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Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants—2nd Edition
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Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants—2nd Edition

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 4221

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Hongmei Cai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: plant-soil interaction; plant nutrition; nutrient interaction; gene function; transporter; transcription factor; rhizosphere soil
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutrient elements are essential for plant growth and development. However, they are also the limiting factors for grain yield and quality in crops. Today, intensive high-yield agriculture is highly dependent on the addition of fertilizers, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, as well as other microelements. However, further increases in fertilizer application are unlikely to be as effective at increasing yields, as efficiency declines at higher levels of addition. Therefore, understanding how plants respond to environmental nutrient levels to identify appropriate approaches and strategies to promote root uptake, root-to-shoot translocation, and the distribution of nutrients in plants—ultimately, to improve nutrient use efficiency—is quite meaningful for crop yield and quality.

In this Special Issue, we welcome articles including original research papers, perspectives, opinions, and reviews that focus on approaches and strategies for nutrient use efficiency improvement in plants. These approaches and strategies may include fertilizer management, the selection and breeding of high nutrient-use-efficient species and varieties, crop system change, as well as analyses of the physiological and molecular responses of plants to low and high nutrient conditions, the gene functions involved in nutrient uptake, translocation, and distribution in plants, and so on.

Dr. Hongmei Cai
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nutrient use efficiency
  • fertilizer
  • varieties
  • crop system
  • gene function
  • physiological and molecular response

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 2987 KB  
Article
Straw Compost Products Improve Corn Growth in Association with Rhizosphere Microbial Community in Acidic Soil
by Tongyu Feng, Xin Wang, Chao Wang and Renfang Shen
Plants 2026, 15(6), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15060879 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 161
Abstract
Straw compost products are considered an excellent organic amendment for acidic soils, yet their effectiveness and microbial associations remain poorly understood. This study employed a pot experiment to evaluate the effects of straw compost products from six crops (corn, soybean, wheat, rice, peanut, [...] Read more.
Straw compost products are considered an excellent organic amendment for acidic soils, yet their effectiveness and microbial associations remain poorly understood. This study employed a pot experiment to evaluate the effects of straw compost products from six crops (corn, soybean, wheat, rice, peanut, and canola) on corn growth and nutrient uptake, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial community in an acidic red soil and examined how microbial community changes relate to plant performance. The results showed that straw compost products significantly enhanced corn growth and contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the aboveground tissues, except for wheat and canola straw. Compost products also improved availability of soil nutrients to varying degrees and affected the bacterial community structures in bulk and rhizosphere soils. There were significant differences in the improvement effects among straw types, with leguminous crops being better than cereal crops. Corn growth was closely correlated with increased soil organic carbon. The influence of the rhizosphere on bacterial communities was stronger than that of straw compost type. The dominant phyla Actinobacteriota and Patescibacteria were key bacterial groups positively associated with corn nutrient uptake in the rhizosphere. Compared to the bulk network, the rhizosphere microbial co-occurrence network exhibited higher modularity and a greater proportion of positive edges, suggesting a more cooperative interaction pattern. The influence of compost products might be associated with distinct nitrogen and phosphorus transformation pathways. Overall, this study clarifies the differential effects of straw compost products on acidic soil improvement and reveals strong associations between rhizosphere microorganisms and crop nutrient uptake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 9844 KB  
Article
CRU–Urea Mixtures Improve Maize Protein Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China
by Lele Tian, Chunyan Yin, Liang Feng, Xiaorong Wu, Li Han, Jinhu Yang, Fang Luo, Ju Zhao and Lijun Li
Plants 2026, 15(5), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15050675 - 24 Feb 2026
Viewed by 213
Abstract
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application in the black soil region of Northeast China leads to nitrate leaching and gaseous nitrogen loss, posing environmental risks. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of controlled-release urea (CRU) mixed with conventional urea in synchronizing nitrogen fertilizer supply [...] Read more.
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application in the black soil region of Northeast China leads to nitrate leaching and gaseous nitrogen loss, posing environmental risks. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of controlled-release urea (CRU) mixed with conventional urea in synchronizing nitrogen fertilizer supply with maize nitrogen requirements, improving nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency (NUE), and increasing economic benefits. A two-year field trial (2023–2024) tested six nitrogen fertilizer application strategies, all with a total nitrogen application rate of 168 kg N ha−1, including no nitrogen fertilizer application (CK), conventional fractionated urea application (C0), and four controlled-release urea–urea mixed application schemes, where CRU supplied 100%, 70%, 50%, and 30% of the total nitrogen (C100, C70, C50, and C30). The results showed that the C70 treatment had the highest maize grain yield and protein yield, at 12,502.92 kg ha−1 and 1567.65 kg ha−1, respectively, and NUE increased by 10.07% in 2024 compared to the C0 treatment. The C70 strategy also reduced nitrate concentrations in deeper soil layers, decreasing nitrogen loss by 29.04–31.21% compared to the C0 treatment. Furthermore, the C70 strategy yielded the highest net benefit, reaching $2817 ha−1. These results indicate that in black soil systems, a single basal application of C70 mixed fertilizer is an effective strategy for increasing maize yield, improving nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency, and reducing environmental risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 2057 KB  
Article
Consecutive Application of Biogas Slurry Improved the Cumulative Nitrogen Use Efficiency by Regulating the Soil Carbon Pool
by Sheng Wu, Tingfeng Gao, Chenxue Wu, Haoqiang Yuan, Ying Liu, Jiating Liu, Lei Han, Cheng Zhang, Youhua Ma and Xia Liao
Plants 2026, 15(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010102 - 29 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 406
Abstract
To identify the optimal substitution ratio of biogas slurry to chemical fertilizer, this study determined the cumulative nitrogen use efficiency (CNUE) of wheat and carbon pool in Lime concretion black soil. The following treatments were applied: control (CK), conventional chemical nitrogen fertilizer application [...] Read more.
To identify the optimal substitution ratio of biogas slurry to chemical fertilizer, this study determined the cumulative nitrogen use efficiency (CNUE) of wheat and carbon pool in Lime concretion black soil. The following treatments were applied: control (CK), conventional chemical nitrogen fertilizer application (CN), optimized chemical fertilizer application (ON), and biogas slurry replacing 15% (ONL15%), 30% (ONL30%), and 50% (ONL50%) of fertilizer. The results indicated that CNUE was the highest in the ONL30% treatment and 67.26–80.26% higher in the ONL15%, ONL30%, and ONL50% treatments than it was the CN treatment. The soil dissolved organic carbon of 2023–2024 increased by 11.93–22.93% compared to that in the CN treatment, and the highest particulate organic carbon content was observed in ONL30% treatment. In 2024, the carbon pool management index was 22.20, 42.42, and 29.34% higher in ONL15%, ONL30%, and ONL50% treatments than it was in CN treatment, respectively. In summary, biogas slurry replacing 30% of fertilizer regulated the carbon pool in Lime concretion black soil and improved the yield, quality, and cumulative nitrogen use efficiency of wheat, which was the optimal substitution ratio of biogas slurry to chemical fertilizer in the Northern Anhui Plain of China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 818 KB  
Article
The Improvement of Growth Parameters and Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation in Pea Varieties as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization
by Daiva Janusauskaite
Plants 2025, 14(22), 3450; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223450 - 11 Nov 2025
Viewed by 572
Abstract
The field experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen rates on accumulation of aboveground dry mass (AGDM), leaves area index (LAI), and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (iPAR) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) varieties. The experiment was arranged in a factorial [...] Read more.
The field experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen rates on accumulation of aboveground dry mass (AGDM), leaves area index (LAI), and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (iPAR) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) varieties. The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomized block design consisting of three levels of the first factor (variety) and seven levels of the second factor (NPK fertilization treatments were used: (1) NPK 0:0:0 (control), (2) NPK 0:40:80, (3) NPK 15:40:80, (4) NPK 30:40:80, (5) NPK 45:40:80, (6) NPK 15 + 15:40:80, (7) NPK 60:40:80). The growth indicators (LAI and AGDM) and iPAR were assessed three times during the growing season. Nitrogen fertilization positively influenced LAI, but significant differences in LAI were found only under splitted N30 (N15 + N15), N45, and N60 applications, compared to the treatment N0 P40K80. In the dry 2015 and the optimal moisture 2016, N30, N45, and N60 rates significantly increased AGDM. The influence of fertilization on iPAR varied between experimental years, and it was strongest in the dry 2015, when applying N15 + 15 and N60 fertilization significantly increased iPAR, compared to the control. According to LAI and iPAR data, pea varieties were ranked in descending order: Simona, Ieva DS, and Respect. LAI significantly (p ≤ 0.01) correlated with AGDM and iPAR, but the relationship weakened as peas reached later growth stages. These results provide valuable knowledge, and it will be useful for researchers in developing new cultivation methodologies to achieve higher semi-leafless pea productivity by applying different combinations of nutrition and new varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1003 KB  
Article
Impact of the Nitrogen on Nutrient Dynamics in Soybean–Grass Intercropping in a Degraded Pasture Area
by Karina Batista, Mayne Barboza Sarti, Laíze Aparecida Ferreira Vilela, Ricardo Alexander Peña Venegas and Gerardo Ojeda
Plants 2025, 14(21), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213372 - 4 Nov 2025
Viewed by 616
Abstract
The development of an efficient agricultural system depends on the correct choice of crops and the management of nutrient supply and distribution within the system. This study aimed to determine how nitrogen (N) rates applied to rows of maize and tropical grass during [...] Read more.
The development of an efficient agricultural system depends on the correct choice of crops and the management of nutrient supply and distribution within the system. This study aimed to determine how nitrogen (N) rates applied to rows of maize and tropical grass during the autumn–winter season (previous crop) influence subsequent intercropped plants. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot scheme and four replications. The main plots comprised three cropping systems: soybean monoculture, soybean intercropped with Aruana Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana), and soybean intercropped with Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Comum). The subplots consisted of four N rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha−1) applied to the rows of maize and tropical grass during the previous crop. Macronutrient accumulation and efficiency indices were determined for intercropped plants. Aruana Guinea grass increased the accumulation of N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulphur (S) in the soybean crop. N applied to the previous crop negatively affected the accumulation of P, K, and S in soybean monoculture. The maximum physiological efficiency of soybean was related to N supply. The efficiency indices for Aruana Guinea grass highlighted its ability to recover residual N applied to the previous crop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 1624 KB  
Article
Enhancing Biological Nitrogen Fixation Through Diverse Pasture Swards
by Rukshagini Sutharsan, Paramsothy Jeyakumar, Lucy Burkitt, Dumsane Themba Matse, Ramadoss Dhanuskodi, James Hanly and Daniel J. Donaghy
Plants 2025, 14(17), 2727; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172727 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Regenerative agricultural practices emphasize the use of diverse pasture species within sustainable agriculture production systems. The inclusion of a range of legume species in diverse pasture swards is likely to increase biological N fixation (BNF) across seasons, reducing the system’s reliance on synthetic [...] Read more.
Regenerative agricultural practices emphasize the use of diverse pasture species within sustainable agriculture production systems. The inclusion of a range of legume species in diverse pasture swards is likely to increase biological N fixation (BNF) across seasons, reducing the system’s reliance on synthetic N inputs. The present field study aims to quantify BNF in selected legume species within diverse pasture (combining 9 species) and standard pastures (ryegrass and clover combination) and assess their performance to identify the potential for improving N supply while maintaining year-round pasture quality. A year-round seasonal BNF was assessed by evaluating soil N status, nodulation patterns, plant composition, and conducting 15N natural abundance studies. The results revealed that the diverse pasture sward produced 5.4% more dry matter compared to the standard pasture, while soil mineral N (NO3−, NH4+) remained statistically similar between the two treatments. Nitrogen yield was 9.3% higher in the diverse pasture than in the standard pasture. 15N natural abundance analysis assessment revealed no substantial variation in BNF rates across treatments throughout the study. However, in contrast to standard pasture, the BNF rate in diverse pasture experienced a 3-fold increase from winter to summer, while the standard pasture exhibited a 1.5-fold increase. In both pasture systems, BNF increased with clover proportion up to 30%, indicating optimal fixation at moderate clover levels. The findings underscore the potential of diverse pastures when strategically managed to enhance seasonal BNF while sustaining pasture productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Nutrient Use Efficiency Improvement in Plants—2nd Edition)
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