A novel approach for utilizing wild plant resources in green agricultural production: A case study of preparing agricultural Jiaosu from Humulus scandens

Wild plant resources possess significant potential for green agricultural production, yet their utilization pathways remain limited. As an eco-friendly technology, agricultural Jiaosu (AJ) offers a promising approach to enhance sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the feasibility of preparing AJ from wild plants. Five species—Humulus scandens, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Rumex dentatus, Euphorbia helioscopia, and Portulaca oleracea—were processed into AJ, which exhibited abundant organic matter and mineral nutrients. Using Humulus scandens AJ as a representative example, the AJ solution contained rich organic substances, including rhamnose (543.9 mg/L), tyrosine (178.3 mg/L), methionine (110.1 mg/L), alanine (105.9 mg/L), acetic acid (9.0 g/L), butyric acid (6.6 g/L), lactic acid (4.9 g/L), along with phytohormones such as auxin (191.9 μg/L), salicylic acid (167.0 μg/L), and jasmonic acid (123.4 μg/L). Comparative trials with 1/2 Hoagland solution (CK) demonstrated that Humulus scandens AJ application achieved comparable effects on pakchoi growth and nutritional quality. Notably, AJ treatment enhanced root development and increased vitamin C, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and total phenolics compared to the control. Mechanistic analysis indicated that AJ application contributed to cultivate soil fertility by elevating soil organic matter, mineral nutrient, and enzymatic activities, altering soil secondary metabolites and restructuring microbial communities. Comprehensive analysis identified 22 environmental factors significantly influencing soil microbiota; AJ could directly or indirectly improve soil ecological conditions to enhance pakchoi root development and quality formation. This study demonstrated that AJ technology could effectively convert wild plants, including undesirable species, into valuable agricultural inputs. By restructuring soil microecosystems, AJ promoted sustainable agricultural development.