Agronomy

Research

15 pages, 1382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Water-Saving Management Measures on the Water-Salt Properties of Saline–Alkali Soil and Maize Yield in Ningxia, China

by Tao Li, Jingsong Yang, Rongjiang Yao, Lu Zhang, Wenping Xie, Xiangping Wang, Chong Tang, Wenxiu Li and Jun R. Yang

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030645 - 4 Mar 2025

Viewed by 652

Abstract

Background: The Yellow River irrigation area in Ningxia faces spring drought, resalting, severe water resource shortage, and significant water wastage in saline–alkali soils. Objective: To explore the effects of two different improvement measures on maize fresh biomass and the basic physical and chemical [...] Read more.

Background: The Yellow River irrigation area in Ningxia faces spring drought, resalting, severe water resource shortage, and significant water wastage in saline–alkali soils. Objective: To explore the effects of two different improvement measures on maize fresh biomass and the basic physical and chemical properties of saline soil under four irrigation gradients, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for water-saving irrigation in the Yellow River irrigation area of Ningxia while ensuring maize yield. Methods: The experiment designed four irrigation gradients, W1: local conventional water volume (240 mm), W2: 10% water-saving (216 mm), W3: 20% water-saving (192 mm), W4: 30% water-saving (168 mm), and two different soil improvement treatments, a combination treatment of desulfurization gypsum, ETS microbial agent, and biochar (JC), and a combination treatment of desulfurization gypsum, humic acid, and mulching (FS), with a blank control (CK), resulting in 12 treatments in total. Results: The results showed that compared with CK, both JC and FS treatments reduced soil pH, with JC treatment showing a more significant reduction in soil alkalinity than FS treatment. Both JC and FS treatments inhibited the rise in soil electrical conductivity (EC), with JC showing a significantly higher ability to suppress the rise in EC than FS treatment. Both FS and JC treatments improved soil water retention, but in May 2023 during the maize seedling stage, FS treatment had a stronger water retention ability than JC treatment; however, in July at the maize big jointing stage and in September at the maize maturity stage, JC treatment exhibited better water retention ability than FS treatment. Both JC and FS treatments increased maize fresh biomass under four water conditions, but under WI and W2 conditions, there was no significant difference in the ability of JC and FS treatments to increase maize fresh biomass. Under any irrigation condition, the ability of JC treatment to improve WUE is higher than that of FS treatment. Under W3 and W4 conditions, JC treatment significantly outperformed FS treatment in increasing maize fresh biomass yield. Additionally, under W3 irrigation conditions, using JC treatment not only achieved greater water-saving goals but also prevented crop yield reduction due to water-saving measures. This article can provide a theoretical basis for agricultural irrigation management, especially in the Ningxia Yellow River irrigation area of China. It can help ensure crop yields while protecting the ecological environment and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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16 pages, 3826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Nitrogen Topdressing Ratios on Soil Nitrate-Nitrogen and Summer Maize Growth

by Yan Li, Yingqi Ouyang, Yu Chen and Juan Wang

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020303 - 25 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 583

Abstract

The Jianghuai region in China is well known for its high-quality and high-yielding maize production, but there is inadequate analysis about the N management in this region (especially the topdressing ratio). To evaluate the suitable topdressing ratio for maize nitrogen application, the effects [...] Read more.

The Jianghuai region in China is well known for its high-quality and high-yielding maize production, but there is inadequate analysis about the N management in this region (especially the topdressing ratio). To evaluate the suitable topdressing ratio for maize nitrogen application, the effects of different nitrogen topdressing ratios on soil nitrogen and summer maize growth were studied in 2022–2023. In each treatment, a total of 250 kg N/hm² was applied, i.e., 50 kg N/hm² was applied as the base fertilizer, and the rest of the nitrogen fertilizer (200 kg N/hm²) was applied at the jointing and filling stages at different ratios, including 3:7 (60 and 140 kg N/hm² were applied at the jointing and filling stages, respectively, T1 treatment), 7:3 (T2 treatment), and 1:1 (CK treatment). Compound fertilizer (N:P:K = 18%:12%:5%) was used as the base fertilizer, and urea was used as the topdressing fertilizer. The results showed that in 2022 (dry year), compared with values in the T1 treatment, the nitrate-nitrogen accumulation in the 0–100 cm soil layer at maize harvest under the T2 and CK treatments decreased by 33.8% and 14.7%, respectively; compared with values in CK treatment, the T2 treatment could significantly increase the ear length of maize by 9.4%. In 2023 (wet year), compared with values in the T1 treatment, the 100-grain weight, maize yield, N partial factor productivity (NPFP), and N uptake efficiency (NUPE) of T2 treatment significantly increased by 13.4%, 17.2%, 20.1%, and 21.5%, respectively; compared with values in the CK treatment, ear length, maize yield, and NPFP of T2 treatment significantly increased by 6.15%, 14.0%, and 15.8%, respectively. Therefore, for this study, a topdressing ratio of 7:3 between the jointing and filling stages (T2 treatment) was beneficial to reduce nitrogen accumulation in dry years and increase maize yield and nitrogen partial factor productivity in wet years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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22 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Management of Arabica Coffee Seedlings Cultivated with a Hydroretentive Polymer

by Mateus Oliveira Silva, Vanessa Reniele Souza de Arruda, Francisco Raylan Sousa Barbosa, Michel Wakim Mendes Firmino, Adriene Woods Pedrosa and Fernando França da Cunha

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010218 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 788

Abstract

The production of high-quality coffee seedlings is essential to meet the demands of the coffee sector, requiring more efficient and sustainable water management practices. In this context, the use of hydroretentive polymers, particularly biodegradable ones, emerges as a promising alternative to optimize water [...] Read more.

The production of high-quality coffee seedlings is essential to meet the demands of the coffee sector, requiring more efficient and sustainable water management practices. In this context, the use of hydroretentive polymers, particularly biodegradable ones, emerges as a promising alternative to optimize water use, reduce the environmental impact associated with synthetic polymers, and improve the agronomic traits of seedlings. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different irrigation intervals and hydroretentive polymer doses on the water consumption and agronomic characteristics of Coffea arabica L. seedlings. This study was conducted in a protected environment using a randomized block design with split plots and four replicates. The plots consisted of two irrigation intervals (2 and 4 days), and the subplots included four doses of hydroretentive polymer (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%), applied in 0.5 dm³ polypropylene bags. Results showed that the 0.5% polymer dose combined with a 2-day irrigation interval resulted in the highest water consumption, while the combination of 0% polymer and a 4-day irrigation interval led to the lowest water consumption. The 0.25% hydroretentive polymer dose with irrigation every 2 days showed the best performance in gas exchange, promoting photosynthesis without causing water saturation. This management also promoted better seedling growth, increasing biomass, height, leaf area, and root volume compared to longer irrigation intervals. The crop coefficients (Kc × Ks) were 0.20, 0.28, and 0.45 during the periods of 0–50, 51–80, and 81–150 days after sowing, respectively. A dose of 0.25% hydroretentive polymer with a 2-day irrigation interval is recommended for the production of Arabica coffee seedlings, contributing to agricultural practices aligned with environmental preservation and productive efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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24 pages, 6601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Residual Effect of Silicate Agromineral Application on Soil Acidity, Mineral Availability, and Soybean Anatomy

by Mariana de Carvalho Ribeiro, Antonio Ganga, Isabella Silva Cattanio, Aline Redondo Martins, Rodrigo Silva Alves, Luís Gustavo Frediani Lessa, Hamilton Seron Pereira, Fernando Shintate Galindo, Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto Teixeira Filho, Cassio Hamilton Abreu-Junior, Gian Franco Capra, Arun Dilipkumar Jani and Thiago Assis Rodrigues Nogueira

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010005 - 24 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1502

Abstract

Silicate agrominerals (SA) may be sustainable soil amendments that can minimize dependence on conventional fertilizers (CF). We evaluated the residual effects of SA application as a source of Si and as a soil remineralizer, using soils with contrasting chemical-physical features cultivated with soybean. [...] Read more.

Silicate agrominerals (SA) may be sustainable soil amendments that can minimize dependence on conventional fertilizers (CF). We evaluated the residual effects of SA application as a source of Si and as a soil remineralizer, using soils with contrasting chemical-physical features cultivated with soybean. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions and treatments were arranged in a 5 × 2 + 2 factorial scheme: five rates of SA, two soils in addition to CF. The soil was incubated before cultivation, followed by the sequential sowing of corn and soybean. At the R4 phenological stage, when the pods were fully developed, soybean plants were harvested for anatomical leaf tissue analysis and P, Ca, Mg, and Si accumulation. After harvest, the soil was analyzed. Application of SA rates reduced potential acidity (H + Al) and exchangeable acidity (Al³⁺) and increased soil pH, sum of bases (SB), cation-exchange capacity (CEC), and base saturation (BS), in addition to promoting the nutrient’s availability and Si. Stomatal density was higher on the adaxial face of plants cultivated in the medium-textured soil. Silicate agrominerals can be used as a soil acidity corrector and remineralizer, improving the root environment and increasing the availability of nutrients and silicon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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20 pages, 1954 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Timing of Phosphorus Availability to Corn: What Growth Stages Are Most Critical for Maximizing Yield?

by Kwame Ampong, Chad J. Penn and James J. Camberato

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2731; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112731 - 19 Nov 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1809

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is critical for maximizing agricultural production and represents an appreciable input cost. Geologic sources of P that are most easily mined are a finite resource, while P transported from agricultural land to surface waters contributes to water quality degradation. Improved knowledge [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) is critical for maximizing agricultural production and represents an appreciable input cost. Geologic sources of P that are most easily mined are a finite resource, while P transported from agricultural land to surface waters contributes to water quality degradation. Improved knowledge of P timing needs by corn (maize) can help inform management decisions that increase P use efficiency, which is beneficial to productivity, economics, and environmental quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate P application timing on the growth and yield components of corn. Corn was grown in a sand-culture hydroponics system that eliminated confounding plant–soil interactions and allowed for precise control of nutrient availability and timing. All nutrients were applied via drip irrigation and were therefore 100% bioavailable. Eight P timing treatments were tested using “low” (L) and “sufficient” (S) P concentrations. In each of the three growth phases, solution P application levels were changed or maintained, resulting in eight possible combinations, LLL, LLS, LSL, LSS, SLL, SSL, SLS, and SSS, where the first, second, and third letters indicate P solution application levels from planting to V6, V6 to R1, and R1 to R6, respectively. All other nutrients were applied at sufficient levels. Sacrificial samples were harvested at V6, R1, and R6 and evaluated for various yield parameters. Plants that received sufficient P between V6 and R1 produced a significantly higher grain yield than plants that received low P between V6 and R1 regardless of the level of P supply before V6 or after R1. The grain yield of plants that received sufficient P only between V6 and R1 did not differ significantly from plants that received only sufficient P (SSS), due to (1) a greater ear P concentration at R1; (2) an efficient remobilization of assimilates from the stem and leaf to grains between R1 and R6 (source–sink relationship); (3) a higher kernel/grain weight; and (4) less investment into root biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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13 pages, 1972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Infiltration and Evaporation Process with ATP Addition in Newly Reclaimed Soil

by Linjie Kong, Xiaoman Fan, Xinyue Li, Biyu Zhai, Zhangjie Tian, Yangkai Hong, Pengbo Jiang, Jiaxin Zhang and Juan Wang

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2628; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112628 - 7 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 807

Abstract

The newly reclaimed soil is an important reserve land resource, while it faces challenges such as poor water retention and low fertility. Therefore, it requires improvement through the use of soil amendments. Attapulgite (ATP) is abundant in northwest China with excellent properties and [...] Read more.

The newly reclaimed soil is an important reserve land resource, while it faces challenges such as poor water retention and low fertility. Therefore, it requires improvement through the use of soil amendments. Attapulgite (ATP) is abundant in northwest China with excellent properties and can be used as an amendment for newly reclaimed soil. The effects of ATP and its addition rate on infiltration and evaporation characteristics in newly reclaimed soil were studied by experiments and model simulation. Three addition gradients (2%, 4%, and 6%) were set in this study, and no ATP addition was used as a control (CK). The results show that ATP treatment prolonged the infiltration duration, reduced the wetting front migration distance, and reduced the accumulated evaporation. Both the Philip model and the Kostiakov model can accurately describe the infiltration process of newly reclaimed soil with ATP addition; the soil evaporation process can be fitted well with the Rose model. In this study, ATP addition affected both sorptivity and the stable infiltration rate of the reclaimed soil. During the evaporation, the soil evaporation effect was inversely proportional to the addition rates of ATP, and the ATP addition rate at 2% had the best effect on reducing soil evaporation. In summary, the ATP addition was beneficial top soil infiltration and evaporation, thus improving the poor water retention of newly reclaimed land and is a reasonable choice for efficient construction of new reclaimed land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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13 pages, 4175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Organic Manure on Wheat Yield and Accumulation of Heavy Metals in a Soil—Wheat System

by Yu Chen, Yingqi Ouyang, Weiyan Pan, Yitong Wang and Yan Li

Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 2143; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092143 - 20 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1756

Abstract

The application of organic manure is an effective way to develop sustainable agriculture. However, the application of organic manure may be associated with a potential risk of heavy metal pollution for soil and crops. In this study, the effects of organic cow manure [...] Read more.

The application of organic manure is an effective way to develop sustainable agriculture. However, the application of organic manure may be associated with a potential risk of heavy metal pollution for soil and crops. In this study, the effects of organic cow manure (T1) (as base fertilizer), organic pig manure (T2) (as base fertilizer) and chemical fertilizer (T3) on winter wheat grain yields, grain quality, heavy metal concentrations and heavy metal bioconcentration factors (BCFs) in a soil–wheat system were studied from November 2021 to June 2023. The results showed that the winter wheat grain yields in the T1 and T2 treatments were lower than those in the T3 treatment by 2.57–38.0% and 10.5–25%, respectively. There were no significant differences in quality indexes of winter wheat grain among different fertilizer treatments. The concentrations of heavy metals in topsoil and winter wheat were 0.12–76.11 μg/g and 0.01–43.25 μg/g, respectively. The BCFs of heavy mental in the soil–wheat grain system was 0–2.92. In general, there were no significant differences in heavy metals’ concentrations in topsoil and wheat grain among different fertilizer treatments. In summary, compared with chemical fertilizer, the short-term application of organic manures had no significant effect on heavy metals concentrations in topsoil and wheat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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11 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Water Deficit on Secondary Metabolites and Nutrient Content on Forage Sorghum

by Tayna Lemos de Oliveira Cunha, Dthenifer Cordeiro Santana, Gustavo de Faria Theodoro, Ana Carina da Silva Cândido Seron, Fernando França da Cunha, Paulo Eduardo Teodoro, Larissa Pereira Ribeiro Teodoro, Luis Carlos Vinhas Ítavo, Cid Naudi Silva Campos, Manoel Gustavo Paranhos da Silva and Alejandro Soares Montaño

Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092046 - 7 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1237

Abstract

Agronomic properties are more likely to be impacted by water deficits that affect the nutrient uptake and production of secondary metabolites based on their timing and intensity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the water deficit on the [...] Read more.

Agronomic properties are more likely to be impacted by water deficits that affect the nutrient uptake and production of secondary metabolites based on their timing and intensity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the water deficit on the nutritional quality of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) hybrids. For that purpose, a factorial, completely randomized experiment was conducted by considering three forage sorghum hybrids (AGRI 002-E, BREVANT SS318, and BRS 658) and two levels of evapotranspiration water replacement (50% and 100% of ETc). Parameters relating to water consumption, secondary metabolites (isoflavones daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and genistin), leaf nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, and Zn), and bromatological attributes (dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and mineral material) were evaluated at the end of the crop cycle. Isoflavone levels differed between the hybrids and were highest in water-deficient sorghum. There was a significant interaction between the factors only for the daidzin. The leaf content of the other compounds was influenced either by hybrids (genistein) or by the replacement of evapotranspired water levels (daidzein). The leaf content of P and S was influenced by the interaction between the factors, while the levels of K, Ca, and Mg were influenced by the effect of a single factor. The leaf contents of Mn and Zn were not influenced by the treatments. There was a difference between the hybrids for dry mass and crude protein contents, and hybrids x water deficit was only significant for dry mass. The hybrids Brevant SS318 and BRS 658 had the highest crude protein. The presented results are novel and demonstrate that water deficits can significantly affect the levels of secondary metabolites and the nutritional quality of forage sorghum, depending on the hybrid. The mentioned indices are important parameters for evaluating the nutritional quality and development of agricultural crops, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions such as water stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

17 pages, 2787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilizer Regimes to Increase the Yield and Nitrogen Utilization of Tibetan Barley in Tibet

by Shangwen Wang, Jun Peng, Wenyi Dong, Zexiu Wei, Saud uz Zafar, Tao Jin and Enke Liu

Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081775 - 13 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1404

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) fertilization plays a pivotal role in the nitrogen transport process and yield formation of field-grown Tibetan barley (Hordeum vulgare L., qingke in Chinese); however, little is known about its interaction with irrigation regimes. Here, we performed a control experiment [...] Read more.

Nitrogen (N) fertilization plays a pivotal role in the nitrogen transport process and yield formation of field-grown Tibetan barley (Hordeum vulgare L., qingke in Chinese); however, little is known about its interaction with irrigation regimes. Here, we performed a control experiment to investigate the effects of irrigation regimes (primary irrigation and double irrigation, mentioned as W1 and W2) and N levels (0, 90, 120, and 150 kg ha⁻¹, mentioned as N0, N9, N12, and N15) on the nitrogen accumulation, translocation, and utilization of Tibetan barley in the Tibetan Plateau during the spring barley seasons in 2022. The results showed that the highest yield (6242.28 kg ha⁻¹) and aboveground biomass (12,354.13 kg ha⁻¹ for anthesis; 15,827.9 kg ha⁻¹ for maturity) were achieved in W2N15 as compared to other treatments. The maximum grain N accumulation (117.66 kg ha⁻¹), the N translocation (54.16 kg ha⁻¹), and the post-anthesis N accumulation (63.5 kg ha⁻¹) were achieved in the W1N15 treatment. The N utilization efficiency increased with irrigation frequency and decreased with N application; however, the conclusion given by the N agronomic efficiency is contrary to this trend. The grain yield had significant positive correlations with the grain N accumulation (W1: r = 0.98; W2: r = 0.97) and N translocation (W1: r = 0.84; W2: r = 0.94), but significant negative correlations with the N harvest index (W1: r = −0.95; W2: r = −0.95) and N utilization efficiency (W1: r = −0.9; W2: r = −0.85). The path analysis revealed that the factors related to N utilization (β = 0.875) and the factors related to N translocation (β = −1.426) were the significant direct contributors towards grain yield. The influence of N application (total effect = 0.922) on the grain yield was much stronger than that of the irrigation regime (total effect = 0.324). Our findings can guide future efforts in designing sustainable water and N fertilizer management strategies for Tibetan barley in the Tibetan Plateau. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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14 pages, 1761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Soil Nutrients in Plant Root Layer of a Saline-Sodic Soil Cropped with Lycium barbarum L. When Drip Irrigated with Saline Groundwater

by Chaoyin Dou, Yuping Lv, Yidi Sun, Xiaoping Chen and Yan Li

Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071374 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1241

Abstract

Drip irrigation is an effective method to utilize waste saline-sodic land with a high water table. For reasonable and sustainable utilization of saline-sodic soil under such conditions, spatiotemporal changes in total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and soil organic matter (SOM) were investigated [...] Read more.

Drip irrigation is an effective method to utilize waste saline-sodic land with a high water table. For reasonable and sustainable utilization of saline-sodic soil under such conditions, spatiotemporal changes in total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and soil organic matter (SOM) were investigated during the utilization process. The soil was sampled from newly built raised beds before planting (0 y) and beds in three adjacent plots had been planted with Lycium barbarum L. for one (1 y), two (2 y), and three years (3 y), respectively, at the end of the growing season. Soil samples were obtained at four horizontal distances from the drip line (0, 10, 20, and 30 cm) and four vertical soil depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm). The results showed that the average TN and TP of the soil profile increased with the planting year and were approximately 0.68 and 1.81 g·kg⁻¹ in the soils of 3 y, approximately 84.9 and 42.4% higher than that of 0 y, respectively. SOM decreased in the first growing season and then continuously increased in the following planting years, reaching 8.26 g·kg⁻¹ in the soils of 3 y, which was approximately 38.2% higher than that of 0 y. TN, TP, and SOM contents were high in soils around the drip line and decreased with distance from the drip line. In both horizontal and vertical directions, TN, TP, and SOM varied slightly in soils of 0, 1, and 2 y, while in soils of 3 y, TN and SOM decreased with increased distance in both horizontal and vertical directions and TP decreased obviously only within 10 cm in both directions. This indicated that the contents and distributions of soil nutrients in such saline-sodic soils could be improved with planting year under drip irrigation with local saline groundwater and especially around the drip line as the soil around the dripper was quickly ameliorated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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18 pages, 7272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Waterlogging Stress on Root Growth and Soil Nutrient Loss of Winter Wheat at Seedling Stage

by Hao Luo, Shanshan Liu, Yifan Song, Tianling Qin, Shangbin Xiao, Wei Li, Lulu Xu and Xiaoxiang Zhou

Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061247 - 8 Jun 2024

Viewed by 2233

Abstract

With global climate change, flooding events are becoming more frequent. However, the mechanism of how waterlogging stress affects crop roots needs to be studied in depth. Waterlogging stress can also lead to soil nitrogen and phosphorus loss, resulting in agricultural surface pollution. The [...] Read more.

With global climate change, flooding events are becoming more frequent. However, the mechanism of how waterlogging stress affects crop roots needs to be studied in depth. Waterlogging stress can also lead to soil nitrogen and phosphorus loss, resulting in agricultural surface pollution. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between soil nitrogen and phosphorus distribution, root growth characteristics, and nitrogen and phosphorus loss in runoff water under waterlogging stress during the winter wheat seedling stage. In this paper, Zhengmai 136 was selected as the experimental material, and two water management methods (waterlogging treatment and non-waterlogging control treatment) were set up. Field experiments were conducted at the Wudaogou Hydrological Experimental Station in 2022 to assess the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in runoff water under waterlogging stress. The study also aimed to analyze the nitrogen and phosphorus content and the root distribution characteristics in different soil layers under waterlogging stress. The results showed as the following: 1. Waterlogging stress increased the characteristic parameters of winter wheat roots in both horizontal and vertical directions. Compared with the control treatment, the root length increased by 1.2–29.9% in the waterlogging treatment, while the root surface area and volume increased by an average of 3.1% and 41.9%, respectively. 2. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents in waterlogged soils were enriched in the 0–20 cm soil layer, but both tended to decrease in the 20–60 cm soil layer. Additionally, there was an inverse relationship between the distribution of soil nutrients and the distribution of wheat roots. 3. During the seedling stage of winter wheat, nitrogen loss was the main factor in the runoff water. In addition, nitrate nitrogen concentration averaged 55.2% of the total nitrogen concentration, while soluble phosphorus concentration averaged 79.1% of the total phosphorus concentration. 4. The results of redundancy analysis demonstrated that available phosphorus in the soil was the key environmental factor affecting the water quality of runoff water. Total phosphorus and dissolved phosphorus in the water were identified as the dominant factors influencing root growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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