Achieving synergistic high yield and methane mitigation in rice under co-application of biochar and mild alternate wetting and drying via enhancing root-produced brassinosteroids
Wei Cai , Meijie Jia , Ying Liu , Haotian Chen , Yue Ma , Kuanyu Zhu , Hao Zhang , Junfei Gu , Zhiqin Wang , Zujian Zhang , Lijun Liu , Jianhua Zhang , Xiaoyuan Yan , Weiyang Zhang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study aimed to examine whether the co-application of biochar and mild alternate wetting and drying (Mild AWD) could synergistically achieve high rice yields and mitigate methane (CH4) emissions by optimizing brassinosteroid (BRs)-driven root functions. In a two-year field trial, two rice cultivars were cultivated under continuous flooding (CF) and Mild AWD, with paired treatments of applying or not applying biochar made from wheat straw. Results showed that the co-application of biochar and Mild AWD significantly increased grain yield (14.1 % in 2023 and 15.0 % in 2024) and reduced CH4 emissions (64.2 % in 2023 and 67.1 % in 2024), although N2O emissions increased. However, the increase in N2O emissions did not offset the overall benefits of reduced global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) resulting from CH4 emission reduction. The co-application of biochar and Mild AWD enhanced grain yield by promoting carbon assimilate accumulation and efficient transport from vegetative organs to grains, supported by improved root activity. Moreover, elevated BRs levels in rice roots strengthened the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, rapidly scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintaining cellular antioxidant capacity and root activity, and inhibiting ROS-induced aerenchyma formation. This, in turn, elevated the levels of specific organic acids (malic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid) in root exudates, enhancing soil CH4 oxidation activity and ultimately reducing CH4 emissions, GHGI, and GWP in the paddy ecosystem. Overall, this study highlights a synergistic strategy for high-yield rice production and CH4 mitigation through the co-application of biochar and Mild AWD, facilitated by enhanced root-produced BRs.
期刊介绍:
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment publishes scientific articles dealing with the interface between agroecosystems and the natural environment, specifically how agriculture influences the environment and how changes in that environment impact agroecosystems. Preference is given to papers from experimental and observational research at the field, system or landscape level, from studies that enhance our understanding of processes using data-based biophysical modelling, and papers that bridge scientific disciplines and integrate knowledge. All papers should be placed in an international or wide comparative context.