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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 13548

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Dr. Jiuxin Guo

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Guest Editor

College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Interests: plant nutrition physiology; nutrient management; soil quality assessment; nutrition stress; cereal crops; horticulture crops

Dr. Tianyuan Yang

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Guest Editor

School of Tea Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
Interests: efficient utilization of nutrients and quality control of tea plants
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Dear Colleagues,

Background and introduction to the topic: In plant nutrition yields, theoretical research on the physiological ecology and applied research on fertilization management represent two critical aspects that contribute to fully understanding soil fertility, plant growth, physiological and biochemical processes, yield performance, and quality formation in response to different nutrient scenarios under greenhouse and field conditions. Studies have investigated how mineral elements, organic fertilizers, and their interactions in soil–plant–environment systems are pivotal for addressing global challenges in soil health, food security, and ecosystem sustainability. Aim and scope of the topic: The goal of this research topic is to gather the latest advances on the mechanisms underlying plant nutrition physiology and their ecological repercussions. The scope concentrates on a comprehensive analysis of the nutritional functions and the regulation of mineral elements and their interactions in plant–soil systems, with a focus on highly efficient nutrient utilization and the potential applications of nutrient management in the development of sustainable agricultural practices, as well as in minimizing ecological impacts.

Research interests and article types of the topic: The research interests to be included will be multifaceted and will include physiological adaptations to nutrient availability, the ecological consequences of nutrient imbalances, optimizing nutrient management strategies, nutrient cycling in plant–soil–environment systems, and integrated applications in sustainable agriculture. We warmly welcome all article types, including research papers, reviews, and short communications, to be published in this topic as part of Agronomy.

Dr. Jiuxin Guo
Dr. Tianyuan Yang
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

mineral elements
organic fertilizers
plant nutrition eco-physiology
nutrient management
yield and quality
nutrient use efficiency
soil quality and productivity
environmental effects

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 6393 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Plowing Increases Subsoil Carbon Accrual Through Enhancing Macroaggregate Protection in a Mollisol with Two Different Tillage Regimes

by Jiuhui Chen, Zhicheng Bao, Yulong Yang, Jingkun Lu, Baoyu Chen, Xingmin Zhao, Hongbin Wang, Fangming Liu, Dongmei Wang, Chenyu Zhao, Li Wang, Hongjun Wang and Biao Sui

Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020198 - 14 Jan 2026

Viewed by 578

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a core component of farmland fertility, and its content is significantly influenced by tillage practices. To clarify the effects of alternate tillage on soil organic carbon sequestration and soil aggregate stability, a tillage experiment was initiated in 2017. The study focused on the distribution of soil aggregates across different particle sizes and their organic carbon contents under four tillage treatments: (1) rotary tillage for two consecutive years after initial deep plowing (RT_DP); (2) no-tillage for two consecutive years after initial deep plowing (NT_DP); (3) continuous rotary tillage (RT); and (4) continuous no-tillage (NT). Compared with continuous rotary tillage (RT), RT_DP increased the crop yield by 14.78%, NT decreased the yield by 10.59%, and NT_DP increased the yield by 3.40%. In the topsoil, soil organic carbon (SOC) content increased by 21.57% under RT_DP, 24.47% under NT, and 21.57% under NT_DP. In the subsoil, SOC content increased by 36.91% under RT_DP, 24.80% under NT, and 42.52% under NT_DP. Compared with the RT treatment, practices such as RT_DP increased the SOC content and the proportion of macroaggregates. No significant differences were observed among all treatments in the topsoil. However, in the subsoil, RT_DP significantly increased the SOC content (by 36.91%), SOC content within >0.25 mm aggregates (by 35.75%), and the proportion of >0.25 mm aggregates (by 1.28%), relative to RT. Compared with NT, NT_DP also increased these three indices by 14.2%, 13.38%, and 0.32%, respectively. In the topsoil, the NT_DP treatment resulted in higher mean weight diameter (MWD) stability than the other treatments. In the subsoil, the NT treatment showed the highest MWD and geometric mean diameter (GMD) values, while both RT_DP and NT_DP had significantly higher MWD and GMD than RT. In the deeper soil layer, the NT treatment exhibited the highest aggregate stability. Further analysis indicated that the positive effects of alternate tillage (NT_DP and RT_DP) on aggregate distribution, aggregate stability, and subsoil SOC sequestration were mainly due to improvements in the soil’s nutrient availability, bulk density, porosity, and water content. The optimization of these soil properties further enhanced soil enzyme activity and ultimately promoted the stabilization and accumulation of SOC. In conclusion, incorporating deep plowing into rotational tillage can effectively promote SOC accumulation, especially in the subsoil of maize farmland, and enhance the physical protection of SOC. This study provides a practical tillage strategy for increasing the maize yield and enhancing soil organic carbon sequestration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutrition Eco-Physiology and Nutrient Management)

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23 pages, 1903 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Straw Return Combined with Chemical Fertilizer Enhances Crop Yields in Wheat-Maize Rotation Systems by Improving Soil Nutrients Stoichiometry and Aggregate Stability in the Shajiang Black Soil (Vertisol) Region of North China Plain

by Xian Tang, Yangfan Qu, Yu Wu, Shasha Li, Fuwei Wang, Dongxue Li, Xiaoliang Li, Jianfei Wang and Jianrong Zhao

Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2861; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122861 - 12 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 830

Abstract

The sustainability of wheat-maize rotation systems in the North China Plain is challenged by the over-reliance on chemical fertilizers, which leads to the decline of soil organic matter and structural degradation, particularly in the unique Shajiang black soil (Vertisol). While straw return is widely recommended to mitigate these issues, the synergistic mechanisms of its long-term combination with chemical fertilizers on soil nutrient stoichiometry and aggregate stability remain inadequately quantified. A long-term field experiment was conducted with the five fertilization treatments including: (1) no fertilizer or straw (CK), (2) chemical fertilizer alone (NPK), (3) straw return chemical fertilizer (NPKS), (4) straw return with 10% straw-decomposing microbial inoculant combined with chemical fertilizer (10%NPKS), and (5) straw return with 20% straw-decomposing microbial inoculant combined with chemical fertilizer (20%NPKS) in the Shajiang black soil (Vertisol) region to investigate the effects of straw return combined with chemical fertilizers on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) stoichiometry, aggregate stability, and crop yield in winter wheat-summer maize rotation systems of North China Plain. Our study demonstrated that the co-application of straw with a straw-decomposing microbial inoculant is a highly effective strategy for enhancing soil health and crop productivity, with its efficacy being critically dose-dependent. Our results identified the 10%NPKS treatment as the optimal practice. It most effectively improved soil physical structure by significantly increasing the content of large macroaggregates (>0.5 mm) and key stability indices (MWD, GMD, WA), while concurrently enhancing nutrient cycling, as evidenced by elevated SOC, TN, and shifted C/P and N/P stoichiometry. Multivariate analyses confirmed strong positive correlations among these soil properties, indicating a synergistic improvement in soil quality. Crucially, these enhancements translated into significant yield gains, with a notable crop-specific response: maize yield was maximized under the 10%NPKS treatment, whereas wheat yield benefited sufficiently from NPKS treatment. A key mechanistic insight was that 20%NPKS treatment, despite leading to the highest SOC and TN, induced a relative phosphorus limitation and likely caused transient nutrient immobilization, thereby attenuating its benefits for soil structure and yield. We conclude that co-applying straw with a 10% microbial inoculant combined with chemical fertilizer represents the superior strategy, offering a sustainable pathway to synergistically improve soil structure, nutrient availability, and crop productivity, particularly in maize-dominated systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutrition Eco-Physiology and Nutrient Management)

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15 pages, 2026 KB

Open AccessArticle

Planting Diversification Enhances Phosphorus Availability and Reshapes Fungal Community Structure in the Maize Rhizosphere

by Yannan Li, Yuming Zhang, Xiaoxin Li, Hongjun Li, Wenxu Dong, Shuping Qin, Xiuping Liu, Lijuan Zhang, Chunsheng Hu, Hongbo He, Pushan Zheng and Jingyun Zhao

Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081993 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1037

Abstract

Intercropping with green manures is an effective practice for increasing agricultural production and reducing environmental issues. However, the effects of green manure type and intercropping patten on soil nutrient availability and microbial communities remains underexplored. In the present study, the impacts of three green manure–maize intercropping patterns on maize yield, rhizosphere nutrient availability, and soil fungal community were evaluated. Four treatments (three replicate plots for each) were involved, including a monoculture treatment (MC) as a control and three intercropping patterns as follows: maize–ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (IntL), maize–forage soybean (Fen Dou mulv 2, a hybrid soybean cultivar) (IntF), and maize–ryegrass–forage soybean (IntLF) intercropping. The results showed that all three intercropping patterns significantly increased maize yield and rhizosphere available phosphorus (AP) compared with MC. Intercropping shifted the dominant assembly process of the maize rhizosphere fungal community from stochastic to deterministic processes, shaping a community rich in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and limited in plant pathogens, primarily Exserohilum turcicum. AP showed significant correlations with fungal community and AMF, while maize yield was negatively correlated with plant pathogens. In addition, the dual-species green manure intercropping pattern (IntLF) had the strongest positive effects on maize yield, AP content, and fungal community compared with single-species patterns (IntL and IntF). These results illustrate the advantages of planting diversification in boosting crop production by improving nutrient availability and soil health in the rhizosphere and suggest that the maize–ryegrass–forage soybean intercropping system is a potential strategy for improving soil fertility and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutrition Eco-Physiology and Nutrient Management)

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13 pages, 3859 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Fertilizer-Based Management Alters Soil N₂O Emissions and Silicon Availability in Moso Bamboo Forests

by Jie Yang, Kecheng Wang, Jiamei Chen, Lili Fan, Peikun Jiang and Rong Zheng

Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1647; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071647 - 7 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Long-term intensive management practices in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forests, primarily characterized by repeated fertilizer application, tillage, and biomass harvesting, can alter soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem stability. This study aimed to assess how such fertilizer-based management affects soil N₂O emission potential and silicon (Si) availability. We collected soil samples (0–20 cm) from bamboo stands subjected to 0–39 years of intensive management and from adjacent natural broad-leaved forests as a reference. The Soil pH, nitrogen forms, nitrification and denitrification potential, and Si concentrations were measured. The results showed significant nitrogen accumulation and progressive soil acidification with increasing management duration. The nitrification and denitrification potentials were 5.7 and 6.0 times higher in the 39-year-old stand compared to unmanaged bamboo. Meanwhile, the available Si decreased by 20.1%, despite stable total Si levels. The available Si showed strong positive correlations with nitrogen forms and transformation rates. These findings highlight the long-term impact of fertilizer-driven bamboo management on soil biogeochemistry and emphasize the need to consider Si dynamics in sustainable nutrient strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutrition Eco-Physiology and Nutrient Management)

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14 pages, 2200 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Major Soil Nutrients After the Application of Microbial-Inoculated Acidified Biochar Pellets Using a Sigmoid Function

by JooHee Nam, JoungDu Shin, Jae-Yee Choi, SangWon Park, JaeWook Chung and Changyoon Jeong

Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071607 - 30 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 896

Abstract

This experiment aimed to investigate nutrient dynamics in soil and compare plant growth responses after treatment with acidified biochar pellets inoculated with microorganisms during Kimchi cabbage cultivation, using a sigmoid function model. The treatments included the following: Control–only guano application; ABPM 27 (Pseudomonas fluorescens 22BCO027); and ABPM 86 (Bacillus megaterium 22BCO086). Guano and biochar pellets were applied at 320 kg ha⁻¹, based on the recommended nitrogen application rate for cabbage cultivation. The results showed that the cumulative NO₃-N and P₂O₅ in the ABPM 27 treatment were 27.7% and 12.1% higher, respectively, compared with the control. The maximum cumulative K was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the treatments. The cumulative NH₄-N and NO₃-N were well fitted (R² > 0.824) to the sigmoid curves, while the cumulative P₂O₅ and K were well described with the linear function (R² > 0.970) regardless of treatment. The highest yield was 77.4 tonnes ha⁻¹ under the ABPM 27 treatment. Therefore, the ABPM 27 treatment is strongly recommended for enhancing cabbage yield in organic farming due to its high capacity for accumulating NO₃-N and P₂O₅. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutrition Eco-Physiology and Nutrient Management)

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18 pages, 1697 KB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc Application Enhances Biomass Production, Grain Yield, and Zinc Uptake in Hybrid Maize Cultivated in Paddy Soil

by Phanuphong Khongchiu, Arunee Wongkaew, Jun Murase, Kannika Sajjaphan, Apidet Rakpenthai, Orawan Kumdee and Sutkhet Nakasathien

Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071501 - 20 Jun 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2304

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) fertilization is widely used in maize (Zea mays L.) production to alleviate Zn deficiency and improve biomass and grain yield. However, limited research exists on Zn management in maize cultivated in high-pH paddy soils following rice-based systems, where altered soil chemistry may affect Zn availability and plant uptake. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zn application rates on growth, yield, and Zn uptake in two hybrid maize varieties under such conditions. Field experiments were conducted during the 2019 and 2020 dry seasons in Phetchabun Province, Thailand, using a randomized complete block design with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement and four replications. Treatments included four Zn rates (0, 5, 10, and 20.6 kg of Zn/ha), applied as Zn sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO₄·H₂O, 36% Zn) by soil banding at the V6 stage, and two hybrid varieties, Suwan 5731 (SW5731) and Suwan 5819 (SW5819). In 2019, significant Zn × variety interactions were observed for biomass, crop growth rate (CGR), and grain yield. SW5819 at 10 kg of Zn/ha produced the highest biomass (31.6 t/ha) and CGR (25.6 g/m²/day), increasing by 15.3% and 39.1%, respectively, compared to its own no Zn treatment. In contrast, 20.6 kg of Zn/ha reduced SW5819 biomass by 6.6% and 13.1% relative to SW5731 and its own no-Zn treatment, respectively. Grain yield in SW5819 peaked at 14.7 t/ha under 5 and 10 kg of Zn/ha, significantly higher than SW5731 under 0 and 5 kg of Zn/ha by 16.7%, while SW5731 showed no significant response. In SW5819, shoot and grain Zn uptake significantly increased under 5 and 10 kg of Zn/ha by up to 36.8% and 33.3%, respectively, compared to no Zn treatment. The lowest shoot Zn uptake was found in SW5819 under 20.6 kg of Zn/ha (264.1 ± 43.9 g/ha), which was lower than all its Zn treatments and all SW5731 treatments, showing a reduction of 19.4–43.6%. Zn application improved soil Zn availability, and Zn partitioning among plant organs varied with Zn rate and season. A moderate Zn rate (10 kg of Zn/ha) optimized maize performance under high-pH, rice-based conditions, emphasizing the need for variety-specific Zn management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutrition Eco-Physiology and Nutrient Management)

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Review

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16 pages, 412 KB

Open AccessReview

Plant Status Nutrition and “Extremely Dense Planting” Technology

by Daxia Wu, Shiyong Chen, Xiaoxiao Lu, Fuwei Wang, Xianfu Yuan, Wenxia Pei and Jianfei Wang

Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020191 - 13 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 756

Abstract

Advances in plant nutrition have driven substantial progress in modern fertilization technologies. Nevertheless, excessive chemical fertilizer application, low nutrient-use efficiency, and the resulting environmental pollution remain widespread. We have reviewed the research progress and existing limitations in the field of plant nutrition and fertilization technology. Based on the traditional plant nutrition diagnosis and integrating visual diagnosis methods, this study explores the intrinsic relationship between plant growth status, nutrient supply conditions, and crop yield and proposed the concept of “status nutrition”. Variations in environmental nutrient conditions lead plants to exhibit distinct growth status in terms of vigor and phenotype. We define the plant nutritional status reflected by this growth status as “status nutrition”. Based on growth characteristics, plant growth status can be classified as weak, normal, or vigorous, corresponding to deficient, appropriate, and excessive environmental nutrient supply, respectively. Guided by this concept, an innovative rice “extremely dense planting” technology is integrated by increasing planting density, eliminating tiller-stage fertilization, and optimizing nitrogen management. The technology adapts to growth status with low nutrient demand, coordinates population growth and main-stem panicle formation, and achieves high yield with reduced fertilizer inputs. Further research is needed on the nutrient metabolism mechanisms of plants under different growth statuses and the growth status grading system. The promotion of “extremely dense planting” is constrained by crop variety traits and soil fertility, and its parameters urgently need to be optimized. Overall, the framework of “status nutrition” provides important theoretical support for the development and application of crop high-yield cultivation technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutrition Eco-Physiology and Nutrient Management)

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20 pages, 1120 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Enhancing Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Productivity: Exploring the Significance of Potassium Nutrition

by Ebenezer Ayew Appiah, Andrea Balla-Kovács, Akasairi Ocwa, József Csajbók and Erika Kutasy

Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081806 - 16 Aug 2024

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4687

Abstract

Sustainable management of potassium nutrition in alfalfa crop production is one of the major key factors for achieving optimum seed and biomass yields. An inappropriate supply of mineral potassium nutrition in alfalfa production could result in a decrease in biomass and grain yield production, leading to luxury consumption with cost implications. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial leguminous forage crop known for its high protein content, nutritive value, biomass yield production, soil-improving abilities, and livestock feed. Potassium nutrition plays a crucial role in alfalfa production by influencing several physiological processes essential for biomass yield, growth, development, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. Although several studies have been conducted regarding the role of potassium nutrition in agriculture productivity, only limited research has focused on crop-specific impacts. Therefore, this paper reviews (i) the significant role potassium nutrition plays in alfalfa production along with its implications for quality, yield, growth, and resistance to abiotic stress; (ii) the factors affecting the availability, absorption, and transport of potassium; (iii) the source of potassium and the consequences of inadequate availability; and (iv) highlights some strategies for mitigating potassium nutrient deficiency to optimize alfalfa productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Nutrition Eco-Physiology and Nutrient Management)

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