Abbreviation (ISO4): Chin Agric Sci Bull
Editor in chief: Yulong YIN
In-depth studies on the effects of machine-transplanting synchronized with side-deep fertilization on grain yield, nitrogen (N) uptake and N use efficiency of rice, and soil N contents will provide a theoretical basis for N efficient use with reduced application rate in machine-transplanting rice. Six treatments were established in Yuhang District, Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province during 2018 to 2020, including no N fertilizer (N0), conventional fertilization (N1), conventional fertilization with 10% N reduction and side-deep fertilization (N2), slow-released fertilizer (SF) with 15% N reduction (N3), SF with 15% N reduction and side-deep fertilization (N4) and SF with 15% N reduction and one-time side-deep fertilization (N5). The characteristics of dry matter accumulation, grain yield, N concentration, N uptake, N use efficiency of rice, as well as soil available N were determined. The results showed that when reducing conventional N application rate by 15%, side-deep fertilization with SF (N4 and N5) would still have similar dry matter accumulation and N accumulation compared with N1 treatment. The results of three-year average indicated that the yield of N3 treatment was the lowest among all N application treatments, which was significantly lower than those of other N treatments. The SF with side-deep fertilization treatments (N4 and N5) had similar N concentration in rice plant and N uptake by rice compared with N1 treatment. No significant difference in N apparent use efficiency was observed among N4, N5 and N1 treatment. However, compared with N1 treatment, the SF with side-deep fertilization treatments (N4 and N5) increased the N agronomy efficiency and N partial factor productivity by 24.1% and 19.1%, respectively, in 2018; and by 21.8%-35.7% and 18.3%-21.0%, respectively, in 2019; and by 0.6%-24.8% and 13.9%-19.0%, respectively, in 2020. Despite a 15% reduction in N application rate, the SF with side-deep fertilization did not decrease the soil available N concentration compared with N1 treatment. To sum up, slow-released fertilizer with side-deep fertilization effectively reduces N input and maintains yield in machine-transplanted rice, and improves N use efficiency, making it worthy of active promotion and application.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of soybean phospholipid amendments on crop yield and crop nutrients uptake, providing references for the crop yield and soil fertility improvement in the northwestern Shandong Province. A field experiment with five treatments was conducted in 2022 in Dezhou City, Shandong Province. The treatments were as follows: conventional management (T1), additional application of 300 kg/hm2 (T2) and 600 kg/hm2 (T3) soybean phospholipid amendments on the basis of T1, 20% (T4) and 30% (T5) reduction in chemical fertilizer input on the basis of T3. Crop yield, crop nutrient uptake and soil nutrient content were measured to evaluate the effects of soybean phospholipid amendments on crop yield and soil fertility. Compared with T1, T3 and T4 significantly increased maize yield by 11.3% and 16.0% through enhancing kernels per row and kernels per ear, while no significant effect was observed in T2 and T5. Wheat yield was significantly increased by 0.56 and 0.51 t/hm2 through enhancing spike numbers. The application of soybean phospholipid amendments can increase soil available phosphorus content and plant phosphorus uptake. T3, T4 and T5 showed 31.0%-55.2% and 12.5%-15.4% enhancement in phosphorus uptake compared with T1 for maize and wheat, respectively. Therefore, in the maize-wheat rotation system of northwestern Shandong, it is recommended to apply 600 kg/hm2 soybean phospholipid amendments on the basis of conventional management or with 20% reduction of chemical fertilizer.
In view of the issues of soil acidification, continuous cropping obstacles, fertilizer reduction, carbon sequestration and emission reduction in the main peanut producing areas in China, the paper aims to systematically sort out the application effect and mechanism of biochar in the high-quality and efficient production of peanuts, and promote the utilization of straw resources and the improvement of cultivated land quality. It first summarized the types of biochar raw materials, application dosages, and application methods adopted in peanut cultivation. Then, it explored the impacts of biochar on peanut growth and quality, soil physicochemical properties, soil microorganisms, and the mitigation of soil pollution in peanut fields. Additionally, the article analyzed the role of biochar in soil carbon sequestration and emission reduction within peanut cropping systems. The results showed that biochar with suitable raw materials and dosage could promote peanut emergence and root growth, improve photosynthetic efficiency, increase pod yield, and improve quality indicators such as oleic acid. It could effectively improve acidified soil, enhance the effectiveness of organic matter and nutrients, optimize microbial community structure, and reduce the effectiveness of heavy metals such as cadmium. At the same time, it significantly reduced N2O and CH4 emissions, enhanced soil carbon sequestration capacity, and achieved synergy between yield increase and emission reduction. However, there are still some shortcomings in the current research, such as short test period, unclear long-term effects and mechanisms, and insufficient specialization and regionalization. In summary, biochar is an efficient improvement material for green quality improvement, carbon sequestration and emission reduction in peanut fields, and has significant synergistic effects with nitrogen reduction, tillage and irrigation. In the future, long-term positioning research, mechanism analysis and regional special product development should be strengthened to promote the large-scale application of biochar in the main peanut producing areas such as Huanghuaihai.
Aiming to study the effects of defoliation and ripening agent on yield and fiber quality of cotton cultivars in the light and simplified regional trials, so as to clarify the reasonable methods for spraying defoliation and ripening agent in Shandong. The paper analyzed the effects of defoliation and ripening agent on yield traits and fiber quality of different cotton varieties from the light and simplified regional trials of 2023 and 2024. 600 g thidiazuron (50% wettable powder) and 3000 mL ethephon (40% aqueous solution) per hectare were used at 60 days after topping, with spraying the equivalent volume of running water as the control. Results showed that defoliation and ripening agent exhibited no significant impact on seed cotton yield, fiber length, fiber strength, and uniformity index in the light and simplified regional trials. However, the extent of influence varied among the tested varieties, with approximately 50% of the varieties demonstrating either a decrease or no change compared to the control group across the two years. Defoliation and ripening agent significantly affected boll weight and seed index in cotton varieties under light and simplified cultivation. Specifically, boll weight decreased by an average of 4.23% to 6.0%, while seed index declined by an average of 5.51% to 8.31%, compared to the control group. Additionally, these agents considerably influenced lint percentage and micronaire, with the degree of influence differing among various cotton varieties across different years. Variance analysis indicated that the interaction between the defoliation and ripening agent and variety types had a highly significant effect on seed index but did not significantly affect seed cotton yield, lint percentage, fiber length, fiber strength, or micronaire. The interaction effect on boll weight was significantly influenced by both variety type and climatic conditions. In a word, reasonable application of defoliation and ripening agent has no significant impact on the yield and fiber quality of cultivars in the light and simplified regional trials. It is initially recommended that the application of defoliation and ripening agent in the light and simplified regional trials of cotton in Shandong should be 60 days after topping. The recommended application rate is 600 g thidiazuron (50% wettable powder) and 3000 mL ethephon (40% aqueous solution) per hectare. However, specific applications need to be adjusted based on the characteristics of the variety and the climatic conditions of the year.
To address the inconsistency in the quality of Astragalus caused by ambiguous cultivar selection and indeterminate harvesting periods in Northern China, this study aimes to identify suitable cultivars and determine the optimal harvest time. Using A. membranaceus var. mongholicus (AM) and A. membranaceus (AG) as experimental materials, we systematically evaluated their growth parameters, including root length, root diameter, fresh root weight, and dry root weight, as well as the contents of key medicinal compounds (calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, and crude polysaccharides) across different cultivation years (1 to 3 years). The monthly dynamics of these bioactive components in both Astragalus species were monitored. Principal component analysis (PCA) was subsequently employed to comprehensively assess the quality of Astragalus at different growth stages. The results indicated: (1) Both growth parameters and medicinal compound contents in the two Astragalus species increased significantly with cultivation years. The 3-year-old AM exhibited marked growth advantages, with its dry root weight increasing by 250.37% compared to 2-year-old plants, and its calycosin content showing a significant increase of 1197.56% to 1533.58% relative to 1- and 2-year-old plants. The dry root weight of 3-year-old AG increased significantly by 193.78% compared to 2-year-old plants, with its calycosin content rising by 516.33% to 522.50% compared to 1- and 2-year-old plants. (2) The root length, fresh root weight, dry root weight, and contents of calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, and calycosin in 3-year-old AM were all significantly higher than those in AG. (3) Monthly dynamics revealed that the bioactive compounds (calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, calycosin) in AM followed an “N”-shaped change pattern, peaking at 29 months. In AG, calycosin-7-glucoside and crude polysaccharides exhibited an “M”-shaped change pattern, with peaks occurring at 28-29 months. (4) PCA results demonstrated clear separation between 3-year-old and 1-year-old Astragalus (cumulative contribution rate: 80.340%), with 3-year-old AM showing the highest yield and quality. In conclusion, A. membranaceus var. mongholicus (AM) demonstrated superior growth and quality performance compared to A. membranaceus (AG) in northern regions, with the optimal harvest time identified as October of the third year (29 months of age). This study provides a scientific basis for high-quality and high-yield cultivation of Astragalus in Northern China. Future research could further optimize cultivation practices by incorporating multi-location trials and molecular mechanism analysis.
Aiming to address the challenges of uneven precipitation distribution and seasonal drought constraints in high-altitude tobacco-growing areas, this study was conducted to scientifically develop irrigation strategies for flue-cured tobacco. Taking ‘Honghua Dajinyuan’ as the experimental cultivar, field trials were carried out in Huidong County and Huili City of Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Four treatments were established, including optimized irrigation during the root extension stage (S1), optimized irrigation during the vigorous growth stage (S2), full-stage optimized irrigation (S3), and natural precipitation (CK, control). The impacts of these water supply regimes on leaf development, physical properties, economic traits, and chemical composition were systematically analyzed. S3 exhibited the most significant promotion effect on leaf length. Specifically, compared with CK, the leaf length of S3 at the mature stage in Huidong increased significantly by 6.48%. S2 and S3 significantly increased the thickness of palisade tissue, spongy tissue, and total leaf thickness in the middle leaves but had limited effects on leaf width. For physical traits, S2 and S3 significantly enhanced the leaf thickness and leaf area density of cured tobacco leaves. S2 increased leaf thickness by 16.89% in Huidong and 7.87% in Huili, whereas S3 increased leaf area density by 18.77% in Huidong and 8.13% in Huili, accompanied by reduced stem content. In terms of economic performance, S3 improved the yield by 15.09% in Huidong and 3.54% in Huili, and the output value by 16.62% in Huidong and 6.09% in Huili, with the highest proportion of high- and medium-grade tobacco leaves. For chemical composition, S2 showed better coordination, characterized by a high potassium-to-chloride ratio and appropriate sugar-to-alkaloid and nitrogen-to-alkaloid ratios. Considering both of efficacy and cost, an optimized irrigation strategy is recommended for high-altitude tobacco-growing areas: no irrigation during the root extension stage, prioritized irrigation during the vigorous growth stage, and demand-based irrigation during the mature stage. In future research, irrigation parameters can be refined by integrating soil types and annual climate patterns, and the synergistic regulation mechanism of water and fertilizer should be further explored, so as to provide more precise technical support for high-quality and efficient tobacco production in high-altitude areas.
To investigate the effects of different nitrogen application rates on the growth and development of greenhouse-grown cigar wrapper tobacco and the quality of the cured leaves, three nitrogen application levels were set: 150 kg/hm2 (N1), 165 kg/hm2 (N2), and 180 kg/hm2 (N3). Using ‘Haiyan 101’ as test material, the study examined the impact of these treatments on agronomic traits, dry matter accumulation, and the post-curing quality of the middle leaves, including their appearance, physical properties, chemical composition, and sensory evaluation. Results showed that as the nitrogen application rate increased, the plant height gradually increased, the stem circumference thickened, and the leaves expanded; the accumulation of dry matter in roots, stems, and leaves also increased, with the proportion of dry matter in the leaves increasing relative to the whole plant; the identity, oil content, color uniformity, vein thickness, and green impurity index of the wrapper leaves initially increased and then decreased; the leaf length, width, single-leaf weight, and balanced moisture content first increased and then decreased, while the leaf thickness, pull strength, leaf density, and stem content gradually increased; the contents of total nitrogen, nicotine, starch, and protein significantly increased, whereas the total sugar and reducing sugar contents first increased and then decreased; the aroma quality, sweetness, and burning characteristics initially improved and then declined. Under greenhouse cultivation conditions, the wrapper leaves treated with 165 kg/hm2 of nitrogen exhibited desirable appearance, physical properties, chemical composition, and sensory evaluation, meeting the quality standards for cigar wrapper tobacco. Therefore, it is recommended that 165 kg/hm2 should be considered as the optimal nitrogen application rate for greenhouse-grown cigar wrapper tobacco. This study provides a scientific basis for the high-quality production of greenhouse-grown cigar wrapper tobacco in Wuyishan and similar ecological areas. In the future, the synergistic effect of nitrogen fertilizer and other nutrients and the regulation mechanism of nitrogen metabolism can be further studied.
The study aims to systematically grasp the background and spatial distribution of ancient tree resources in Huzhou City, and support the precise protection of ancient trees and the integration of ecological networks. Based on the survey data of ancient trees in Huzhou City from 2023 to 2024, ArcGIS kernel density analysis and spatial overlay method were used to analyze the tree species composition, tree age structure, regional distribution and coupling characteristics with ecological sources. The results showed that a total of 8934 ancient trees were recorded, belonging to 40 families, 81 genera and 111 species. Among these，13 dominant species had more than 100 individuals each. Liquidambar formosana (1019 trees) and Ginkgo biloba (4691 trees) were the most abundant accounting for 63.91%. There were 185 first-class ancient trees (2.07%), including 35 trees over 1000 years old (0.39%) from 8 species (Platycladus orientalis, Torreya grandis, Pistacia chinensis, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Taxus mairei, Ginkgo biloba, Sabina chinensis and Bischofia Polycarpa). Second-class ancient trees numbered 469 (5.25%) and covered 32 species，while third-class ancient trees accounted for 8280 (92.68%) and included all species. The ancient trees were mainly distributed in Changxing County (48.29%) and Anji County (36.82%), showing significant differences in counties. The spatial distribution of ancient trees showed scattered and multi-group agglomeration. Superimposed with the ecological protection and natural protection areas, there were 6.02% located in and 10.85% far away. In summary, Huzhou ancient tree resources are rich, regional differences are obvious, and the coupling degree with ecological network space is insufficient. Accordingly, it is recommended to establish a fine protection system, strengthen the connectivity of ecological spaces, and promote the deep integration of ancient tree protection with cultural tourism and rural revitalization. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection of ancient tree resources and the optimization of ecological networks in the hilly areas of the Yangtze River Delta. In the future, long-term monitoring and digital twin technology can be combined to achieve intelligent management and protection.
To enable a scientific and precise evaluation of ancient tree reserve resources health status, so as to take timely and well-informed rejuvenation and protective measures, this study focused on 45 reserve resources of ancient Ficus virens in Liwan District, Guangzhou. A health evaluation system including three criteria layers of growth status (A), growth environment (B) and biological hazard (C) and 16 index layers was constructed, and growth and health indicators were systematically evaluated. The analytic hierarchy process was employed to determine indicator weights, compute health scores, and categorize health grades, followed by a comprehensive analysis of their overall health status. The results show that in the criterion layer, the weight of A is the highest (0.5396), followed by C (0.2970), and B is the lowest (0.1634). Among the 16 evaluation indicators, the damage degree of insect pests has the highest total weight value of 0.1465, indicating its most significant impact on the health evaluation of reserve resources of ancient trees. In contrast, the percentage of effective above-ground space has the lowest total weight value of 0.0197, suggesting its minimal influence on the health evaluation of reserve resources of ancient trees.The collective health status of the 45 ancient tree reserve resources individuals is favorable: 40 trees (88.89%) are classified as good, 5 trees (11.11%) are classified as moderate, and no ancient tree reserve resources are assessed as poor or very poor. This study has established a health evaluation methodology for reserve resources of ancient F. virens trees, providing a reference for subsequent health assessment and conservation efforts targeting ancient tree reserve resources.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of pruning intensity on the growth and ecological functions of Eucalyptus 107 clone plantations, providing theoretical and practical guidance for scientific silvicultural management. A randomized block design was implemented at the Xiaoheijiang Base in Ning’er County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, with four pruning treatments: no pruning (control), pruning branches below 1/3 of the tree height, pruning branches below 1/2 of the tree height, and remove branches below 2/3 tree height. Growth parameters, including tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), individual tree volume, conservation rate, stand volume per unit area, and annual increment, were investigated at 1.5, 2.5, and 5 years after pruning. At the same time, the chemical properties (organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium) and carbon sequestration capacity of Eucalyptus rhizosphere soil were analyzed. The results showed that at 5 years, the preservation rate of pruning below 1/2 tree height was the highest (83.75%), and the preservation rate of pruning below 2/3 tree height was the lowest (73.75%); at 1.5 years, pruning below 1/2 tree height significantly enhanced tree height, DBH and stand volume per unit area, though these effects diminished as the plantation aged. Pruning improved soil nutrient content (organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and soil quality. The pruning below 1/2 tree height treatment exhibited the highest carbon sequestration and oxygen production values at 1.5 and 2.5 years, but differences among treatments narrowed by 5 years. Moderate pruning (removing branches below 1/2 tree height) can enhance short-term growth, conservation rates, soil quality, and carbon sequestration capacity, but long-term benefits converge across treatments. It is recommended to adopt pruning intensities tailored to stand developmental stages and management goals to balance efficient plantation operations with ecological benefits.
To evaluate the biological characteristics and turf performance of newly developed bermudagrass lines, a randomized block design was adopted to conduct a comparative trial on the phenological stages, morphological traits, regrowth capacity, and turf performance among ‘Xinnong No.1’ bermudagrass (control) and three new lines: C138, C22, and C63. The results indicated that: (1) compared with ‘Xinnong No.1’, which had a growth period of 168 days, line C138 exhibited a longer growth period (172 days), with earlier spring green-up and later autumn discoloration, thus extending its green period. In contrast, lines C22 and C63 showed shorter growth periods (157 and 164 days, respectively), characterized by later tillering and earlier discoloration. (2) Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in 18 out of 20 morphological indicators measured, except 1000-grain weight and root depth. The traits showing variation included reproductive shoot height, plant height, leaf length and width, and leaf number. Line C138 was characterized by taller plants, more leaves, thicker stolons, and longer inflorescences. Line C63 presented shorter plants, shorter leaves, fewer stem nodes, and shorter inflorescences. Most traits of line C22 were intermediate between C138 and C63. (3) In terms of growth dynamics, the growth rate of C138 leaves (0.092 /d) was significantly higher than that of other strains, and the overall growth of C22 and C63 lagged behind. (4) The overall turf performance score ranged from 5.63 to 6.95. Line C138 achieved the highest score (6.95), demonstrating the fastest turf establishment and superior stress resistance, followed by ‘Xinnong No.1’ (6.54). The new lines C22 and C63 scored relatively lower, at 5.88 and 5.63, respectively. Analysis of dynamic growth revealed similar trends for C138 and ‘Xinnong No.1’, whereas C22 and C63 showed overall growth retardation. In conclusion, line C138 exhibited the best overall performance, with strong stress resistance, rapid turf establishment, and a long green period, making it suitable for urban landscaping. Line C22 showed moderate performance and favorable seed quality, indicating potential for seed production. Line C63 displayed a compact growth habit beneficial for reducing mowing requirements; however, its stress resistance and turf density need improvement.
This study aims to identify low-cost and high-quality alternative materials to replace traditional substrates for straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) cultivation, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency, reducing cultivation costs, and increasing farmers’ income. Using Arundo donax as the experimental material, cultivation trials were conducted by incorporating it into the substrate at different mass ratios (0%, 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80%, and 99%). The suitability of A. donax as a substrate alternative was evaluated through analyses of straw mushroom growth, economic traits, and nutritional composition. The results demonstrated that a substrate containing 60% A. donax was the most suitable alternative formulation. Under this treatment, mycelial growth (2.40-2.42 cm/d), cropping cycle (18-23 d), commercial traits (mushroom length 4.33-4.83 cm, single mushroom weight 8.79-10.21 g), fresh mushroom yield (535.16-550.42 g/tray), and biological conversion rate (7.64%-7.86%) did not differ significantly from those of the control. When the content of A. donax≥80%, the indexes decreased significantly. Meanwhile, the nutritional quality of straw mushrooms cultivated with this formulation was significantly improved. The protein content reached 29.83 g/100 g, while the contents of essential amino acids, umami amino acids, ash, and crude fiber were 9.43, 12.46, 9.00 and 5.5 g/100 g, respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those of the control, and the fat content (1.3 g/100 g) was lower than that of CK. It is concluded that A. donax could be used as a high-quality alternative raw material for V. volvacea cultivation matrix, and 60% A. donax+ 39% cottonseed hull+ 1% gypsum is the optimal formula. This formula takes into account the growth, yield and nutritional quality of V. volvacea, and could achieve the dual goals of efficient utilization of resources and cost reduction.
To address the lack of scientific basis for potassium fertilizer management of Lycium barbarum var. formosanum, in order to reveal the effects of potassium deficiency stress on seedling growth and antioxidant characteristics, and to analyze the physiological mechanism of potassium nutrition, 40-day-old Lycium barbarum var. formosanum seedlings were used as materials, and two treatments of normal potassium (CK) and potassium deficiency were set up. The agronomic traits, biomass, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of seedlings were measured after 28 days. The results showed that potassium deficiency caused leaf yellowing or browning at the edges and tips, significantly reduced plant height and leaf spread, but significantly increased root length (P<0.001). The root-shoot ratio increased from 0.058 to 0.169, and the dry and fresh weight of the aboveground and underground parts decreased significantly. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll decreased slightly, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The content of soluble sugar in plants was significantly increased (potassium deficiency 14.307 mg/(g·FW), CK 12.184 mg/(g·FW), P<0.001), the content of MDA was significantly increased (potassium deficiency 276.039 nmol/(g·FW), CK 207.099 nmol/(g·FW), P<0.001), and the activity of superoxide dismutase SOD was significantly decreased (potassium deficiency 171.412 U/g, CK 211.718 U/g, P<0.001). Potassium deficiency affects cell membrane stability and inhibits secondary metabolic processes by aggravating the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The results showed that potassium deficiency stress inhibited the shoot growth and reduced biomass accumulation of Lycium barbarum var. formosanum by inducing oxidative stress and weakening antioxidant defense. ‘Suppressing the ground and promoting the underground’ was its stress adaptation strategy. This study provides a theoretical basis for the scientific potassium fertilizer management of Lycium barbarum var. formosanum. In the future, potassium concentration gradient can be set, the test cycle can be extended, and the molecular mechanism of its response to potassium deficiency stress can be deeply analyzed.
This paper systematically reviewed the latest research progress on the application of chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and novel fertilizers in tea cultivation, elucidating the practical effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of different fertilizer categories. The results showed: (1) In terms of chemical fertilizers, single-nutrient fertilizers exhibited rapid effects; however, their prolonged misuse could lead to soil acidification, compaction, and related issues. (2) In contrast, compound fertilizers with optimized nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratios enhanced tea yield and quality in a more balanced manner, with notable advances achieved on special compound fertilizer for specific varieties such as ‘Yinghong 9’ and ‘Jinguanyin’. (3) Regarding organic fertilizers, farmyard manure was shown to significantly improve soil structure and stimulate microbial activity. Bio-organic fertilizers optimized the rhizosphere microenvironment and increased soil enzyme activity through the introduction of functional microorganisms, thereby improving tea quality. Organic-inorganic compound fertilizers achieved synergistic benefits by combining rapid nutrient supply with long-term soil improvement. (4) This paper further examined the application mechanisms and potential of novel fertilizers: biological fertilizers utilized beneficial microorganisms to promote nutrient transformation and uptake, alleviating issues related to continuous cropping. Soil amendments (e.g., biochar and humic acid-based materials) targeted soil acidification and improved soil physicochemical properties. Water-soluble fertilizers demonstrated clear advantages in topdressing, especially in fertigation systems, owing to their high nutrient use efficiency and ease of application. Finally, the paper concluded that the synergistic application of different types of fertilizers was the core path of high quality and high yield of tea garden and soil health. Future research should be directed toward establishing a precision fertilization system based on integrated soil-plant diagnosis, developing region- and variety-adapted slow-release compound fertilizers, and functional organic-inorganic fertilizers, along with establishing evaluation standards for green fertilizers in tea gardens to foster high-quality development of the tea industry.
The study aimed to solve the ecological problems caused by the low added value of Laminaria japonica processing, the restriction of high-value use of fucoidan due to its structural characteristics and the abuse of chemical fertilizers in China, and to explore the application of L. japonica biodegradation technology and its products in agricultural field, so as to provide reference for the development of marine algal resources. The necessity and advantages of biodegradation were analyzed by summarizing the main components and structural characteristics of L. japonica; the biodegradation technology was elaborated, including the source, classification, structure and mechanism of action of fucoidan laccases, as well as the synergistic degradation methods of microbial fermentation and enzymatic degradation; and the application of the degradation products as biopromoter, antiretroviral inducer, soil conditioner and bacteriostat in agriculture were summarized. The application value of L. japonica biodegradation products in agriculture is remarkable, although there are challenges such as the unclear mechanism of action and the lack of industrial specifications. Through technological innovation and collaboration, it is expected to promote the development of green agriculture and provide an effective path for the high-value utilization of seaweeds.
The lack of elite cultivars is the bottleneck restricting the development of the Dipsacus asperoides cultivation industry. This study aims to screen high-quality provenances by collecting wild and cultivated D. asperoides plants from Yunnan and surrounding regions, and to clarify the distribution ratio and agronomic trait differences between white-anther and purple-anther plants in natural populations, thereby providing a theoretical basis for elite cultivar breeding and quality regulation of D. asperoides. Using 47 D. asperoides germplasm resources of different origins as materials, an experiment was conducted in the D. asperoides germplasm resource nursery of the Baoshan Agricultural Technology Extension Center using a randomized complete block design. By measuring 12 agronomic traits, including plant height, root diameter, and leaf area, combined with the determination of asperosaponin Ⅵ content via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), data were processed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis to systematically evaluate the quality of the germplasm resources and the trait differences associated with anther color. The results showed that the rootstock diameter of D. asperoides exhibited a highly significant positive correlation with root length, number of root branches, root diameter, and leaf area (P<0.01), among which the correlation with leaf area was the strongest (r=0.738). Among the 47 germplasms, Da03 (yield 4466.40 kg/hm2, saponin content 8.75%), Da29 (yield 3447.45 kg/hm2, saponin content 9.15%), and Da25 (yield 3489.45 kg/hm2, saponin content 7.73%) demonstrated high-yield and high-content potential, whereas Da37 (yield 7955.85 kg/hm2, saponin content 3.36%) was identified as a key breeding material with high yield but low active ingredient content. In the natural population, plants with purple anthers accounted for 84%, while those with white anthers accounted for 16%. The asperosaponin VI content of the former (5.42%) was significantly higher than that of the latter (3.94%, P<0.05), whereas the inflorescence length (30.70 cm) and width (30.54 cm) of the latter were significantly greater than those of the former (P<0.05). This study clarified the core screening indicators for high-quality D. asperoides germplasm and the trait characteristics associated with anther color. The selected elite germplasms can serve as parental materials for breeding high-yield and high-quality D. asperoides varieties. Furthermore, anther color markers provide an intuitive basis for the rapid evaluation of germplasm quality, which holds significant practical importance for promoting the industrialization of D. asperoides cultivation and the conservation of its wild resources.
To grasp the evolution characteristics of land use structure within the Henan water source area of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, using remote sensing images from 1990-2021, the fractal theory was adopted to analyze the changes in various land use areas and the stability of spatial structure, to reveal the transformation and evolution laws of land use structure. The results were as following. During 1990-2021, the areas of cultivated land, shrub land, grassland and unused land had generally decreased, while the areas of forest land, water areas and construction land had shown increasing trend; the average area of patches had been increasing overall, from 1990-2021, it increased by 0.052 square kilometers; the average area of patches in cultivated land, forest land, water area, unused land and construction land had increased, while that in shrub land and grassland had decreased; human activities were the main factor triggering change of land use types in the basin and the overall fractal dimensions in 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2021 were 1.4038, 1.3805, 1.3660 and 1.3580, respectively, showing gradually decreasing trend, indicating that the land use structure was tending to be orderly; the corresponding stability index gradually increased from 0.0962 to 0.1420, but the stability was not high and it was easily affected by external factors. In the future, land use planning of the basin, artificial controls should be implemented to reduce the fractal dimension of land use structure and enhance its stability.
The paper aims to address the current issues of growth age and rhizosphere soil community structure of wild Dendrobium denneanum. To explore the microbial community structure of rhizosphere soil of D. denneanum with different growth years, and the correlation between microbial community and effective components of medicinal materials and soil nutrients, four soil samples were set up, including the control group of untreated soil without D. denneanum (XCK), and the rhizosphere soil of D. denneanum grown for 2 years (A2), 3 years (A3), and 4 years (A4). High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the microbial community structure, while the contents of polysaccharides, phenols, extracts of D. denneanum and soil nutrients were determined. The results showed that with the extension of D. denneanum growth years, the richness and diversity of rhizosphere soil bacteria first decreased and then increased, whereas those of fungi first increased and then decreased. At the phylum level of bacteria, Proteobacteria had the highest relative abundance, with the proportion in A3 reaching 59.3%, which was the highest among all groups; followed by Bacteroidota which was most abundant in A4 (42.6%), and Acidobacteriota which was most abundant in XCK (11.9%). For fungi, Mortierellomycota was the dominant phylum, with the highest proportion in A2 (58.1%); Ascomycota was most abundant in XCK (52.9%); and Basidiomycota had the highest relative abundance in A3 (17.3%). Correlation analysis indicated that soil organic matter, humus, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and calcium were significantly correlated with the rhizosphere soil microbial community of D. denneanum. Meanwhile, fungal genera such as Mortierella, Trichoderma, Ilyonectria were significantly positively correlated with some effective components of D. denneanum. In conclusion, the growth years of D. denneanum had a significant impact on the species composition and diversity of its rhizosphere soil microbial community.
The mechanisms underlying rhizosphere environment differences between substrate culture and soil culture remain unclear in the major cut rose production areas of Yunnan, and precise water and fertilizer management lacks scientific support. This study investigated the effects of different cultivation systems on rhizosphere nutrient status and microbial community structures. Using the cut rose cultivar ‘Fenhong Xueshan’ as the experimental material, a systematic comparison was conducted under identical greenhouse conditions. High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze rhizosphere microbial diversity, and the concentrations of 14 available nutrients were simultaneously determined. The results showed significant divergence in rhizosphere microbial diversity, species distribution, and nutrient contents between the two cultivation modes. Compared with soil cultivation, substrate cultivation increased the numbers of fungal and bacterial OTUs by 27.03% and 28.88%, respectively, with a 9.75% increase in total species count. Analysis of the Feature, Ace, Chao1, Simpson, Shannon, and PD whole tree indices for fungi and bacteria revealed that substrate cultivation increased these values by 27.03% and 27.03%, 30.74% and 28.37%, 30.65% and 26.52%, 13.58% and 0%, 24.12% and 3.38%, and 20.11% and 35.49%, respectively, compared to soil cultivation. Substrate cultivation significantly enhanced rhizosphere microbial populations and promoted the proliferation of functional growth-promoting microbes, including Burkholderiaceae, Rozellomycota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria, while effectively suppressing pathogenic fungi. Analysis of 14 primary available nutrients revealed that soil cultivation favored the accumulation of available phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), and boron (B), whereas substrate cultivation promoted the accumulation of exchangeable sodium (Na), available magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn). Regarding production performance, substrate cultivation significantly increased the number of effective flower shoots per plant (each season 4-6 flower shoots vs. 2-4 shoots in soil), shortened the flowering cycle by 8 days, and exhibited stronger plant growth vigor. In conclusion, substrate cultivation optimizes the rhizosphere microbial structure, increases the abundance of beneficial microbes, and facilitates precise nutrient supply, making it more suitable for the high and stable yield of cut roses. These findings provide a scientific basis for cultivation mode selection, rhizosphere regulation, and precise fertigation management. Future research may focus on multi-cultivar validation and the application of functional microbial communities.
This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms and application prospects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in enhancing plant stress tolerance and improving soil quality. Through literature review and case studies, we focus on the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which different types of ENMs enhance plant salinity tolerance, drought resistance, and resistance to biotic stress. We also analyze the regulatory effects of ENMs on soil structure, nutrient availability, microbial communities, and pollutant remediation. Research indicates that ENMs can enhance plant stress resistance by modulating the antioxidant system, ion homeostasis, and gene expression, while also promoting soil health through improvements in soil physicochemical properties and microbial function. However, it is noted that the transport, transformation, and potential ecological risks of ENMs in the soil-plant system require further evaluation. Ultimately, promoting the sustainable application of ENMs in agriculture must balance their efficacy with environmental safety.
This study aims to systematically summarize the major achievements and experiences of Guangdong Province’s fertilizer industry from 2004 to 2024 in technological innovation, industrial transformation, and green development. It further analyzes its contribution to the technological advancement and structural upgrading of China’s fertilizer sector, and proposes key directions and pathways for achieving sustainable and high-quality development of Guangdong’s fertilizer industry. By integrating literature review, industry statistical data, and typical case analyses, this paper provides a systematic review and evaluation of core technological breakthroughs, industrial applications, and business model innovations in fields of compound fertilizer granulation technology, slow/controlled-release fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers and fertigation, organic fertilizers, soil conditioners, straw decomposition agents, and microbial fertilizers. Among these achievements, the “high-tower granulation technology” represents a major breakthrough in China’s compound fertilizer production processes; low-cost slow/controlled-release fertilizers utilizing green, natural coating materials have achieved large-scale applications in field crops; water-soluble fertilizers and fertigation technologies developed through introduction, absorption, and re-innovation have secured a significant position nationwide, and the pioneering “factory-distribution station-farmer” fertilizer supply service model has been widely adopted. Soil conditioners and straw decomposition agents have achieved industrialized and large-scale application; organic fertilizer enterprises are widely distributed across the province, with notable progress in aerobic composting technology, production processes, equipment automation, and environmental control. The microbial fertilizer sector has experienced rapid growth, with a wide variety of registered products and multiple technical breakthroughs in core strain screening and functional applications, gradually forming a development pattern that balances industrialization and independent innovation. Over the past 20 years, Guangdong’s fertilizer industry has significantly advanced China’s fertilizer technological system and green transformation through technological innovation, model innovation, and industrial chain upgrading. Looking ahead, the industry should further strengthen the leading role of enterprises in scientific and technological innovation, deepen industry-academia-research collaboration, promote fertilizer development toward greater greenness, efficiency, intelligence, precision, and multifunctionality, and accelerate the establishment of a modern fertilizer industry system aligned with the emerging new-quality productive forces in agriculture.
Based on meteorological data and rice blast records from 16 counties (cities) in Qiandongnan Prefecture from 2015 to 2021, the paper calculated a meteorological disease-promoting index Z, and established a predictive model for the meteorological grade of rice blast occurrence using regression analysis: Z=0.17x+0.90, with a correlation coefficient of 0.73. Based on the Z value, the meteorological risk of the disease was classified into 4 grades: Grade 1 (0≤Z<4), Grade 2 (4≤Z<10), Grade 3 (10≤Z<15), and Grade 4 (Z≥15). Higher grades indicated that meteorological conditions were more conducive to disease occurrence. The model was applied to predict rice blast grades across the region, achieving an accuracy rate of 69.2%. The results demonstrated that the disease-promoting index method could be effectively used for meteorological grade prediction of rice blast in Qiandongnan Prefecture, providing a scientific basis for disease prevention and control in the region.
To effectively control the pests and diseases of leek and pesticide residues, this study conducted experiments on different plant protection schemes, including treatment 1 (chemical control), treatment 2 (agricultural control), treatment 3 (biological control), treatment 4 (agricultural control + biological control), and treatment 5 (agricultural control + biological control + chemical control), and the control (CK) was treated with clean water. The control effectiveness of diseases and pests such as gray mold disease, phytophthora blight, disease, dry tip, and thrips were evaluated, and the pesticide residues of each treatment and control were also tested. The results of the control effect test showed that treatment 1, treatment 3, treatment 4, and treatment 5 had a control effect of over 65% on gray mold disease and phytophthora blight, which was significantly higher than treatment 2 (with a control effect of less than 40%). For the prevention effect of dry tips, treatment 2, treatment 4, and treatment 5 were all greater than 15%, significantly higher than treatment 1 and treatment 3 (prevention effect less than 3%). The control effects of treatments 1, 3, 4, and 5 on thrips were all greater than 66%, significantly higher than treatment 2 (1.20%). The pesticide residue detection results showed that six chemical pesticides, including thiamethoxam, highly efficient cyhalothrin, benzofenapyr, pyraclostrobin, pyrimethanil, and fludioxonil, were not detected in each treatment and CK (content less than 0.01 mg/kg). In treatment 1, propiconazole and bifenthrin were detected with concentrations of 0.46 and 0.24 mg/kg, respectively. There are currently no maximum residue limits for propiconazole and bifenthrin on leeks. Referring to the GB 2763—2021, both propiconazole and bifenthrin have lower pesticide residues on leeks than the reference limits. Based on the comprehensive results of disease and pest control and pesticide residue, the scheme of treatment 5 is most suitable for green production of leeks and can be widely applied.
To investigate the feasibility of 0.005% flocoumafen for controlling rodent pests in farmlands, field trials were conducted from 2022 to 2023 in agricultural areas across nine provinces (regions) in China. The study evaluated the control efficacy in blank control areas, control agent areas (0.005% bromadiolone/brodifacoumat 10 g/hm2), and test agent areas (0.005% flocoumafen at 10 g/hm2) at 7, 15 and 21-30 days after bait application. A systematic assessment was performed on the control efficacy, palatability, and safety of 0.005% flocoumafen bait against farmland rodents. Results demonstrated that flocoumafen bait exhibited significant lethal effects on dominant rodent species such as Rattus norvegicus and Apodemus agrarius (control efficacy ranging from 60.9% to 100%). The average bait consumption rate of flocoumafen was 69.61%, indicating superior palatability compared to the control agents. Safety assessments indicated sporadic occurrences of secondary poisoning in non-target animals and accidental ingestion by poultry in certain areas during the trial; it is necessary to enhance warning signage and implement appropriate protective measures during baiting periods. The findings confirm that flocoumafen effectively controls rodent pest populations with favorable palatability. However, precise evaluation of its safety must be strengthened to support large-scale promotion and application of flocoumafen.
This study aims to investigate the effects of different aging temperatures and durations on the chemical composition of tobacco leaves under sealed low-oxygen conditions. Using mid and upper-position tobacco lamina from Changde of Hunan, Huili of Sichuan, and Yunnan producing regions as test materials, four temperature-controlled treatments were designed: (1) constant air-conditioning (28℃) for 5 months; (2) natural temperature (30-32℃) for 1 month followed by air-conditioning for 4 months; (3) natural temperature for 2 months followed by air-conditioning for 3 months; (4) natural temperature for 3 months followed by air-conditioning for 2 months. The influence of these temperature control modes on the chemical composition during aging was systematically analyzed. The results demonstrated that the contents of amino acids, polyphenols, alkaloids, reducing sugars, and total sugars, as well as pH, exhibited a declining trend with prolonged aging time, while absorbance values gradually increased. No significant change was observed in total nitrogen content. The extent of chemical changes varied among tobacco leaves from different geographical origins under identical treatment conditions. Sensory evaluation revealed that tobacco subjected to 2 months of natural temperature followed by 3 months of air-conditioning achieved the highest smoking quality, consistent with the trends in chemical composition changes. Temperature-controlled aging significantly enhances the quality of tobacco lamina and effectively shortens the aging cycle, thereby supporting rapid turnover under high inventory pressure. The responsiveness of chemical transformation rates to temperature control modes displayed distinct region-specific characteristics. This study has optimized a rapid aging process for tobacco lamina in the production areas of Changde of Hunan, Huili of Sichuan, and Yunnan producing regions. The optimized process consists of a two-month initial stage in a conventional warehouse (30-32℃, 43%-54%RH), followed by a one-month stage in a temperature-controlled (28℃) air-conditioned warehouse. Subsequent temperature-controlled aging is recommended to synergistically inhibit undesirable reactions.
To clarify the quality characteristics of flue-cured tobacco middle leaves (C3F) in southern Anhui tobacco-growing areas, 95 representative samples were collected in 2024. By determining routine chemical components and evaluating sensory quality, this study analyzed the relationship between chemical composition and sensory attributes, identified key chemical components affecting sensory quality using correlation analysis and random forest model, and provided guidance for targeted quality improvement. Results showed that the tobacco leaves exhibited the characteristics of high sugar (total sugar 38.33%, reducing sugar 29.72%), medium alkalinity (nicotine 1.08%), and low chloride (chloride ion 0.13%). Nicotine and chloride contents varied significantly (CV>20%). The mean sensory evaluation score was 73.00, indicating overall high and stable quality (CV=4.83%), with outstanding aroma quality, smoothness, and aftertaste, but relatively weak concentration and impact. Correlation analysis revealed that nicotine was significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen, and negatively correlated with total sugar and reducing sugar. Nicotine (contribution: 21.15%) and total nitrogen (contribution: 18.46%) were the primary chemical components influencing the total sensory score, both showing significant positive correlations with dry sensation, and the cumulative contribution rate reached 39.61%. In conclusion, the quality of middle tobacco leaves in southern Anhui is generally good, but the nicotine is low and the chloride ion is insufficient. Optimizing nitrogen management and nicotine regulation, and moderate chlorine supplementation are crucial for enhancing sensory quality. This study provides data support for precision cultivation, scientific fertilization and curing process optimization in southern Anhui tobacco area. In the future, the research on the regulation mechanism of carbon and nitrogen metabolism can be deepened in combination with multi-year positioning and metabolomics.
To address the problems of ash deposition and high operational difficulty associated with the traditional one-time stem-attached harvesting and curing of upper tobacco leaves, a study was conducted to optimize stem-attached curing technology and improve the curing quality of upper leaves. Using the upper leaves of ‘Zhongchuan 208’ as the experimental material, four treatments were designed: conventional leaf by leaf harvesting and curing (CK), one-time stem-attached harvesting and curing (T1), segmented stem-attached harvesting and curing with the upper three leaves and lower three leaves (T2), and segmented stem-attached harvesting and curing with the upper two leaves and lower four leaves (T3). Economic traits, appearance quality, neutral aroma substances, Amadori compounds, and sensory quality were determined, and a comprehensive evaluation was performed using correlation analysis and Mantel tests. The results showed: (1) The stem-attached curing treatments all exhibited higher proportions of top grade tobacco, average price, yield value, and neutral aroma substance content than CK. Among them, T2 achieved the best performance, with a top grade tobacco proportion of 80.70%, an average price of 30.17 yuan/kg, and a yield value of 20576.25 yuan/hm2. (2) T2 also had the highest content of Amadori compounds (27189 μg/g) and demonstrated superior sensory quality with well-coordinated aroma. (3) Mantel test analysis indicated that 2,6-nonadienal, oxidized isophorone, and solanone were the key aroma indicators affecting the quality of cured tobacco. (4) Correlation analysis between aroma substances and sensory quality showed that increasing the contents of five compounds of 3,4-dimethyl-2,5-furandione, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol, β-damascenone, geranylacetone, and megastigmatrienone，and decreasing the contents of three compounds of β-cyclocitral, megastigmatrienone 1, and phenylethanol, could improve the aroma quality and overall quality of cured tobacco. In conclusion, the segmented stem-attached harvesting and curing method of upper three leaves plus lower three leaves simultaneously improved both the appearance and internal quality of upper tobacco leaves, making it the optimal harvesting and curing strategy. Future research should conduct multi location trials across different varieties and ecological regions to explore the synergistic effects of stem attached curing with agronomic measures and further improve the technical parameter system.
ISSN 1000-6850 (Print)
Started from 1984
Published by: China Association of Agricultural Science Societies
