated with 6.4–20.2% and 20.7–42.7% increases in spring wheat yields, respectively. Overall, the results of these analyses highlight the value of applying biochar to improve soil quality and boost crop yields proximal to the study site. This study provided the scientific basis for the rational fertilisation and scientific management of biochar combined with nitrogen fertiliser in the irrigation area of Northern Xinjiang, China.

Due to increased climate change, crop productivity worldwide is in danger. Drought stress is considered one of the major environmental factors in relation to world food security. Previous studies showed that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation alleviates drought stress in various plants. However, whether AMF inoculation efficiency is based on gas exchange or water status and whether the effects differ among plants and AMF species remain unclear. To evaluate the effect of AMF on drought stress alleviation, a meta-analysis was conducted based on random-effect models accounting for effect size variation. Results revealed that photosynthetic rate had the highest effect size among gas exchange traits compared to stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. Our results also showed a significant positive impact on relative water content, water potential, and water use efficiency in AMF-inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated plants. Furthermore, among AMF species, Funneliformis mosseae, followed by Rhizophagus irrgularis, was an efficient AM fungi for drought stress alleviation. Therefore, this study suggests that a higher water use efficiency supports water transport to the leaf surface and keeps the stomatal opening, enhancing photosynthetic responses.

However, its underlying mechanism remains largely undetermined. In this work, we examined the impacts of the continuous application of pig manure fertiliser for 10 years on wheat yield in the calcaric fluvisol soil with a texture of sandy loam, and the relationship between soil microbial community composition and soil properties was also analysed. The wheat yield, yield components and wheat biomass were analysed by collected aboveground part. Soil nutrient, enzymatic activity and microorganism compositions were analysed by collected soil samples at the filling stage. The results showed that long-term application of pig manure fertiliser could remarkably increase wheat yield by improving soil nutrient availability, enzyme activities, and microbial composition. Moreover, soil pH, nitrogen content, dehydrogenase and urease were closely related to the soil microbial diversity. In conclusions, the long-term application of pig manure in combination with term mineral fertiliser could optimise microbial community composition by regulating the interaction between microbial species and enhancing soil enzyme activity and soil fertility, leading to increased wheat yield.

The Seriphidium transiliense desert pasture is an important spring-autumn pasture in northern Xinjiang, China, and has been subjected to grazing by livestock at different intensities, thus resulting in widespread deterioration of its biodiversity and ecosystem services. To understand the response mechanism of stoichiometric characteristics of desert vegetation to grazing, the leaf carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and C : N : P ratios of S. transiliense were studied under different grazing intensities. The results show that the control S. transiliense leaf C, N and P contents and C : N, C : P and N : P ratios were 458.79 ± 53.5 g/kg, 20.6 ± 7.18 g/kg, 2.83 ± 1.24 g/kg, 25.69 ± 11.08, 190.28 ± 75.65 and 8.21 ± 4.01, respectively. The differences in these characteristics varied with grazing intensity in accordance with sampling time, so both factors need to be considered comprehensively. General linear model (GLM) analysis indicated that grazing intensity had a strong main effect on S. transiliense leaf C, N, and P content, C : N ratio and N : P ratio. As grazing intensity increased, the leaf N content and N : P ratio increased (P < 0.01), and the C : N ratio decreased (P < 0.01). N content was the limiting factor for the growth of S. transiliense, but the grazing intensity, sampling year and growth season each affected the degree of N limitation. Our findings suggest that the remaining moderate stocking rate was essential for sustaining desert stabilisation in Xinjiang, and although S. transiliense could adapt its nutrient content and leaf stoichiometry to the grazing intensity, N was always the limiting element for the growth of S. transiliense.

Most farmers use urea as a nitrogen fertiliser to raise mustard (Brassica juncea L.), although its nitrogen (N) content is quickly lost due to its hygroscopic nature. Nitrogen loss in the form of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and nitrates (NO₃^–) has been causing low nitrogen fertiliser efficiency in vegetable cultivation. This investigation aims to assess the impact of urea fertiliser coated with biochar or activated charcoal on losses of N₂O and NO₃^– concentration in the soil during mustard production. The experiment used a randomised block design with five treatments of urea fertiliser coated with biochar/activated charcoal. The observed data included N₂O flux, nitrate, and ammonia content in soil and water. The results showed that urea fertiliser coated with activated charcoal from corn cobs tended to suppress N loss more effectively than urea coated with biochar or activated charcoal from coconut shells. Biochar and activated charcoal from coconut shells suppressed N-N₂O loss as much as 3.1% and 52.5% (7 days after planting (DAP)), respectively, and 68.7% and 71.6% (21 DAP), respectively. Biochar and activated charcoal from corn cob reduce N-N₂O loss by 46.5% and 66.5% (7 DAP), respectively, and by 70.7% and 77.8% (21 DAP). Urea-coated activated charcoal fertiliser increases mustard plant biomass and nitrogen uptake. Biochar and activated charcoal from coconut shells and corncobs increase nitrogen use efficiency by 5, 24, 6, and 17%, respectively. Biochar/activated charcoal coatings are a promising technology for boosting nitrogen use efficiency in vegetable crops, including mustard crops.

Partial slow-release fertiliser substitution for urea combined with water-saving irrigation may synergistically improve rice yield, quality, water, and nitrogen (N) utilisation. A field experiment to evaluate different combinations of irrigation regimes: alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD) and flooding irrigation (FI), and N strategies: N0 (no N fertiliser); N1 (100% conventional fertiliser); N2 (100% SCF – sulphur-coated fertiliser); N3 (70% SCF + 30% urea), and N4 (50% SCF + 50% urea) on efficient rice production. Results indicated that higher substitution rates of SCF (N2 and N3) increased total N and ammonia N in surface water, leachate, and soil while reducing nitrate N relative to N1. The N3 strategy showed the highest yields, dry matter, total N uptake, and water N utilisation due to a nutrient release pattern that matched rice growth requirements. AWD yielded 5% lower than FI, except for the N3 strategy, but protein content increased by 12%, and amylose content dropped by 17%. The structural equation model analysis suggested that SCF positively impacted yield by influencing surface water total N and soil total N. Our findings indicate that implementing AWD alongside a 70% SCF basal fertiliser and 30% urea topdressing can optimise rice yield and quality while effectively managing water and fertiliser resources in the middle-lower Yangtze River Basin.

Hyperspectral imaging technology has emerged as a prominent research area for quantitatively estimating soil nutrient content owing to its non-destructive, rapid, and convenient features. Our work collected the data from soil samples using the hyperspectrometer. Then, the data were processed. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm reduced the original 148 bands to 13, which accounted for 8.8% of the total bands. These selected bands possess a certain level of interpretability. Based on the modelling results, it can be concluded that the prediction model constructed by the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) exhibited the highest accuracy. The coefficient determination, root mean square error, and ratio performance deviation were 0.8295, 2.95, and 2.42, respectively. These findings can provide theoretical support for the application of hyperspectral technology in detecting the content of the AHN in soil. Moreover, they can also serve as a reference for the rapid detection of other soil components.

Heat stress around anthesis is considered to have an increasing impact on wheat yield under the ongoing climate change. However, the effect of high temperatures and their duration on formation of individual yield parameters is still little understood. Within this study, the effect of high temperatures applied during anthesis for 3 and 7 days on yield formation parameters was analysed. The study was conducted in growth chambers under four temperature regimes (daily temperature maxima 26, 32, 35 and 38°C). In the periods preceding and following heat stress regimes the plants were cultivated under ambient weather conditions. The number of grains per spike was reduced under temperatures ≥ 35°C in cv. Bohemia and ≥ 38°C in cv. Tobak. This resulted in a similar response of spike productivity. Thousand grain weight showed no response to temperature regime in cv. Tobak, whereas in cv. Bohemia, a peak response to temperature with maximum at 35°C was observed. The duration of heat stress had only little effect on most yield formation parameters.

A suitable irrigation pattern is of great significance for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, field experiments and a denitrification-decomposition (DNDC) model were used to study the global warming potential based on CH₄, N₂O and CO₂ fluxes under flooding irrigation and controlled irrigation in paddy fields in the Erhai Lake basin. The results showed that the average value of CH₄ flux under controlled irrigation was lower than that under flooding irrigation, with a reduction range of 43.21% to 48.88%, however, the average value of the N₂O and CO₂ fluxes from paddy field under controlled irrigation were higher than those under flooding irrigation. Controlled irrigation patterns can significantly reduce the global warming potential in paddy fields based on CH₄, N₂O and CO₂ fluxes. Controlled irrigation can effectively reduce the global warming potential per unit yield. For water management in the Erhai Lake basin, it is recommended the controlled irrigation treatment of soil moisture with an upper limit of 100% and a lower limit of 75–85% with irrigation, and a maximum surface water depth of 150–200 mm lasting for five days after precipitation from the jointing-booting stage to the milk stage.

The potential of Leersia hexandra grass in phytoremediation and natural attenuation of three groups of bacteria in soil contaminated with crude oil was evaluated for 180 days. The quantities of new shoots, root and aerial biomass were evaluated; changes in antioxidant concentrations in leaf and root caused by abiotic stress; population densities of Azotobacter, Azospirillum and Pseudomonas; and microbial respiration. The experimental data showed oil-induced increases of 315% and 196% in new shoots and root phytomass, respectively, and a 44% decrease in leaf + stem phytomass. The enzymatic defence in the grass leaf was manifested by higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, phenylalanine ammonium lyase and total flavonoids; the increases fluctuated from 35% to 52%. The response in the root was positive in catalase (16%), and in ammonium phenylalanine lyase, it increased 275% due to the effect of crude oil. The group of indigenous Azotobacter bacteria were tolerant to crude oil exposure, both in the phytoremediation process and in natural attenuation; the population densities varied from 212 to 438 × 10³ colony-forming units (CFUs); they are greater than 49% to 106% compared to densities in control soil. Azospirillum spp. and Pseudomonas spp. recorded population abiotic stress. The grass activates enzymatic and plant defence, complementing microbial respiration in response to adaptation to crude oil.

In this study, a synergist made of itaconic acid, maleic acid, acrylic acid and other active ingredients polymerised was sprayed on the surface of nitrogen (N) fertiliser particles to make synergistic nitrogen fertilisers (SNF). To explore the effect of SNF on N metabolism of wheat in saline-alkaline land, five treatments were set up: CK – ordinary N fertiliser (299.86 kg N/ha); T1 – SNF (299.86 kg N/ha); T2 – SNF (239.89 kg N/ha); T3 – SNF (179.92 kg N/ha); T4 – SNF (119.94 kg N/ha). The aboveground dry weight of wheat, the photosynthetic characteristics of wheat flag leaves, the activity of the N metabolism enzyme of wheat flag leaves, the expression of N transporter-related genes in wheat roots, and the N accumulation and transport of plants were determined. The results showed that the T1 treatment performed the best. During the two years, the N translocation from stems and leaves to spikes of plants at maturity in T1 was 33.18–45.55% higher than that of CK. The N content of wheat spikes was 12.01–12.66% higher than that of CK. The activities of nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthetase and the expression of nitrate transporter gene TaNRT1.1 and ammonium transporter gene TaAMT1.1 were significantly higher than that of CK. The aboveground dry weight of wheat and photosynthetic characteristics of flag leaves were significantly higher than those of CK in T1, whereas the intercellular CO2 concentration was significantly lower than that of CK. The application of SNF positively affected N accumulation and transport in wheat, wheat yield, and fertiliser utilisation, as well as reduced N loss in saline-alkaline land.

Joint field experiments were established in Southwestern Germany to investigate the potential of herbicide savings on-farm sites with high densities of problematic weed species. From 2020 until 2024, 21 field studies were conducted in maize, soybean and winter wheat, all realised as randomised complete block designs with four replications. Mechanical weeding and two combined chemical with mechanical weeding methods were compared to conventional broadcast pre- and post-emergence herbicide spraying and an untreated control. Weed density, herbicide savings, greenhouse gas emissions and crop yield were determined for all treatments. On average, 142 weeds/m² were counted in the untreated plots. The most frequent weed species were Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus-galli, Solanum nigrum, Stellaria media, and Veronica persica. Combined chemical with mechanical weed control in soybean and winter wheat was more effective than chemical and mechanical weed control alone. In maize, the combination of hoeing and herbicide application achieved equal weed control efficacy (WCE) as chemical weeding alone. Hoeing removed less intra-row weeds than inter-row weeds. Hoeing and harrowing had low WCE against Chenopodium album and perennial weed species. Combined treatments reduced herbicide use by 24–60% in relation to conventional herbicide treatments. Mechanical and combined weed control achieved equal yield as the conventional herbicide treatment. This study underlines the potential for herbicide savings by integrating mechanical weed control methods.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a superior-quality perennial legume forage crop cultivated in China. However, fertiliser applications and the environmental factors affecting alfalfa yield and quality have not been well documented. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis using a dataset from 105 studies published between 2003 and 2023 to explore the effects of fertiliser application and environmental factors on the yield and quality of alfalfa. The results showed that compared to the non-fertiliser control levels, fertiliser application increased alfalfa yield by 24.61% and improved the quality of alfalfa by increasing crude protein by 11.63% and decreasing acid detergent fibre by 7.69% and neutral detergent fibre by 6.76%. Alfalfa yield and the crude protein effect size increased with increasing altitude but decreased with increasing latitude based on fertiliser application. The acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre effect size were positively correlated with mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation. In conclusion, applying fertiliser is a productive approach to enhance the yield and grade of alfalfa, but environmental factors have an effect. This study provides comprehensive information on fertiliser applications and environmental factors that affect alfalfa yield and quality. These results provide insight into further improving alfalfa yield and quality and contribute to the development of alfalfa.

Grasslands are the predominant land use type in China, which is currently encountering significant desertification issues. Consequently, restoring grassland vegetation has important implications for terrestrial carbon (C) levels and, consequently, the global C balance. This study focused on Salix cupularis, the primary plant used for desert control on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We analysed the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil up to the depth of 60 cm after Salix cupularis growth for 0–24 years, examining soil total organic carbon (TOC) and its labile fractions. Following restoration, there was a gradual increase in TOC and its labile fractions, with the most significant changes observed in the rhizosphere soil at a depth of 0–20 cm. After 24 years of restoration, the TOC content in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil had increased by 141.74% and 39.44%, respectively. Labile organic C in the rhizosphere soil increased more rapidly and pronouncedly compared with the TOC. Specifically, dissolved organic C and easily oxidised organic C in the rhizosphere soil saw substantial increases of 211.03% and 217.65%, respectively. Meanwhile, compared with the 4 years of restoration, soil C pool management index of the 8–24 years soils increased, ranging from 15.70% to 132.21%. Therefore, long-term vegetation restoration on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau can significantly enhance TOC and its labile fractions, as well as improve soil C sink capacity and quality.

This paper studied the response of rice yield and soil nitrogen (N) cycling microorganisms to the combined application of animal slurry and mineral fertiliser. A pot experiment was conducted on typical yellow-brown paddy soil. There were five treatments: (1) CK – no N fertilisation; (2) S0 – mineral fertilisation; (3) S30 – 30% slurry with 70% mineral fertilisation; (4) S60 – 60% slurry with 40% mineral fertilisation; and (5) S100 – slurry application. Rice yield, yield components, and soil properties were investigated at harvest. The abundance of soil N cycle functional genes abundance was quantified via quantitative real-time PCR. The rice yield reached a high level when the proportion of slurry used to replace mineral fertiliser was 30–50%. The yield in response to mineral fertiliser (S0) was equivalent to that in response to no N fertilisation since the formation of effective panicles was inhibited. With the slurry replacement ratio increase, the available phosphorus and potassium contents in the soil improved, but the nitrate content decreased. Considering the entire soil N cycle, nitrogen-fixing microbes (nifH), ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA amoA) and nitrite-reducing microbes (nirS and nirK) had greater abundances, reaching 108 copies. Compared with those in the S0 treatment, the abundances of most N cycle functional genes in the S30 treatment, except for napA, significantly increased from 31.2% to 100.9%, and the increase in the abundance of nirS and nosZ in the S100 treatment reached 4 times, which was obviously greater than that of the other genes. Correlation analysis revealed that high soil pH promoted N fixation and nitrification, while NH₄⁺-N had the opposite effect on N fixation and nitrification, and available phosphorus and potassium actively influenced denitrification. These results showed that a 30–50% slurry application ratio was recommended for rice, which was beneficial for maintaining high yields and high abundances of soil N cycle functional genes.

In modern agriculture, nano-priming represents an innovative approach, harnessing the power of nanotechnology to enhance crop yields and nutrition. However, to effectively harness the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) for agriculture applications, understanding their mode of action and optimal application rates for positive effects on microgreen growth and physiology is critical. In this interdisciplinary study, we investigated the priming of sunflower seeds with a range of concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/L) of ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles (FeNPs) and compared them with control samples. Our findings revealed a significant increase in plant biomass, leaf size, and photosynthetic activity in treated samples. The activities of photosystems I and II increased with higher FeNPs concentration. The treated samples exhibited elevated levels of total phenolics, anthocyanin, and antioxidant enzyme activity, along with increased macronutrients and micronutrients. These findings highlight the potential of FeNPs as a promising tool for enhancing plant growth and physiology in sunflower microgreens.

Water deficit (drought) is an important environmental factor affecting physiological processes in plants. The present work focuses on the study of changes in physiological responses of juvenile plants (plants in the vegetative phase of growth BBCH 14–16) of selected sorghum genotypes Dokok, 30485, Barnard Red and Ruzrok to water deficit and after rehydration. Water deficit affected the observed physiological parameters – gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence. Genotypic differences were also confirmed, with Dokok appearing to be the more sensitive genotype and Ruzrok and Barnard Red appearing to be tolerant. Following rehydration, these parameters increased but did not reach the levels of the control plants. A significant decrease in photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration (E) and fluorescence compared to the control was found in the water-deficient variant twice for 10 days and 6 days between rehydration periods. Only in the variant where water deficit (14 days) was followed by irrigation (10 days) transpiration increased in genotype 30485. Chlorophyll fluorescence (F_v/F_m) also decreased significantly in this cultivar. The results suggest that a rehydration period of 14 days is insufficient to restore the photosynthetic functions of stressed sorghum plants.