Plant and SoilPub Date : 2025-01-07DOI: 10.1007/s11104-024-07196-3
Xiaohui Wang, Xiaoxu Fan, Gaozhong Pu, Fuqiang Song
{"title":"Rhizophagus intraradices combined with Solanum nigrum for the remediation of soil highly contaminated with cadmium","authors":"Xiaohui Wang, Xiaoxu Fan, Gaozhong Pu, Fuqiang Song","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07196-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07196-3","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>There is a risk of high concentration cadmium pollution in farmland near heavy industrial activity areas. The combination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) and hyperaccumulators is a suitable means of remediation. However, the effect of combination on soil biogeochemistry are often overlooked.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Therefore, we used pot experiments to explore the effects of combined treatments on soil microbial diversity and the driving factors of changes under high Cd pollution.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Result</h3><p>Results showed that the synergy between Rhizophagus intraradices and Solanum nigrum promoted retention in the root of S. nigrum and diminished the Cd bioavailability in the soil. Furthermore, R. intraradices inoculation successfully rehabilitated the bacterial network adversely affected by Cd contamination, augmenting bacterial α-diversity. R. intraradices effectively mitigates survival pressures on Subgroup_6, 67-14, RB41, and key bacterial genus. Moreover, R. intraradices inoculation led to a significant upswing in soil phosphatase (24.47%) and catalase (34.70%) activities. Additionally, this inoculation engendered heightened nutrient levels and a reduction in soil pH.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Collectively, our study underscores the efficacy of combining <i>R. intraradices</i> with <i>S. nigrum</i> as an strategy for diminishing high Cd pollution in soil while concurrently improving soil health.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"98 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142935016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Different straw lengths and burial modes affect the salt distribution in coastal saline soil and the regulation of salt stress resistance in tomato","authors":"Da Huang, Yugeng Guo, Sheng Chen, Zhenchang Wang, Boming Sun, Yingyuan Niu, Shiquan Dong","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07138-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07138-z","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Straw return represents an effective measure for the improvement of saline soil. In order to address the deficiencies of conventional long-strip straw interlayer and straw topsoil mixing, as well as to leverage the regulation of salt stress resistance in plants, this study devised an innovative straw return method that combined powder straw interlayer and topsoil mixing. The objective of this method was to reduce soil salinity, improve soil structure, and promote plant growth.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>A tomato pot experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different straw lengths (S<sub>50</sub>: 50 mm, S<sub>10</sub>: 10 mm, S<sub>2</sub>: 2 mm) and burial modes (W<sub>i</sub>: interlayer, W<sub>m</sub>: topsoil mixing, W<sub>im</sub>: interlayer and topsoil mixing) on the soil physicochemical properties, tomato root biochemical indexes, fruit yield and dry matter weight of above-ground.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>The study found that: (1) Straw burial mode exerted a more pronounced impact than straw length on the salt distribution of soil. (2) The S<sub>50</sub>W<sub>im</sub>, S<sub>10</sub>W<sub>im</sub>, and S<sub>2</sub>W<sub>im</sub> treatments exhibited more significant differences on the non-uniform distribution of salt, thereby promoting the regulation of tomato roots to salt stress and effectively mitigating its adverse effects. (3) The S<sub>2</sub>W<sub>im</sub> treatment can significantly improve tomato fruit yield and dry matter weight of above-ground.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>It was concluded that the straw return method that combined 2 mm powder straw interlayer and topsoil mixing (S<sub>2</sub>W<sub>im</sub>) can effectively optimize the salt distribution of soil, promote the regulation of tomato to salt stress, alleviate the adverse effects of salt stress, and ultimately improve tomato fruit yield.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142935030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant and SoilPub Date : 2025-01-06DOI: 10.1007/s11104-024-07142-3
Xiao-Min Zeng, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Shuhai Wen, Jiao Feng, Wen Zhang, Qianggong Zhang, Yu-Rong Liu
{"title":"Soil invertebrate diversity supports ecosystem multifunctionality along elevation gradients","authors":"Xiao-Min Zeng, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Shuhai Wen, Jiao Feng, Wen Zhang, Qianggong Zhang, Yu-Rong Liu","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07142-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07142-3","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and Aims</h3><p>Mountain ecosystems are highly vulnerable to global changes. Soil biodiversity is critical for maintaining ecosystem multifunctionality, yet the contribution of soil invertebrate diversity in supporting multifunctionality in mountain ecosystems is poorly understood.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Here, we assessed the contribution of soil invertebrate diversity, including α-diversity (i.e., species richness) and β-diversity (i.e., community composition), in explaining multiple ecosystem functions (e.g., water regulation, soil carbon stocks, nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and pathogen control) along two independent elevation gradients of the Tibetan Plateau and Shennongjia Mountain in China.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Our results showed that ecosystem multifunctionality gradually increased with increasing elevation. Significant linear relationships were observed between species richness and community composition of soil invertebrates and multifunctionality along the elevation gradients, with species richness explaining more variance in multifunctionality than community composition. Furthermore, the positive associations between soil invertebrate richness and ecosystem multifunctionality remained consistent and robust along the two elevation gradients after considering climate and soil environmental variables. Structural equation modeling further revealed that the relationships between soil invertebrate diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality were primarily linked to elevation-induced variations in soil properties such as C/N ratio and pH.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Our work highlights that the variation in soil invertebrate diversity along elevation gradients plays a critical role in supporting the multifunctionality of mountain ecosystems.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"42 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142928987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant and SoilPub Date : 2025-01-06DOI: 10.1007/s11104-024-07185-6
Dongxue Zhao, Peter de Voil, Victor O. Sadras, Jairo A. Palta, Daniel Rodriguez
{"title":"The plasticity of root traits and their effects on crop yield and yield stability","authors":"Dongxue Zhao, Peter de Voil, Victor O. Sadras, Jairo A. Palta, Daniel Rodriguez","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07185-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07185-6","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Context</h3><p>Phenotypic plasticity can be a valuable adaptation strategy for coping with environmental heterogeneity. There is limited information on the plasticity of root traits and their effect on yield and yield stability.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Objectives</h3><p>With a perspective of phenotypic plasticity, we focus on functional root traits associated to water uptake in field-grown sorghum to answer: (i) How do genetic (G), environmental (E) and management (M) factors and their interactions, affect the root traits? and (ii) How do root traits and their plasticity affect yield and yield stability?</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>A new high-throughput functional root phenotyping approach was used in G × E × M trials to quantify two root traits, maximum rooting depth (MxRD) and a root activity index (RAindex). Crop phenotypic plasticities were determined using the reaction norm method.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>The applied G × E × M treatments created plastic responses between the tested hybrids. There was a hierarchy of plasticities for the different traits studied i.e., grain number traits > root traits > grain weight traits. The plasticity of root traits was associated with the stability of grain yield traits. Hybrids with high root plasticity tend to have more stable grain numbers and grain weights.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>There is valuable genetic diversity in the mean value and plasticity of root traits that could be used to match root phenotypes to target production environments. Our root phenotyping approach can be a valuable tool for understanding the dynamic interactions between root function, root architecture and yield traits in the field under variable environments. </p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"83 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142928988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The response of soil organic carbon sequestration to organic materials addition in saline-alkali soil: from the perspective of soil aggregate structure and organic carbon component","authors":"Liuyu Zhang, Mengmeng Chen, Yutong Zong, Zeqiang Sun, Yuyi Li, Xiaodong Ding, Shirong Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07163-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07163-y","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Promoting soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is the key to improving soil quality. Adding organic materials is a common practice to promote SOC sequestration. However, the mechanism of SOC sequestration in saline-alkali soil with different organic materials addition is still unclear.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Field experiment was conducted: (1) Control, no fertilization; (2) NPK, only mineral fertilizer addition; (3) OF, NPK plus 2000 kg C ha<sup>-1</sup> addition of organic fertilizer; (4) MS, NPK plus 2000 kg C ha<sup>-1</sup> addition of maize straw.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Compared with NPK treatment, the mean weight diameter (MWD) in OF and MS treatments was increased by 23.08% and 11.54%, respectively, which was due to the reduction of exchangeable sodium saturation percentage. Exchangeable calcium and magnesium were positively correlated with MWD, and their contents in OF treatment were 6.89-32.05% higher than those in MS treatment. Meanwhile, MWD was positively correlated with SOC stock, and small macro-aggregates contributed the most to SOC. Compared with NPK treatment, the ratio of mineral-associated organic carbon to particular organic carbon in MS and OF treatments were increased by 34.06% and 80.88%, respectively. Exchangeable magnesium and calcium could bind with polysaccharide, carboxyl and phenol to form complex under organic materials addition. Hence, SOC stock in OF and MS treatments was increased by 14.18% and 6.38% compared to NPK treatment, respectively.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>The addition of organic materials improved the stability of aggregate structure and SOC pool in saline-alkali soil, thereby promoting SOC sequestration, in which organic fertilizer showed better effect.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142928990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chisel tillage and moderate nitrogen fertilization enhance maize straw decomposition through microbial and enzymatic synergy in wheat–maize system","authors":"Houping Zhang, Jinghua Zhang, Qian Zhang, Yuanpeng Zhu, Zhichen Zhao, Yuncheng Liao, Weiyan Wang, Hao Feng, Xiaoxia Wen","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07179-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07179-4","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>In the wheat–maize cropping system, the return of substantial maize straw to the field can hinder winter wheat germination and growth. This study aims to clarify the mechanisms that accelerate maize straw decomposition, thereby mitigating these effects.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>This study evaluated three tillage methods: zero tillage, chisel tillage, and plow tillage, and three nitrogen fertilization rates (180, 240, and 300 kg·N ha⁻<sup>1</sup>). It examined the relationships between straw decomposition rates and factors such as straw chemical composition, soil properties, enzyme activities, and microbial community.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>In this study, chisel tillage and 240 kg·N ha⁻<sup>1</sup> significantly improved soil properties and biological activity and promoted straw decomposition. The combination of chisel tillage and 240 kg N ha⁻<sup>1</sup> resulted in the highest rate of straw degradation of 52%. Chisel tillage significantly reduced easily degradable functional groups (methoxyl C and carbonyl C) and enhanced the activities of β-glucosidase, N-acetyl glucosaminidase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase, as well as fungal diversity (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Nitrogen fertilization further increased enzyme activity and the fungal Shannon index (<i>P</i> < 0.05). <i>Proteobacteria</i> and <i>Ascomycota</i> were dominant phyla during the decomposition process, with microbial dominant order shifts linked to decomposition stages, straw chemical structure, and soil conditions. <i>Proteobacteria</i> contributed primarily to hydrolase activity, while <i>Mortierellomycota</i> were closely related to oxidative enzymes.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>The finding reveals the principal drivers of maize straw decomposition and provide guidance for optimizing nitrogen fertilization strategies in conservation tillage systems to accelerate straw breakdown.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142928989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant and SoilPub Date : 2025-01-03DOI: 10.1007/s11104-024-07130-7
Muhammad Ishfaq, Nora Fung-Yee Tam, Tao Lang, Muzammil Hussain, Haichao Zhou
{"title":"Nitrogen-phosphorus conservation and trade-offs in mangroves","authors":"Muhammad Ishfaq, Nora Fung-Yee Tam, Tao Lang, Muzammil Hussain, Haichao Zhou","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07130-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07130-7","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and scope</h3><p>Mangroves distributed in intertidal zones along tropical and subtropical coastlines play key roles in nutrient cycling, energy transfer, and maintenance of ecosystem balance. The maintenance of mangroves’ high productivity and ecosystem functionality in nutrient-limited environmental conditions is very important. This paper comprehensively elucidates how mangroves sustain ecological balance and survive in nutrient-limited coastal environments.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods and results</h3><p>The foliar nitrogen and phosphorus (N-P) concentrations and N:P ratios in different mangrove plant species and regions of the world are summarized, and results show that 73.7% and 16.4% of mangrove plants are N- and P-deficient, respectively. A comprehensive overview on the strategies employed by mangrove plants to conserve N-P in both above- and below-ground components is discussed. These strategies include N-P resorption efficiency, in short NRE and PRE, respectively, N-P use efficiency, litter quality, soil microbial activity, and N-P turnover rate. All these strategies are influenced by N-P content and their interactions, as well as secondary metabolites such as total phenolics and tannins in leaf and litter. Published data reveal mangrove leaves have higher NRE (56.2%) than PRE (48.8%), and NRE positively relates to PRE. Nutrient uptake by mangrove plants and N-P availability under different conditions, particularly global warming, rising sea levels and elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) situations, are discussed. A framework for gaining in-depth and targeted understanding of the trade-offs associated with N-P in mangrove ecosystems is proposed.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>This comprehensive overview, based on the published results on N and P conservation and their trade-off in mangrove plants, provides useful information on ecological services and functioning of mangrove wetlands.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142917310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nutrient enrichment weakens the positive feedback of soil organic carbon decomposition to short-term warming in subtropical forests","authors":"Ming-Hui Meng, Chao Liang, Jin He, Zi-Yi Shi, Fu-Sheng Chen, Fang-Chao Wang, Xue-Li Jiang, Xiang-Min Fang","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07171-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07171-y","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition, along with climate warming, are key environmental factors driving soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in forests. The study aimed to explore the impact of N and P enrichment on soil respiration (SR) and its temperature sensitivity (Q<sub>10</sub>) under short-term warming, and to reveal the underlying microbial mechanisms.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>We collected soil samples from subtropical forests with 7 years of N and P additions, and conducted an incubation experiment at 15 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C. SR and its Q<sub>10</sub>, microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE), the Q<sub>10</sub> of soil extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) and extracellular enzyme stoichiometry (EES) were evaluated.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>N and P additions reduced the Q<sub>10</sub> of SR within the temperature interval of 15–25 °C (moderate environment, MoE), indicating that increased nutrient availability weakens the positive feedback of SOC decomposition to warming in the MoE. The Q<sub>10</sub> of SR in the MoE was positively correlated with the Q<sub>10</sub> of β-D-cellobiohydrolase, but not with the CUE or Q<sub>10</sub> of EES, indicating that the reaction of SOC decomposition to warming depends on changes in C cycle-related enzymes rather than microbial resource availability. N addition reduced SR at 25 °C and 35 °C, and the vector length and angle of EEAs were closely related to SR, suggesting that SR depends on microbial nutrient limitation.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Our study highlights the importance of the Q<sub>10</sub> of soil enzymes in predicting SOC dynamics under short-term warming. Nutrient enrichment will promote SOC sequestration under climate warming in moderate environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142911706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Maize shows intraspecific facilitation under phosphorus deficiency but competition under nitrogen deficiency when grown under increased plant densities in alkaline soil","authors":"Qi Shen, Jiatian Xiao, Liyang Wang, Jiguang Feng, Ying Chen, Biao Zhu, Haigang Li, Hans Lambers","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07188-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07188-3","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Neighbouring plants compete for resources in intensive cropping systems when the plant density is high. Most studies on plant density have focused on yield responses, whereas only few studies have paid attention to belowground root-soil-interactions. Knowledge about belowground responses to different plant densities under nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) limitation remains scant.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Two pot experiments were conducted in a glasshouse using a calcareous soil (pH 8.4). Five treatments were applied with different amounts of N or P and planted with different plant densities. Shoot and root biomass, and root morphological traits including total root length and proportions of root length in different diameter classes were examined in both the N and P experiment. Root physiological traits including rhizosheath pH, phosphatase activity and carboxylate concentration were measured in the P experiment.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Plant biomass, P content and total root length increased with increasing plant density in the P experiment, while plant biomass, N content and total root length decreased with increasing plant density in the N experiment. Maize with high plant density released carboxylates and phosphatases under P deficiency.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Growing in calcareous soil, maize showed a competition effect at increasing plant density under N limitation, but an intraspecific facilitation effect at increasing plant density under P limitation. This study shows that maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L. cv. ZD958) released carboxylates and phosphatases in response to high soil pH under P-limiting conditions. The findings of this work are important towards the sustainability of intensive cropping systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142917311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Microbial mediation of soil organic carbon fractions and its feedback to long-term climate change","authors":"Xinqi SiMa, Rui Fang, Zhenhua Yu, Yansheng Li, Xiaojing Hu, Haidong Gu, Caixian Tang, Judong Liu, Junjie Liu, Xiaobing Liu, Guanghua Wang, Ashley Franks, Kuide Yin, Jian Jin","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07184-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07184-7","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Understanding the long-term effects of elevated atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> (eCO<sub>2</sub>) and warming on soil organic carbon (SOC), along with the microbial mechanisms involved, is important for predicting SOC stability in the context of future climate change.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Open-top chambers were used to simulate an increase in the atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> concentration to 700 ppm (eCO<sub>2</sub>) and an air temperature of 2 °C above the ambient temperature (warming) in a six-year experiment to examine the effects of eCO<sub>2</sub> and warming on the SOC fractions and bacterial community diversity. Maize plants were grown in four major farming soils, namely, Phaeozem, Kastanozem, Fluvisol and Acrisol.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Six years of eCO<sub>2</sub> did not increase the SOC concentration in any soil but altered the distribution of the SOC fractions. In comparison, eCO<sub>2</sub> and warming decreased fine particulate organic C (fPOC) but increased the mineral-associated organic C (MOC) concentrations in Phaeozem and Kastanozem. In comparison, eCO<sub>2</sub> and warming significantly decreased the MOC in Fluvisol and tended to increase it in Acrisol. For Phaeozem, Kastanozem and Acrisol, fPOC was negatively correlated with MOC (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Warming altered the bacterial community composition in Kastanozem, Acrisol and Fluvisol. The increased abundance of <i>Aquicella</i> in Fluvisol under eCO<sub>2</sub> and warming was associated with accelerated MOC decomposition.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>Long-term eCO<sub>2</sub> and warming might not alter the SOC stock but affect the bacterial community, accelerating C turnover among different SOC pools. The decrease in the MOC fraction of Fluvisol raises concerns about the SOC sustainability of this soil under climate change.\u0000</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"72 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142917296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}