Plant and Soil最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the endophytic microbiome of maize leaves: roles in plant growth promotion and defense against Bipolaris maydis","authors":"Sudeepta Pattanayak, Vinod Chouhan, Bishnu Maya Bashyal, Pranab Kumar Mandal, Mohit Kumar, Robin Gogoi, Aundy Kumar","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07519-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07519-y","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>The growing global population, expected to reach 9.7 billion, is driving an increased demand for food production. While chemical crop protection is commonly used, concerns over its environmental impact and safety have shifted focus toward developing safer and more sustainable alternatives. Biological control of Maydis leaf blight (MLB) in maize, through naturally occurring endophytic bacteria from the phyllosphere, presents an eco-friendly option. The phyllosphere, home to diverse microbial communities collectively known as the phyllomicrobiome, holds significant potential for biocontrol strategies.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>The maize phyllomicrobiome was analyzed using both microbial metabarcoding and conventional microbiological techniques. Diversity analysis was conducted for both total and culturable microbiomes. Endophytic bacterial isolates were assessed for their functional potential, followed by field validation. The expression of maize candidate genes was analyzed using qPCR.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, ten distinct bacterial species were identified from the maize phyllosphere: <i>Alcaligenes</i> (2), <i>Brevundimonas</i> (2), <i>Pseudomonas</i> (3), <i>Microbacterium</i> (1), <i>Proteus</i> (1), and <i>Stenotrophomonas</i> (1). Over 50% of these isolates demonstrated significant inhibition of <i>Bipolaris maydis</i>, the causal agent of MLB, through the production of secretory or volatile metabolites. Among them, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, <i>Brevundimonas olei</i>, and <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> suppressed MLB symptoms by more than 60% <i>in planta</i>. These strains also exhibited strong plant growth promotion and nutrient solubilization activity.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>This study identifies promising endophytic bacteria, including <i>Stenotrophomonas</i>, <i>Brevundimonas</i>, and <i>Pseudomonas</i>, from the maize phyllosphere as potential sustainable solutions for enhancing maize health and productivity.\u0000</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"141 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144130316","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":"Fire severity strongly shapes soil enzyme activities in terrestrial ecosystems: insights from a meta-analysis","authors":"Hua Chai, Michelle C. Mack, Jie Li, Guiyao Zhou, Jing Wang, Ruiqiang Liu, Zhenggang Du, Hongyang Chen, Yanghui He, Guang Yang, Long Sun, Xuhui Zhou","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07552-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07552-x","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Fire has profound consequences for biogeochemical processes, largely mediated by soil enzyme activities (EAs). As climate-induced wildfire activity intensifies, understanding the influence of fire severity on soil EAs has become increasingly critical due to the dual role of fire in disrupting and restructuring ecosystem functions.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>In this study, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of fire severity on soil EAs with 368 field studies across 86 publications. Based on this, further analysis was conducted on the differences in soil EAs across ecosystems following varying fires severities. Additionally, the driving mechanisms of soil EAs in response to fires of different severities were explored.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>The results revealed that fire severity (low, moderate, and high) was the dominant factor influencing soil EAs, with increasingly negative effects observed along the gradient low- to high-severity fires. Among ecosystem type, forest and shrubland ecosystems exhibited greater sensitivity to fire severity, whereas grasslands showed comparatively minimal response. Fire effects on soil EAs were primarily driven by fire-induced reductions in soil microbial biomass and organic matter, with soil EAs showing a significant positive correlation to both variables. Notably, moderate-severity fires were associated with post-fire recovery, with soil EAs recovering and eventually exceeding pre-fire levels.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>This study provides critical insights into how fire severity shapes soil EAs, advancing our understanding of soil functional dynamics and ecosystem recovery following fire disturbances. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the development of ecosystem restoration strategies to mitigate the impacts of fire severity.\u0000</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144130310","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":"UV radiation accelerates litter decomposition and nutrient release in a valley-type savanna by enhancing microbial community diversity and function","authors":"Chengjie Gao, Tianyang Zhang, Yongzhong Cui, Kai Cui","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07549-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07549-6","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is increasingly recognized as a key driver of litter decomposition and nutrient cycling, particularly in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. However, its role in shaping microbial communities and litter decomposition in valley-type savannas with extreme environmental conditions remains poorly understood.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>A 15-month field experiment was conducted in a dry-hot valley, using UV-transparent and UV-blocking treatments to assess litter decomposition rates, chemical changes, microbial diversity, and functional pathways. High-throughput sequencing and functional predictions were employed to analyze microbial responses.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>UV radiation accelerated litter decomposition, increasing mass loss by 48.11% and decomposition rate constants by 60%. It promoted the breakdown of recalcitrant compounds, such as lignin and cellulose, enhancing the release of key nutrients like carbon and nitrogen. Microbial community composition shifted under UV exposure, favoring stress-tolerant taxa such as Sordariomycetes and Alphaproteobacteria. Functional predictions revealed upregulation of pathways related to oxidative stress response, DNA repair, and aromatic compound degradation. Strong positive correlations were observed between microbial diversity, stress-tolerant microbial phenotypes, such as aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria, and increased decomposition rates, suggesting that microbial community diversity and function mediate UV-driven decomposition processes.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>Our findings highlight the dual role of UV radiation as both a driver of photodegradation and a modulator of microbial community dynamics, emphasizing its importance in shaping nutrient cycling processes. This study provides critical insights into abiotic and biotic interactions in litter decomposition and underscores the need to incorporate UV radiation effects into ecological management strategies for valley-type savannas.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144130309","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":"Phosphogypsum and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles synergistically mitigate cadmium contamination and promote maize growth in wastewater-irrigated alkaline soil","authors":"Khadiga Alharbi, Yan Gao, Essam Elatafi, Alaa El-Dein Omara, Samir I. Gadow, Hany S. Osman, Tarek Alshaal, Emadelden Rashwan, Emad M. Hafez","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07469-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07469-5","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Maize (Zea mays L.), a critical crop for global food security, is indispensable for livestock feed and human consumption. However, the prolonged use of cadmium-contaminated wastewater for irrigation, particularly in alkaline soil, can cause soil degradation and poses a significant threat to crop production.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>The study tested the combined application of 10 t ha^-1 PG and 25 mg L^-1 BioSeNPs on maize plants cultivated in Cd-contaminated alkaline soils. Comprehensive assessments were conducted on soil chemical properties, enzymatic activities, plant physiological responses, and nutrient content in leaves.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>The co-application of PG and BioSeNPs significantly reduced Cd bioavailability in the soil and its accumulation in maize roots, shoots, and grains. Soil Cd levels decreased by 33.01%, accompanied by enhanced soil enzymatic activities and improved soil respiration. Physiological stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), were reduced by 34.61%. Additionally, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthetic rate increased by 54.23%, 54.28%, and 93.80%, respectively. The nutritional content of essential elements—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and selenium (Se)—in maize leaves also showed substantial improvements.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>The combined application of PG and BioSeNPs effectively mitigated Cd contamination and enhanced soil health and maize growth. This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution for managing alkaline soils irrigated with Cd-contaminated wastewater.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144123082","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":"Corn and soybean root traits improved by preceding perennial forage crops","authors":"Kassandra Pelletier, Marie-Noëlle Thivierge, Martin H. Chantigny, Gilles Bélanger, Émilie Maillard, Denis A. Angers, Chantal Lachance, Anne Vanasse, Caroline Halde","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07532-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07532-1","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Benefits for soil health associated with crop rotations can improve plant aboveground biomass, although the effect on root traits is unclear. The aim of this study was to measure the legacy effect of crop rotations typical of dairy farms on root traits of subsequent forage corn (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) and soybean (<i>Glycine max</i> [L.] Merr.).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>On a silty clay in eastern Canada, six rotations were compared, varying in crop species (perennials and/or annuals) and fertilizer sources (dairy cattle slurry and/or mineral fertilizer) for 5 years. Roots of subsequent corn and soybean were sampled by coring (0–45 cm), washed, and digitized for image analysis.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Crop rotations including perennial crops rather than only annual crops resulted in greater total net annual productivity in corn (+ 20%) and soybean (+ 21%), corn root biomass (+ 31%) and length density (+ 106%), and proportion of fine roots. Compared to the alfalfa-grass mixture, grass-only mixtures resulted in a greater corn root biomass (+ 23%) and length density (+ 54%). A longer duration (5 vs. 3 years) of the alfalfa-grass mixture improved corn root length density (+ 37%) and corn and soybean fine root proportion at depth, suggesting benefits from maintaining perennial forage stands over time. Mineral fertilizer versus slurry improved root traits of subsequent corn and soybean when applied to perennial but not annual crops.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Our results highlight the positive response of corn and soybean root traits to the presence, species composition, and duration of perennial forage crops, extending further their benefits within rotations.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"41 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144123129","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":"Bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of common bean and maize respond distinctly to water deficit","authors":"Gelza Carliane Marques Teixeira, Renato de Mello Prado, Carlos Vital Gonzalez-Porras, Patrícia Messias Ferreira, Lívia Tálita da Silva Carvalho, Sandra Mara Barbosa Rocha, Romario Costa Martins, Thâmara Kelly dos Santos Apollo Souza, Janderson Moura da Silva, Marcos Renan Lima Leite, Rafael de Souza Miranda, Arthur Prudêncio de Araújo Pereira, Lucas William Mendes, Erika Valente de Medeiros, Francisco de Alcântara Neto, Ademir Sérgio Ferreira Araujo","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07562-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07562-9","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Water deficit induces changes in root traits, which can vary across plant species, while drive the bacterial community in the rhizosphere. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of moderate water deficit on rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with maize and common bean.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>A field experiment was conducted to compare two water regimes based on the soil’s water retention capacity (WRC): a no-deficit condition (80% WRC) and a moderate water deficit (40% WRC). We evaluated the structure, composition, and co-occurrence networks of rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with both plant species.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Water deficit significantly altered the structure of bacterial communities which differed between plant species. In maize, community structure exhibited minimal changes, whereas in common bean, pronounced shifts were observed under water deficit. In maize rhizosphere, Actinobacteriota was more abundant under no-deficit, while Proteobacteria increased under water deficit. In contrast, the common bean rhizosphere showed no significant changes in phylum abundance between water regimes. For both plant species, more bacterial taxa were enriched under no-deficit; however, distinct taxa were enriched under water deficit. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed lower nodes (182) and edges (740) in the maize rhizosphere under water deficit, while the number of edges increased in common bean. Generalist taxa dominated the rhizosphere of common bean (18.1%), while specialist taxa were more prevalent in maize, particularly under no-deficit conditions (24.3%).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Bacterial communities in the maize rhizosphere remained stable under water deficit. In contrast, the rhizosphere of common bean exhibited enhanced microbial interactions under water deficit.\u0000</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144123079","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":"Plant-soil feedback from non-native communities increases pine invasion and re-invasion potential","authors":"Joanna L. Green, Lauren P. Waller, Warwick J. Allen, Kate H. Orwin, Pieter B. Pelser, Simeon Smaill, Ian A. Dickie","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07528-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07528-x","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Individual plants and plant communities leave legacies in the soil that influence the future growth and success of subsequent plants grown in those soils However, direct tests of plant community legacies are rare. Understanding these is especially relevant for sites where invasion or re-invasion of non-native plants threatens restoration success.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>We used soils modified by experimental plant communities to test which aspects of plant community structure create legacies that affect the initial growth and mycorrhizal community of <i>Pinus contorta,</i> a common invasive pine species in the Southern Hemisphere. These plant communities varied in several factors including presence of <i>Pinus</i> species and the proportion of other non-native species, nitrogen-fixers, and grasses.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p><i>Pinus contorta</i> seedlings grew largest in soils that were previously conditioned by <i>Pinus</i> individuals and by soils conditioned by communities of other non-native plants, or grasses. Ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity on <i>P. contorta</i> roots was 19.7% less in soil with a <i>Pinus</i> legacy than in soil without <i>Pinus</i> legacy. Fungal communities were generally one of three types: dominated by <i>Wilcoxina,</i> or <i>Inocybe,</i> or without a dominant fungal taxon.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Our results demonstrate that legacy effects of plant communities on the diversity of mutualistic fungi and soil abiotic conditions can change the growth of <i>P. contorta</i> seedlings. This suggests some restoration sites, and particularly those with a previous history of <i>Pinus</i> species or high percentage of grasses or other non-native species, could be more vulnerable to invasion or reinvasion by <i>P. contorta.</i>\u0000</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"140 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144123080","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":"Synergistic enhancement of water deficit resilience in lentil (Lens culinaris) through silicon application and non-rhizobial bacterial co-inoculation","authors":"Kimia Kankia, Hassan Etesami, Hossein Ali Alikhani","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07564-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07564-7","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Drought stress significantly impacts crop yields and food security, particularly for legumes like lentil (<i>Lens culinaris</i>), which depend on symbiotic relationships for nitrogen fixation. This study investigated the synergistic impacts of silicon (Si) and plant growth-promoting non-rhizobial bacteria on enhancing drought resilience in the lentil plant with its symbiotic partner.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>We isolated multiple rhizobial and non-rhizobial bacterial strains from lentil nodules and the rhizosphere. We characterized their seed germination rates, drought tolerance, and plant growth-promoting metabolites. Additionally, we investigated the effects of these isolates—both individually and in combination with varying concentrations of Si—on nodulation, as well as the morphological, physiological, and nutritional parameters of lentil plants under water deficit stress.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>The results demonstrated that co-inoculation of lentils with selected non-rhizobial strains, alongside Si application, significantly improved plant height, root length, biomass, and nodule formation under simulated water deficit conditions. Specifically, treatments including Si markedly increased nutrient uptake, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, thereby enhancing overall plant health. Physiological assessments revealed that combined treatments reduced oxidative stress markers, such as proline and malondialdehyde, improving leaf relative water content and mitigating the adverse effects of water deficit stress. Molecular identification of effective bacterial isolates (<i>Rhizobium leguminosarum</i> E10, <i>Pseudomonas helmanticensis</i> Rh23, and <i>Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis</i> Rh32) showed their potential roles in promoting plant growth and symbiotic efficiency.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>These findings highlight the potential of integrating Si fertilization and beneficial microbial inoculants in sustainable agricultural practices to improve lentil cultivation under drought conditions. This study emphasizes a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for enhancing the resilience of legumes, thus contributing to food security in the face of climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144113849","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":"Calcium salt anion toxicity: Cl- and NO3- differently inhibit Ceratostigma willmottianum photosynthesis","authors":"Cailei Liu, Xuan Liu, Qinxiao Zeng, Ting Lei, Long Guo, Jiani Li, Lijuan Yang, Qibing Chen, Suping Gao","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07548-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07548-7","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Calcium salts are prevalent in soils, and excessive amounts of these salts can subject crops to abiotic stress, leading to yield reduction or death. While the effects of Ca²⁺ in calcium salt stress have been widely reported, the role of the anions remains unclear.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>The response of the calcium-secreting plant <i>Ceratostigma willmottianum</i> to five (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mM) equimolar concentrations (also iso-osmotic) of Ca(NO₃)₂ and CaCl₂ in terms of growth, morpho-anatomy, photosynthesis, physiology and biochemistry, and ion content was evaluated.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Plants were more sensitive to CaCl₂ than to equal concentrations of Ca(NO₃)₂, which caused more severe water deficit, oxidative damage, and inhibition of photosynthesis and growth. The CaCl₂ sensitivity may be related to the toxicity of Cl^-, which accumulates in large amounts in leaves (661–2149 mM); however, under the Ca(NO₃)₂ treatments, the leaf NO₃^- concentrations were 42–210 mM. Cl^- inhibited chlorophyll synthesis and accelerated chlorophyll degradation, leading to photosystem disruption, and its inhibition of photosynthesis may involve both stomatal and nonstomatal limitation. In contrast, NO₃^- was not ionotoxic but rather promoted nitrogen assimilation and chlorophyll synthesis. The inhibition of photosynthesis by 100–200 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ originated mainly from stomatal limitation triggered by osmotic water loss. In addition, the Ca²⁺ secretion rate increased under calcium salt stress, which may represent a strategy for adaptation to high-calcium environments.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>The present study provides valuable information for a comprehensive understanding of calcium salt injury mechanisms and plant adaptation to high-calcium environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144123078","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":"Organic fertilization sustains high maize yields in acid soils through the cooperation of rhizosphere microbes and plants","authors":"Jia Lin Wang, Kai Lou Liu, Qiu Fang Xu, Ren Fang Shen, Xue Qiang Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07531-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07531-2","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Continuous chemical fertilization is threatening acid soil sustainable use because of soil acidification aggravation and microbial function destruction, whereas organic fertilization has the potential to overcome these shortcomings. However, the mechanisms underlying sustainable crop production under organic fertilization in acid soils are largely unknown. A multi-omics approach provides the opportunity for a comprehensive and deep understanding of how organic fertilization sustains acid soil productivity.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>We examined maize yield, mineral nutrition, leaf transcriptome and metabolome, rhizosphere microbiome, and soil fertility in a 25-year acid soil field trial including four fertilization treatments: a control without fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and combined chemical and organic fertilizers.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>This long-term fertilizer trial revealed that applying organic fertilizer sustained high maize yields over 25 years compared with chemical fertilizer. Organic fertilization improved soil fertility and maize mineral nutrition especially phosphorus by enhancing the cooperation between the rhizosphere microbiome and the maize transcriptome and metabolome. Identified microbial keystone taxa, plant functional genes, and metabolites differing between organic and chemical fertilizers were mostly associated with the phosphorus cycle, suggesting that phosphorus is a major contributor to sustained high productivity resulting from organic fertilization.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Organic fertilization sustains high maize yields in acid soils through the cooperation of rhizosphere microbes and plants. Phosphorus is the key contributor to acid soil sustainable use under organic fertilization. These findings have important implications for optimizing fertilization regimes in acid soils, ultimately contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability.\u0000</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144113855","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}