Journal Description
Agronomy
Agronomy
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on agronomy and agroecology published monthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society of Plant Physiology (SEFV) is affiliated with Agronomy and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q1 (Agronomy and Crop Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Agronomy include: Seeds, Agrochemicals, Grasses and Crops.
Impact Factor:
3.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Effects of Microbial Inoculants Combined with Chemical Fertilizer on Growth and Soil Nutrient Dynamics of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.)
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051016 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Microbial inoculants derived from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers, maintaining microbiota balance in agricultural systems. However, limited research has explored the combined effects of microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizers on crop growth and soil properties. In this
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Microbial inoculants derived from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers, maintaining microbiota balance in agricultural systems. However, limited research has explored the combined effects of microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizers on crop growth and soil properties. In this study, we investigated seven fertilizer combinations, ranging from no fertilizer to various proportions of chemical fertilizers with microbial inoculants, on timothy (Phleum pratense L.) growth, chlorophyll content, soil properties, enzyme activities, and soil microbial communities. A randomized block design was employed to analyze these effects. The results indicate that the combination of 85% chemical fertilizer with microbial inoculants significantly increased timothy yield and chlorophyll content. In addition, a reduction to 55% chemical fertilizer in conjunction with microbial inoculants resulted in comparable yield to that of 100% fertilizer with no inoculants. The microbial inoculants treatments notably elevated soil catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, and invertase activities, along with soil fast-acting nutrient content. The sequencing results show that the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased, while that of fungi decreased in the soil rhizosphere after the application of microbial inoculants. This study underscored the potential of microbial inoculants combined with reductions in chemical fertilizers to enhance soil microbiology, nutrient content, and beneficial microbial abundance while suppressing pathogenic fungi, thereby promoting timothy growth and yield. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of microbial inoculants in sustainable agricultural practices, providing valuable insights for optimizing microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizer formulations to mitigate the sustainability challenges posed by conventional fertilizers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grassland and Pasture Science)
Open AccessArticle
Applying Hydrochar Affects Soil Carbon Dynamics by Altering the Characteristics of Soil Aggregates and Microbes
by
Ting Yan, Zherui Zhang, Zhe Zhang, Wenzan Wang, Dong Li, Tao Zhang and Zhiping Zhu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051015 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Hydrochar as a carbon-based fertiliser is hypothesised to permanently improve soils by modifying soil carbon quality through the regulation of soil organic carbon dynamics, aggregation properties and microbial diversity. However, the interactions between soil organic carbon (SOC) molecular structure, soil aggregates and soil
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Hydrochar as a carbon-based fertiliser is hypothesised to permanently improve soils by modifying soil carbon quality through the regulation of soil organic carbon dynamics, aggregation properties and microbial diversity. However, the interactions between soil organic carbon (SOC) molecular structure, soil aggregates and soil microbial communities as a result of hydrochar application have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the use of hydrochar derived from duck farm biomass waste for a maize cultivation experiment verified that hydrochar had a promoting effect on maize growth, effectively increasing the nutrient supply to the soil. The application of hydrochar increased the soil organic carbon content by 78 to 253 per cent, which was dominated by CHON-type lignin, carbohydrates and condensed aromatic structural compounds. Meanwhile, hydrochar had a significant effect on both soil aromatic structures and oxygenated functional groups, forming more soil macroaggregates. In addition, hydrochar had a positive effect on soil bacterial abundance. This study suggests that the key mechanism by which hydrochar regulates soil carbon dynamics is mainly through the stabilising effect of hydrochar on macroaggregates while increasing the abundance of carbon-related microscopic bacteria. These results will help to elucidate the potential effects of aqueous carbon on the biogeochemical cycling of carbon in soils.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Effects of Long-Term Rice–Crayfish Coculture Systems on Soil Nutrients, Carbon Pools, and Rice Yields in Northern Zhejiang Province, China
by
Baojun Wang, Hongmei Zhang, Gui Chen, Wangda Cheng and Yaqiang Shen
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051014 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This research was to examine the impacts of long-term integrated rice–crayfish farming on soil nutrients, carbon pools, and rice yields in paddy fields. The aim was to establish a scientific basis for the sustainable development of RS in the northern region of Zhejiang.
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This research was to examine the impacts of long-term integrated rice–crayfish farming on soil nutrients, carbon pools, and rice yields in paddy fields. The aim was to establish a scientific basis for the sustainable development of RS in the northern region of Zhejiang. The results showed that the change from rice monoculture (CK) to rice–crayfish coculture systems (RS) led to a 24.99% increase in the 5-year average of soil ammonium nitrogen (AN), while the soil nitrate nitrogen (NN), available potassium (AK), and available phosphorus content (AP) decreased by 28.02%, 16.05%, and 28.76%, respectively. Moreover, the total organic carbon (TOC), easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) exhibited a reduction of 2.45%, 8.82%, 35.31%, and 65.84%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between NN, EOC, and MBC in the RS mode. In terms of rice yield, the 5-year average of rice yield in RS decreased by 8.40% compared to CK. The mean yield of early-maturing rice varieties was reduced by 13.16%, while that of late-maturing rice varieties was reduced by 6.00%. These results shed light on the annual variation in soil nutrients, carbon pools, and rice yield in the RS mode, providing insights for the sustainable development of RS in northern Zhejiang.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Agrotechnical Factors and Farming Systems on Soil Properties and Plant Productivity)
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Claroideoglomus etunicatum Fungus on the Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants under Boron Toxicity and Salt Stress
by
Mehdi Zarei, Narges Abdar, Amir Ghaffar Shahriari, Iman Mirmazloum and András Geösel
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051013 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Soil salinity is an emerging phenomenon threatening arid and semiarid areas due to changing climatic events. Salinity, in combination with other elemental contaminants, can often harm crop performance and productivity. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the mitigating effect of Claroideoglomus etunicatum,
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Soil salinity is an emerging phenomenon threatening arid and semiarid areas due to changing climatic events. Salinity, in combination with other elemental contaminants, can often harm crop performance and productivity. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the mitigating effect of Claroideoglomus etunicatum, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), on combined boron (B) toxicity and salt stress symptoms in maize plants. After the stress and AMF treatments, plants were subjected to a wide range of analyses, such as AMF colonization rates, ion leakage, plant biomass, and concentration of B, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in root and shoot tissues. The results showed that the combined stress did not affect the AMF colonization rate. AMF inoculation significantly increased plant biomass, the K+/Na+ ratio, and shoot B, sodium, and copper concentrations, but reduced root B concentrations and ion leakage. AMF inoculation slightly increased root dry weight and the sodium, potassium, zinc, copper and Mn contents in shoots under combined B and salinity stress, while AMF reduced the electrolyte leakage in leaves. It is inferred that AMF can ameliorate B toxicity in maize by improving biomass and reducing B concentration in plant tissues. Our research implies that C. etunicatum could be a valuable candidate for assisting in the remediation of boron-contaminated and saline soils.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
Open AccessArticle
Soil Amendment Combining Bentonite and Maize Straw Improves Soil Quality Cropped to Oat in a Semi-Arid Region
by
Lanying Zhang, Junzhen Mi, Baoping Zhao, Xuemei Cui, Kexin Hu, Neil B. McLaughlin and Jinghui Liu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051012 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Soil amendments have been proposed as an effective way to enhance soil carbon stocks on degraded soils, particularly in dryland farming areas. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in improving soil quality, and soil aggregates are known to be crucial in
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Soil amendments have been proposed as an effective way to enhance soil carbon stocks on degraded soils, particularly in dryland farming areas. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in improving soil quality, and soil aggregates are known to be crucial in sequestering and protecting SOC. However, how aggregation and protection of SOC by aggregates respond to a single application of bentonite combined with maize straw remains unknown, especially in the sandy soil of a semi-arid region. A three-year field experiment with four treatments [no amendment (CK), maize straw amendment addition only (T1, 6 Mg ha–1), bentonite amendment addition only (T2, 18 Mg ha–1), and maize straw combined with bentonite amendment (T3, 6 Mg ha–1 maize straw plus 18 Mg ha–1 bentonite)] was conducted in the Loess Plateau of China to assess the effects of bentonite and maize straw on aggregation and SOC. The results indicated that soil bulk density decreased by 2.72–5.42%, and soil porosity increased by 3.38–8.77% with three years of T3 application, especially in the 20–40 cm layer, compared with CK. T3 increased the amount of C input, SOC stock, and SOC stock sequestration rate by 1.04 Mg ha−1 y−1, 0.84–1.08 Mg ha−1, and 0.49 Mg ha−1 y−1, respectively, and it increased the mass proportions and aggregate-associated C stock of >0.25 mm aggregates by 1.15–2.51- and 1.59–2.96-fold compared with CK. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of total SOC stock with the C concentration of >2 mm, 0.25–2 mm, and 0.053–0.25 mm aggregates. Aggregates of various sizes in sandy soils have the potential for greater SOC stock. Our findings suggest that the application of maize straw (6 Mg ha–1) combined with bentonite (18 Mg ha–1) would be an effective management strategy to enhance the bulk soil C pools by improving the soil structure and thereby improving soil fertility.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Organic Amendments in Agricultural Production—Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
Calibration and Verification of Discrete Element Parameters of Surface Soil in Camellia Oleifera Forest
by
Xueting Ma, Yong You, Deqiu Yang, Decheng Wang, Yunting Hui, Daoyi Li and Haihua Wu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051011 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
To analyze the interaction between the surface soil and the soil-contacting component (65 Mn) in the camellia oleifera forest planting area in Changsha City, Hunan, China, in this study, we conducted discrete element calibration using physical and simulation tests. The chosen contact model
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To analyze the interaction between the surface soil and the soil-contacting component (65 Mn) in the camellia oleifera forest planting area in Changsha City, Hunan, China, in this study, we conducted discrete element calibration using physical and simulation tests. The chosen contact model was Hertz–Mindlin with JKR cohesion, with the soil repose angle as the response variable. The repose angle of the soil was determined to be 36.03° based on the physical tests. The significant influencing factors of the repose angle determined based on the Plackett–Burman test were the soil–soil recovery coefficient, soil–soil rolling friction coefficient, soil-65 Mn static friction coefficient, and surface energy of soil for the JKR model. A regression model for the repose angle was developed using the Box–Behnken response surface optimization method to identify the best parameter combination. The optimal parameter combination for the JKR model was determined as follows: surface energy of soil: 0.400, soil–soil rolling friction coefficient: 0.040, soil-65 Mn static friction coefficient: 0.404, and soil–soil recovery coefficient: 0.522. The calibrated discrete element parameters were validated through experiments on the repose angle and steel rod insertion. The results indicated that the relative errors obtained from the two verification methods were 2.44% and 1.71%, respectively. This research offers fundamental insights for understanding the interaction between soil and soil-contacting components and optimizing their design.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Crop Simulation Modelling)
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Management on Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Drip-Irrigated Sugar Beet in Arid Areas
by
Jixia Su, Hongliang Zhou, Kaiyong Wang, Hua Fan and Zhenan Hou
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051010 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Clarifying the optimal combination of N fertilizer application rate and application method can maximize the yield of drip-irrigated sugar beet in arid areas, which is of great significance for reducing farmland N pollution and achieving sustainable agricultural development. In this three-year field experiment
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Clarifying the optimal combination of N fertilizer application rate and application method can maximize the yield of drip-irrigated sugar beet in arid areas, which is of great significance for reducing farmland N pollution and achieving sustainable agricultural development. In this three-year field experiment in Xinjiang, China, the effects of three N application rates [75 kg ha−1 (N1), 150 kg ha−1 (N2), and 225 kg ha−1 (N3)] and three N application methods [the proportion of N applied at canopy rapid growth stage, taproot expansion stage, and sugar accumulation stage were (M1) 100%: 0%: 0%, (M2) 70%: 30%: 0%, and (M3) 50%: 30%: 20%] on the dry matter accumulation (DMA) and distribution, leaf senescence, yield, and agronomic N use efficiency (aNUE) of drip-irrigated sugar beet were explored. The results showed that N application (N1, N2, and N3 treatments) increased the shoot DMA by 27.7% (three-year average), 52.6%, and 83.1%, and the taproot DMA by 28.3%, 43.2%, and 61.6%, respectively (p < 0.05), compared with CK (no N supply) treatment. The N application methods M2 and M3 increased the shoot DMA by 5.6% (three-year average) and 1.0% (p > 0.05), respectively, and the taproot DMA by 7.2% and 3.6% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with M1. In addition, M2 could delay the end of shoot and taproot growth (te) and the occurrence of maximum growth rate (tm). In particular, the N3M2 treatment increased the leaf area index (LAI) by 20.4–75.9% (p < 0.05) compared with other treatments by increasing the leaf area duration (LAD) and decreasing the leaf senescence rate (LSR). The taproot yield and sugar yield of N3M2 treatment reached the maximum at harvest time, but there was no significant difference in taproot yield and sugar yield between N3M2 treatment and N2M2 treatment. The aNUE in N2M2 treatment was the highest (p < 0.05), which was 1.29–7.85 times higher than that of other treatments. Therefore, reducing the N application rate from 225 kg·ha−1 to 150 kg·ha−1 and applying 70% and 30% of 150 kg N ha−1 at the canopy rapid growth stage and the taproot expansion stage, respectively, could achieve the goal of increasing sugar beet yield and N use efficiency. This study will provide an important reference for the sustainable production of sugar beet under drip irrigation in Xinjiang, China.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Yield and Quality Response to Cultivation Practices - Series II)
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Open AccessArticle
Mitigating Effect of Exogenous Melatonin on Salt and Drought Stress in Cyperus esculentus L. during the Tillering Stage
by
Ningning Wang, Xuemei Luo, Zhen Wang and Jianguo Liu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051009 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Drought and salt stress are important limiting factors that affect crop growth and yield. As a newly recognized plant hormone, melatonin can participate in the regulation of plant stress tolerance and enhance the tolerance of plants to adversity. In this study, the effects
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Drought and salt stress are important limiting factors that affect crop growth and yield. As a newly recognized plant hormone, melatonin can participate in the regulation of plant stress tolerance and enhance the tolerance of plants to adversity. In this study, the effects of melatonin (150 µmol·L−1) on agronomic traits, osmotic adjustment substances, antioxidant enzyme activities, and reactive oxygen species content in C. esculentus under different salt (0 and 200 mmol·L−1 NaCl), drought (70% field capacity, 50% field capacity), and salt–drought (200 mmol·L−1 NaCl + 50% field capacity) stress conditions were determined using a pot experiment. Spraying with 150 µmol·L−1 of melatonin effectively improved the plant height, number of blades, biomass, and root growth of C. esculentus seedlings under salt, drought, and combined stress. In addition, this treatment also increased the relative water content, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities, and soluble sugar content of the blades and decreased the relative electroconductivity conductivity and proline, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion contents. A comprehensive analysis showed that spraying the plants with exogenous melatonin could increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the accumulation of osmotic adjustment substances in C. esculentus blades under salt and drought stress, effectively remove excessive reactive oxygen species, alleviate oxidative damage, and enhance the ability of C. esculentus to resist salt and drought stress.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)
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Open AccessArticle
Phosphate-Solubilizing Microorganisms Stimulate Physiological Responses of Perennial Ryegrass to Phosphorus Deficiency with Assistance of Straw Compost
by
Chunkai Li, Zhaojuan Zheng, Yexin Zhao, Hongxin Wang, Peng Li, Jingjing Xu, Jiaguo Jiao, Li Xu, Feng Hu and Huixin Li
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051008 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Biofertilizers with phosphate-solubilizing microorganism (PSM) inoculations have been suggested to diminish the limitation of phosphorus (P) deficiency in plants. However, their applications in agriculture are restricted due to the inconstant effects of various PSMs. Proper carriers for the inoculations may overcome this shortcoming
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Biofertilizers with phosphate-solubilizing microorganism (PSM) inoculations have been suggested to diminish the limitation of phosphorus (P) deficiency in plants. However, their applications in agriculture are restricted due to the inconstant effects of various PSMs. Proper carriers for the inoculations may overcome this shortcoming and improve PSMs’ effectiveness. The objective of this study was to investigate whether straw compost, a type of organic material, can act as a carrier for improving the efficiencies of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and fungi named Acinetobacter sp. and Aspergillus niger, respectively, in soils. We monitored the growth and cellular physiological responses of one type of model plants, named perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), under four soil treatments, including non-fertilization, PSM inoculation alone, straw compost addition alone, and the combined applications of both PSMs and straw compost. We found the combined treatments significantly improved the growth by 14.7% for shoot height and 79.7% for shoot weight, respectively, on average. P and potassium (K) uptakes of ryegrass were also increased by 102.5% and 65.3%, respectively, after the application of both PSMs and straw compost. Furthermore, physiological properties, such as photosynthetic efficiency and P-transportation capacity, of ryegrass were also significantly improved under combined treatments when compared to other treatments, regardless of the types of PSM included. The piecewise structural equation model further indicated that PSM inoculation and straw compost input are synergistically contributing to the nutrient uptake of ryegrass through many direct and indirect ways. We propose that straw compost is a good carrier material for PSMs’ survival and would improve their plant growth promotion ability in soil. Our results provide valuable insights into the exploitation and utilization of P-biofertilizers in agriculture.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Ecological Remediation and Farming Sustainability—Volume II)
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Long-Term Fertilizer Application on Crop Yield Stability and Water Use Efficiency in Diversified Planting Systems
by
Nana Li, Tao Li, Jianfu Xue, Gaimei Liang and Xuefang Huang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051007 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Exploring crop yield stability and the relationship between the water–fertilizer effect and annual precipitation type in a broomcorn millet–potato–spring corn rotation system under long-term fertilization on chestnut cinnamon soil in loess tableland can provide a scientific basis for rational fertilization in the northwest
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Exploring crop yield stability and the relationship between the water–fertilizer effect and annual precipitation type in a broomcorn millet–potato–spring corn rotation system under long-term fertilization on chestnut cinnamon soil in loess tableland can provide a scientific basis for rational fertilization in the northwest Shanxi region in years with different precipitation. This study was based on a 33-year long-term fertilizer experiment, using four fertilizer treatments: no fertilizer as control (CT), single fertilizer nitrogen (N), single organic fertilizer (M), and nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer (NM). The results showed that broomcorn millet and maize had the highest yield in wet years, while potatoes had the highest yield in normal years and the yield under NM treatment was the highest. The sustainable yield index (SYI) values for potato and maize were higher than the SYI for the broomcorn millet during years with different precipitation and the SYI for the NM treatment was the highest. The water use efficiency of NM treatment was the highest. The yield of broomcorn millet and maize was affected by nitrogen fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and precipitation during the growth period, while the potato yield was mainly affected by nitrogen fertilizer and organic fertilizer. Therefore, the rotation of potato–maize and the rational allocation of organic and inorganic fertilizer (NM) is the best planting system in this region.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fertigation Effects on Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency for Agro-Crop Plants)
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Open AccessArticle
Water-Use Characteristics of Wheat–Maize Rotation System as Affected by Nitrogen Application Rate in North China Plain
by
Jingtao Qin, Xichao Fan, Xiaosen Wang, Mingliang Jiang and Mouchao Lv
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051006 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Reducing the nitrogen (N) application rate and improving water-use efficiency (WUE) are extremely important for sustainable agricultural development in wheat–maize rotation systems in the North China Plain (NCP). We conducted a three-year experiment to investigate the effects of the N application rate on
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Reducing the nitrogen (N) application rate and improving water-use efficiency (WUE) are extremely important for sustainable agricultural development in wheat–maize rotation systems in the North China Plain (NCP). We conducted a three-year experiment to investigate the effects of the N application rate on the water-use characteristics of wheat–maize rotation systems in the NCP. The experiment consisted of four N application rates: 250, 167, 84, and 0 kg hm−2, denoted by N3, N2, N1, and N0, respectively. The results showed the following: For the 0–60 cm soil layer, N deficiency could lead to reduced soil water use (SWU) in wheat seasons, but in maize seasons, N deficiency showed no significant effects on SWU in the 0–60 cm layer. For the 60–140 cm soil layer, N deficiency could lead to reduced SWU in wheat seasons, but in maize seasons, the effects of N deficiency on SWU in the 60–140 cm layer varied with the SWC in the 0–60 cm layer. Throughout the three-year experiment, the evapotranspiration (ET), leaf area index (LAI), yield, and WUE of plants receiving low N treatments decreased with the growing season due to the negative effects of low N treatment (N1 and N0) on the soil. The LAI, total ET, grain yield, and WUE were all positively correlated with each other for both wheat and maize. Considering grain yield and WUE, a single-season N application rate of 167 kg hm−2 (N2 treatment) in the NCP could meet the growth needs of the wheat–maize rotation system.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Irrigation Schedules Based on Plants, Soil and Meteorological Indicators)
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Open AccessReview
Energy Compensation for Crop Growth under Plastic Mulching: Theories, Models, and Limitations
by
Dianyuan Ding, Ting Li, Lihong Wu, Xi Zhang, Ying Zhao, Hao Feng, Chao Zhang and Ole Wendroth
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051005 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Plastic film mulching (PM) is a useful agronomic means to adapt to the environmental conditions of dryland agriculture and improve crop production. To improve the theoretical framework of PM technology, this study focuses on the interaction between the soil temperature change caused by
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Plastic film mulching (PM) is a useful agronomic means to adapt to the environmental conditions of dryland agriculture and improve crop production. To improve the theoretical framework of PM technology, this study focuses on the interaction between the soil temperature change caused by PM and crop growth. The definition, action mechanism, and simulation of the compensatory effect of PM on growing degree days are introduced to reveal the effect of soil temperature under PM on crop development and growth. Our summary shows that the strength of the warming effect changes with the growth and development of crops, strengthening during the early stage of crop growth and gradually weakening as a crop canopy develops. Generally, the warming effect has a good promotion effect on crop growth, but the crop growth is hampered even with a yield reduction when the increased soil temperature caused by PM exceeds the tolerant temperature for plant growth. Moreover, the compensatory effect of PM could be used to quantify the growth and development of crops under PM and has been widely applied to cotton, corn, winter wheat, and rice. The compensation coefficient is larger in the early stage of crop growth than in the later stage. The compensation coefficient has certain differences for the same crop because of the influence of climate factors, soil moisture content, and soil microtopography. In future research, the theoretical integration of the safety period of PM and the time threshold of the compensatory effect could be theoretically interpreted, and the construction of the compensatory effect module in the crop models will also be an important issue.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Mulching on Crop Production and Farmland Environment)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Mineral Fertilization and Seed Inoculation with Microbial Preparation on Seed and Protein Yield of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
by
Liudmyla Yeremko, Volodymyr Hanhur and Mariola Staniak
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051004 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different NPK rates and N application methods and seed inoculation with a microbial preparation on selected elements of plant growth and the productivity parameters seed yield, protein content in seeds and the
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The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different NPK rates and N application methods and seed inoculation with a microbial preparation on selected elements of plant growth and the productivity parameters seed yield, protein content in seeds and the yield of protein. The research hypothesis suggested that seed inoculation and a split rate of N application with an optimal supply of plants with PK could improve the nutritional status and increase the efficiency of nutrient use in peas. The studies included two factors: the application of NPK at doses of N0P0K0 (control), N15P15K15 (pre-sowing), N15P30K30 + N15 (pre-sowing + N15 at BBCH 22–23), N30P30K30 (pre-sowing), N30P45K45 + N15 (pre-sowing + N15 at BBCH 22–23) and N45P45K45 (pre-sowing), and seed inoculation with the microbial preparation Rhizogumin. The results of the study showed significant effects of seed inoculation and mineral fertilization on pea plant growth and the productivity parameters seed yield, protein content and protein yield. It was concluded that among the studied combinations, seed inoculation and the application of mineral fertilizers with fractional nitrogen fertilization with N30P45K45 + N15 were the most effective. This combination significantly increased seed yield, protein content and protein yield compared to the control treatment (by 26.2%, 11.1% and 43,5%, respectively).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
Open AccessReview
The Use of Spectroscopic Methods to Study Organic Matter in Virgin and Arable Soils: A Scoping Review
by
Evgeny Lodygin and Evgeny Abakumov
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051003 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The use of modern spectroscopic methods of analysis, which provide extensive information on the chemical nature of substances, significantly expands our understanding of the molecular composition and properties of soil organic matter (SOM) and its transformation and stabilization processes in various ecosystems and
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The use of modern spectroscopic methods of analysis, which provide extensive information on the chemical nature of substances, significantly expands our understanding of the molecular composition and properties of soil organic matter (SOM) and its transformation and stabilization processes in various ecosystems and geochemical conditions. The aim of this review is to identify and analyze studies related to the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy techniques to study the molecular composition and transformation of organic matter in virgin and arable soils. This article is mainly based on three research questions: (1) Which NMR spectroscopy techniques are used to study SOM, and what are their disadvantages and advantages? (2) How is the NMR spectroscopy technique used to study the molecular structure of different pools of SOM? (3) How is ESR spectroscopy used in SOM chemistry, and what are its advantages and limitations? Relevant studies published between 1996 and 2024 were searched in four databases: eLIBRARY, MDPI, ScienceDirect and Springer. We excluded non-English-language articles, review articles, non-peer-reviewed articles and other non-article publications, as well as publications that were not available according to the search protocols. Exclusion criteria for articles were studies that used NMR and EPR techniques to study non-SOM and where these techniques were not the primary methods. Our scoping review found that both solid-state and solution-state NMR spectroscopy are commonly used to study the structure of soil organic matter (SOM). Solution-phase NMR is particularly useful for studying soluble SOM components of a low molecular weight, whereas solid-phase NMR offers advantages such as higher 13C atom concentration for stronger signals and faster analysis time. However, solution-phase NMR has limitations including sample insolubility, potential signal aggregation and reduced sensitivity and resolution. Solid-state NMR is better at detecting non-protonated carbon atoms and identifying heterogeneous regions within structures. EPR spectroscopy, on the other hand, offers significant advantages in experimental biochemistry due to its high sensitivity and ability to provide detailed information about substances containing free radicals (FRs), aiding in the assessment of their reactivity and transformations. Understanding the FR structure in biopolymers can help to study the formation and transformation of SOM. The integration of two- and three-dimensional NMR spectroscopy with other analytical methods, such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc., provides a more comprehensive approach to deciphering the complex composition of SOM than one-dimensional techniques alone.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humic Substances: Chemistry and Multidimensional Role in Agricultural Systems and Pollution Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Mapping the Land Use Changes in Cultivation Areas of Maize and Soybean from 2006 to 2017 in the North West and Free State Provinces, South Africa
by
Siphokazi Ngcinela, Abbyssinia Mushunje, Amon Taruvinga, Shelton Charles Mutengwa and Samuel Tlou Masehela
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051002 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Land use practices face significant pressure due to increased demand and conflicting needs. Several factors contribute to this trend, such as the ever-increasing human population, the increased demand for food production, and the expansion of industrial and agricultural areas. This paper, focused on
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Land use practices face significant pressure due to increased demand and conflicting needs. Several factors contribute to this trend, such as the ever-increasing human population, the increased demand for food production, and the expansion of industrial and agricultural areas. This paper, focused on the cultivation patterns and investigating changes in land use of maize and soybean over time (i.e., both genetically modified and non-genetically modified) in two South African provinces. The objective was to determine whether there was a net increase or decrease in land cover age for these two crops between 2006 and 2017 in the selected study areas. Hence, the study utilized ArcGIS (10.8.1) software to quantify and map the land used for the cultivation of maize and soybean from 2006 to 2017 in Free State and North West provinces. The results show both provinces to have minimal expansion or change in cultivation areas for both maize and soybean between 2006 and 2017. We concluded that both maize and soybean cultivation areas in these provinces, did not expand beyond the current agricultural areas (space), and did not encroach onto new land areas. As a result, both maize and soybean do not currently pose a threat to the surrounding landscape (i.e., natural vegetation) and are not in direct competition with other neighboring land use practices. We recommend that data on the annual planting or cultivation area be consistently gathered, analyzed, and mapped to monitor any alterations that could influence the current findings. This will also assist with any land use planning and management practices.
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(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
From Residue to Resource: A Physicochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Soil Microbial Communities through Film Mulch-Enhanced Rice Straw Return Strategies
by
Xinyue Wang, Jie Huang, Lili Yang, Yuanhuan Li, Bing Xia, Hailin Li and Xiaohua Deng
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051001 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Promoting rice straw in situ return is an important strategy for improving soil quality. From 2018 to 2021, we investigated the effects of rice straw return with microbial agents and film covering technology on soil physical and chemical properties at different layer depths,
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Promoting rice straw in situ return is an important strategy for improving soil quality. From 2018 to 2021, we investigated the effects of rice straw return with microbial agents and film covering technology on soil physical and chemical properties at different layer depths, as well as the soil microbial community structure, in Hunan, southern China. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of microbial agents (T1), film mulch covering (T2), and the application of microbial agents combined with film mulch (T3) on the soil physicochemical properties and microbial community after rice straw in situ return. The results show that, after three years of continuous treatment, T3 significantly increased the soil temperature by 17.76–22.97%, T2 significantly increased the water content by 34.27–46.23%, and T1 and T3 significantly increased the soil pH. The addition of microbial agents combined with film mulch resulted in a notable increase in both the number of OTUs and the Chao1 index of soil microorganisms. Additionally, the model of promoting rice straw in situ return (the application of a microbial agent combined with film mulch) was shown to promote the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms. RDA was used for the investigation, and the findings showed that soil microorganisms were significantly influenced by the TOC content, pH, and water content. These findings provide evidence of an effective method for accelerating the decomposition of late rice straw and guiding soil improvement in tobacco–rice rotation regions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Agricultural Management Practices on Soil Microbial Community Composition, Diversity and Function)
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Open AccessArticle
Influence of Genotype × Environment Interaction on Yield Stability of Maize Hybrids with AMMI Model and GGE Biplot
by
Chenyu Ma, Chaorui Liu and Zhilan Ye
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051000 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Maize yields perform differently in different environments, so the selection of suitable genotypes in diverse environments is essential for variety selection to enable better site-specific planting. Hence, the objective of the study was to estimate the productivity of 11 maize hybrids (G) in
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Maize yields perform differently in different environments, so the selection of suitable genotypes in diverse environments is essential for variety selection to enable better site-specific planting. Hence, the objective of the study was to estimate the productivity of 11 maize hybrids (G) in 10 different environments (E) and select high-yield and stable varieties for adaptive cultivation in 2022 and 2023. The combined analysis of variance showed that G (4%), E (50%), and their interaction (31%) had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on maize yield, with E factors contributing the most. In addition, the average yield ranged from 9398 kg/ha to 10,574 kg/ha, and ZF-2208 and DY-519 performed relatively well in both years. The AMMI model showed that the varieties DY-213, DY-605, and DY-519 had high and stable production in 2022, whereas it was ZF-2209 and LX-24 in 2023. The “W-W-W” biplot showed that DY-519 and JG-18 were the optimal varieties in 2022, and ZF-2208 and ZF-2210 were optimal in 2023. The “mean vs. stability” biplot indicated that JG-18, DY-605, and DY-213 (in 2022) and ZF-2208, LX-24, and ZF-2209 (in 2023) were the optimal varieties. Additionally, both the discrimination and representative biplot and the ranking biplot reflected that BinChuan and ShiDian (in 2022) and GengMa and YongSheng (in 2023) were the ideal test environments. In conclusion, DY-519, DY-605, ZF-2208, and LX-24 hybrids could be used for variety promotion. Moreover, BinChuan, ShiDian, GengMa, and YongSheng were the ideal test environments for selecting varieties. Therefore, the AMMI model and GGE biplot can be used to complement each other for a comprehensive evaluation of maize yield. In this way, excellent maize hybrids with high yield and stability can be selected, which could promote the selection and popularization of varieties and shorten the breeding process.
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(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)
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Open AccessArticle
Characterization of Betalain Content and Antioxidant Activity Variation Dynamics in Table Beets (Beta vulgaris L.) with Differently Colored Roots
by
Diana V. Sokolova, Natalia A. Shvachko, Aleksandra S. Mikhailova, Vitaliy S. Popov, Alla E. Solovyeva and Elena K. Khlestkina
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050999 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Antioxidant properties, betalain profiles and biochemical composition were studied in table beets with maroon and yellow root colors. Features of dynamic changes during the growing season were described. Significant differences in antioxidant activity were found in table beet accessions with differently colored roots.
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Antioxidant properties, betalain profiles and biochemical composition were studied in table beets with maroon and yellow root colors. Features of dynamic changes during the growing season were described. Significant differences in antioxidant activity were found in table beet accessions with differently colored roots. Negative dynamics of antioxidant activity were observed in all accessions. Statistically significant differences were registered among the accessions in the total amounts of phenolic compounds, chlorophylls, and betalains. The group of maroon accessions demonstrated strong positive correlations between their antioxidant activity and total phenolics (r = 0.91), antioxidant activity and betacyanins (r = 0.80), and between betacyanins and phenolics (r = 0.90). The antioxidant activity in the accessions with yellow roots was associated with chlorophyll b (r = 0.85), ascorbic acid (r = 0.83), and total phenolics (r = 0.83). The data are presented on the structure of betalains in two table beet groups contrasting in their root color. The results of the study made it possible to identify key components in the biochemical profile of differently colored beetroots, associated with their high antioxidant activity. Dynamic changes were shown for the antioxidant activity and fractional composition of betalains in table beet during its growing season, and a conclusion was made concerning the higher nutritional value of maroon cultivars.
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(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)
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Performance of Aubergine Rootstocks against Verticillium dahliae Isolates in Southeastern Spain
by
Carmen María Lacasa, Manuel Cantó-Tejero, Victoriano Martínez, Alfredo Lacasa and Pedro Guirao
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050998 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) (Solanaceae) is a widespread crop in the Mediterranean basin. Verticillium dahliae is one of the main soil-borne pathogens affecting the aubergine crop. Its control has traditionally been achieved by soil fumigation with chemical disinfectants. Restrictions on the use
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Aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) (Solanaceae) is a widespread crop in the Mediterranean basin. Verticillium dahliae is one of the main soil-borne pathogens affecting the aubergine crop. Its control has traditionally been achieved by soil fumigation with chemical disinfectants. Restrictions on the use of chemical fumigants have led to the search for solutions in genetic resistance using rootstocks. In southeastern Spain, aubergines are grafted for the control of V. dahliae. Two Solanum torvum rootstocks (Hugo F1 and Torpedo) and a Solanum melongena hybrid (Javah F1) were tested against five isolates of V. dahliae obtained from grafted (A1 and A2) and ungrafted (Vd8, Vd17 and Vd66) aubergines compared with the susceptible cultivar Larne F1 under controlled conditions. Isolates from grafted plants infected all three rootstocks, with differences observed in the percentage of plants with symptoms and in the disease symptom severity. Three strains isolated from the ungrafted aubergines (Vd8, Vd17 and Vd66) infected Javah F1 rootstock. The Hugo F1 and Torpedo rootstocks showed a high level of resistance to V. dahliae, while Javah F1 was susceptible to the pathogen. The Hugo F1 and Torpedo rootstocks are suitable for mitigating the effects of Verticillium wilt in Mediterranean aubergine crops. Understanding the nature of the resistance from S. torvum could enhance the benefits of grafting or facilitate the introduction of resistance into commercial cultivars.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Agronomy, Soil Health and Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions)
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Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Methanolic Seed Extracts of International Sorghum bicolor L. Resources
by
Da Ye Ham, Ji Won Seo, Hong Ju Choi, Jiu Park, Na Young Kim, Myong Jo Kim, Chang Yeon Yu and Eun Soo Seong
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050997 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Sorghum is an important cereal with high value as a health food ingredient because it contains various phenolic compounds. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using 12 sorghum resources collected from various countries to explore their potential as medicinal resources. The findings revealed that, at
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Sorghum is an important cereal with high value as a health food ingredient because it contains various phenolic compounds. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using 12 sorghum resources collected from various countries to explore their potential as medicinal resources. The findings revealed that, at extract concentrations of 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, cell survival rates were observed to be between 70 and 80% for most varieties, with the exception of K159081. In the analysis of anti-inflammatory activity, measured by the rate of nitric oxide (NO) production, sorghum varieties K159041 and K159081 exhibited NO production rates of 0.46 ± 0.38% and 2.58 ± 0.20%, respectively, indicating significant anti-inflammatory properties. The investigation into anti-inflammatory effects also included examining the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene, which is related to the inflammatory response triggered by LPS in macrophages. Varieties K159041, K159048, K159077, K159078, K159081, K159089, and K159096 were analyzed for this purpose. Further, an expression test of the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) gene revealed values less than 0.4 in K159077, K159081, and K159089, suggesting these sorghum lines possess higher anti-inflammatory activity compared to others. Additionally, the expression analysis of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a gene identified as an inflammatory cytokine, showed that the mRNA levels in the lines K159048, K159077, K159078, K159088, K159089, K159093, and K159096 were expressed at lower levels relative to other sorghum resources, categorizing them as having high anti-inflammatory activity. Notably, the K159081 line exhibited the lowest expression level of all genes associated with inflammation, marking it as a valuable medicinal resource with potential development as an anti-inflammatory agent.
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(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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