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The application of seaweed extract and microbial biostimulants has been suggested as a promising approach to overcome yield-limiting factors in organic farming. Yet, information regarding their impact on organic strawberry production is limited. This 2-year field study evaluated the effect of seaweed extract and microbial biostimulants and their synergistic effects on strawberry plant growth, nutrient uptake, fruit yield, and quality under organic production. The biostimulant effects were compared on two strawberry cultivars: Sweet SensationVR Florida127 and Florida Brilliance. Over two seasons, the combination of seaweed extract plus microbial biostimulants applied biweekly consistently resulted in a significant increase of whole-season marketable and total strawberry fruit yields by 23% and 20% on average, respectively, compared with the no-biostimulant control. Application of either biostimulant alone did not consistently show positive effects on strawberry productivity. Modified strawberry root system architecture, enhanced N uptake, increased number of crowns, and higher soil respiration were observed in the biostimulant combination treatment in contrast to the no-biostimulant control. The biostimulant impact was not influenced by strawberry cultivar, but genotypic difference in yield performance under organic production was observed. 'Florida Brilliance' produced significantly higher total fruit number and yield than 'Florida127' by 26% and 12%, respectively, in the first season, and by 34% and 11%, respectively, in the second season. Marketable fruit number (by 18%) and yield (by 9%) of 'Florida Brilliance' were also higher in the first season, along with greater marketable fruit number (by 31%) in the second season. In addition, 'Florida Brilliance' showed significantly higher values of SPAD index, photosynthetic rate (early harvest), and fruit mineral contents based on dry weight (late harvest) than 'Florida127' in both seasons. Although the biostimulant treatments exhibited little influence on the fruit quality attributes including soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC/TA, and total anthocyanin content, varietal differences were observed with significantly higher levels of SSC and lower contents of total anthocyanins in 'Florida 127' vs. 'Florida Brilliance' during each season. The benefits of combined application of seaweed extract and microbial biostimulants demonstrated in this study suggest the need to further elucidate their synergistic functions in promoting nutrient uptake and fruit yield in organic strawberry production systems under different soil and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the growth dynamics of hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa) driven by the influence that potassium (K+) has on crop growth. This study aimed to determine whether increased K+ concentrations under different daily light integrals (DLIs) in a hydroponic system will boost growth of greenhouse lettuce. This study was conducted within a controlled glass greenhouse environment with varying DLIs achieved by integrating an adaptive lighting control system over a 16-hour photoperiod. We used three K+ treatments of 200, 400, or 600 mg·L-1 K+ and six DLI lighting treatments of 11.1, 12.9, 14.6, 15.9, 16.9, and 17 mol·m-2·d-1. We found that increasing K+ did not increase shoot dry weight, leaf area, or specific leaf area with increasing DLIs. Although K+ and DLI had an interacting effect on the root dry weight fraction, leaf chlorophyll content, and quantum yield of photosystem II, the K+ treatments did not increase or decrease with increasing DLIs. The influencing factor was DLI, which led to increases in shoot dry weight and leaf area, whereas a decrease in specific leaf area was observed with increasing DLIs. Ultimately, adding supplemental concentrations of K+ did not enhance lettuce growth, nor did these effects show any increase with increasing DLIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical properties of nano-fertilizers (NFs) are important in determining their performance, efficacy, and environmental interactions. Nano-fertilizers, due to their small size and high surface area-to-volume ratio, enhance plant metabolic reactions, resulting in higher crop yields. The properties of nano-fertilizers depend on the synthesis methods used. The nanoparticle's nutrient use efficiency (NUE) varies among plant species. This review aims to analyze the relationship between the physical properties of NF and their influence on crop performance and nutrient uptake efficiency. The review focuses on the physical properties of NFs, specifically their size, shape, crystallinity, and agglomeration. This review found that smaller particle-sized nanoparticles exhibit higher nutrient use efficiency than larger particles. Nano-fertilizer-coated additives gradually release nutrients, reducing the need for frequent application and addressing limitations associated with chemical fertilizer utilization. The shapes of nano-fertilizers have varying effects on the overall performance of plants. The crystalline structure of nanoparticles promotes a slow release of nutrients. Amorphous nano-fertilizers improve the NUE and, ultimately, crop yield. Agglomeration results in nanoparticles losing their nanoscale size, accumulating on the outer surface, and becoming unavailable to plants. Understanding the physical properties of nano-fertilizers is crucial for optimizing their performance in agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural farming system (NFS) is one of the traditional cultivation methods to cut down production costs as well as dependence on external inputs. Being considered as an agro-ecologically diverse farming practice, it brings a host of ecological and social benefits. In order to know the sustainance of natural farming practice, field experiments were conducted at Zonal Agriculture Research Station (ZARS), V.C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, India for consecutive years (2019 to 2022). The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design comprised of five replication and four different farming practices as treatments namely, absolute control (AC), organic production system (OPS), Natural farming system (NFS) and recommended package of practice (RPP) of UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru. The pooled data of farming practices indicated significant variation in growth, yield and nutrient uptake, among farming practices significantly higher growth, yield and nutrient uptake were recorded with RPP both in green gram and paddy. The results of four years pooled data indicated that compared to conventional farming practice, natural farming recorded decreased yield of 134 (23.53%) and 3350 kg ha-1 (74.49%) in green gram and paddy, respectively. Also recorded 33.38% and 30.23% weed control efficiency by mulching in green gram and paddy, respectively. Based on this study we found that low nutrient demanding crops such as green gram (Pulses) are more suitable under natural farming compared high nutrient demanding crops viz., Paddy. Yields under natural farming can be enhanced by application of Farm yard manure and other natural sources for plant nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of implementing recirculating drainage for greenhouse strawberries is often overlooked because of the low electrical conductivity (EC) of drainage and transpiration despite the large area of cultivation in Korea. In this study, we analyzed the growth of strawberry crops and their water and individual nutrient use efficiency when using closed-loop hydroponics in greenhouses. The study consisted of two parts: Experiment (Exp) 1 and Exp 2, each of which employed a different closed-loop hydroponic control method. In Exp 1, the system was controlled solely based on the EC of the drainage mixed with raw water. In Exp 2, the nutrient solution (NS) was corrected according to the ion concentrations in the drainage, with correction intervals of 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and no correction, while the control treatment was open-loop. In Exp 1, a prolonged increase in drainage EC resulted in an imbalance in NS ion composition and reduced fruit yield. In Exp 2, the NS composition was stabilized through periodic nutrient correction, and the fruit yield of the closed-loop treatments did not differ from the open-loop treatment. However, the closed-loop with 2- and 4-week correction in Exp 2 showed 94% and 88% higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE), respectively, than an open-loop system. Among the closed-loop treatments, the 2- and 4-week correction intervals had 36% and 32% higher NUE than the no-correction treatment. Furthermore, the 2-week correction interval showed a 3% improvement in NUE compared to the 4-week interval. These findings highlight the importance of considering a shorter ion correction interval for optimal NUE and normal plant growth in recirculating hydroponic systems of strawberry cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial microbes colonizing plant tissues are recognized as a value-added soil amendment for enhancing soil fertility. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting endophytic actinobacteria and nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria for improved growth attributes, soil properties, microbial activity, yield, and nutrient uptake of wheat under field conditions for two consecutive years. Three endophytic actinobacterial isolates, Streptomyces sp. strain WR27, Streptomyces sp. strain WR15, and Streptomyces sp. strain WS6 were evaluated alone and in combination with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Azotobacter in field experiment with recommended fertilization rate in north-western Indian plains. Results of the study indicated that all the growth attributes were higher in treatments receiving microbial inoculants than un-inoculated control. It was also observed that inoculation with actinobacterial isolates significantly increased total number of tillers m−2, spike length, number of grains spike−1, and 1000 grain weight as compared to control. Streptomyces sp. strain WR27 + Azotobacter and Streptomyces sp. strain WR15 + Azotobacter exhibited maximum grain yield (5.7 t ha−1, respectively) as compared to control (5.0 t ha−1). The treatment involving inoculation with Streptomyces sp. strain WR27 + Azotobacter recorded higher nutrient contents. Soil properties were significantly increased by application of actinobacterial inoculants in both years over the un-inoculated control. Furthermore, among different inocula, Streptomyces sp. strain WR27 + Azotobacter dual inoculation exhibited highest response efficiency for all the traits studied. Therefore, the results revealed multiple benefits of plant growth-promoting actinobacteria and Azotobacter inoculation for wheat crop in terms of improved soil properties and macronutrient content without hampering the soil fertility and productivity. Thus, it could be recommended as a plant growth-promoting bacteria for wheat at the recommended level of fertilizer application rates for field use in north-western India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinization and sodication present significant threats to crop productivity in many parts of the world including Pakistan. Cultivating halophytes like quinoa presents a viable solution for the profitable use of salt-affected lands. This study specifically examines the performance and salt tolerance mechanism of four quinoa accessions under varying salinity and sodicity levels. In addition to a control group, different combinations of electrical conductivity and sodium adsorption ratio (ECe dS m−1 SAR levels) were established: 10:20, 10:40, 20:20, and 20:40, achieved by using a mixture of salts. Most of the quinoa cultivars exhibited robust growth, with the exception of GLN-22, which proved unable to withstand high levels of salinity and sodicity, resulting in a 78% reduction in yield. GLN-29, on the other hand, demonstrated superior performance across all levels of salinity and sodicity. UAF-Q7 excelled under conditions of high salinity and low sodicity compared to equivalent salinity levels but elevated sodicity. Meanwhile, GLN-33 exhibited enhanced growth under elevated sodicity levels but struggled in the face of high salinity stress. In terms of nutrient uptake, GLN-29 displayed a higher accumulation of Na+ (32%) in older leaves compared to younger ones, alongside elevated levels of antioxidant activity at all salinity and sodicity levels. Notably, GLN-29 exhibited excellent adaptation to both high salinity and sodicity levels, resulting in the highest grain yield (14.75 g/pot) and the salt tolerance mechanism was associated with highly efficient K+ retention and transport of Na+ to older leaves. This underscores the necessity for further comprehensive field studies to ascertain its suitability for the sustainable utilization of salt-affected soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural-origin biomaterials in bioengineering has led to innovative approaches in agroforestry. Bacterial cellulose (BC), sharing the same chemical formula as plant-origin cellulose (PC), exhibits significantly different biochemical properties, including a high degree of crystallinity and superior water retention capacity. Previous research showed that natural-origin glucose-based chitin enhanced plant growth in both herbaceous and non-herbaceous plants. In this study, we produced BC in the laboratory and investigated its effects on the substrate and on Solanum lycopersicum seedlings. Soil amended with BC increased root growth compared with untreated seedlings. Additionally, under limited irrigation conditions, BC increased global developmental parameters including fresh and dry weight, as well as total carbon and nitrogen content. Under non-irrigation conditions, BC contributed substantially to plant survival. RNA sequencing (Illumina®) on BC-treated seedlings revealed that BC, despite its bacterial origin, did not stress the plants, confirming its innocuous nature, and it lightly induced genes related to root development and cell division as well as inhibition of stress responses and defense. The presence of BC in the organic substrate increased soil availability of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and potassium (K), correlating with enhanced nutrient uptake in plants. Our results demonstrate the potential of BC for improving soil nutrient availability and plant tolerance to low irrigation, making it valuable for agricultural and forestry purposes in the context of global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With emerging water scarcity and rising fertilizer prices, optimising future water use while maintaining yield and nutrient efficiency in irrigated rice is crucial. Alternate wetting and moderate soil drying irrigation (i.e., re-irrigation when the water level reaches 15 cm below the soil surface) has proven to be an efficient water-saving technology in semi-arid zones of West Africa, reducing water inputs without yield penalty. Alternate wetting and severe soil drying (AWD30), by re-irrigating fields only when the water table reaches 30 cm below the soil surface, may further reduce water inputs compared to farmers' irrigation practices (FP). However, acute soil drying may impair fertilizer use efficiency and reduce the bio-availability of some key nutrients. This study assessed the potentials and risks associated with AWD30 for smallholder rice farmers in the semi-arid zones of West Africa. We conducted 30 on-farm field trials over three seasons (wet and dry seasons of 2019, and dry season of 2020), in Kou Valley, Burkina Faso. We assessed yield, water productivity, nutrient uptake, and use efficiency under AWD30 and FP. In FP, farmers maintained their fields submerged as frequently as possible according to the scheme-dependent water provision schedule. With AWD30, irrigation frequency was reduced by 30%, however, soils were seldom completely dried due to a shallow groundwater table. Compared to FP, AWD30 reduced irrigation water input by 37% with no significant effects on grain yields (average of 4.5 Mg ha−1), thus increasing average water productivity by 39%. Both irrigation management practices provided comparable crop uptake of N, P, and K, and use efficiencies of applied N and P. However, the N content in straw and the P concentration in grain generally increased with total water input (rain + irrigation). We conclude that at locations with a shallow groundwater table, AWD30 can effectively save irrigation water without significantly reducing the grain yield and the use efficiency of applied mineral nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent to which soil enzyme activity in assessing soil nutrient availability is useful has been controversial. In this review, we discuss the utility of ecoenzymatic stoichiometry (i.e. the ratio of nutrient- to carbon (C)-acquiring enzyme activities) on the basis of the resource allocation model for ecoenzyme synthesis. Both the selection of appropriate enzymes and the balance between relative amounts of substrates and enzymes in the soil are decisive factors in utilizing the ecoenzymatic stoichiometry. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry can evaluate the availability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus, and sulfur in many soils in which the enzyme catalytic reactions are substrate-limited but not enzyme-limited. However, the ecoenzymatic stoichiometry approach does not seem to be applicable in soils where microbes are limited by factors other than nutrient availability, such as low temperature, where the enzyme catalytic reactions are enzyme-limited. Certain enzymes, such as N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase and protease, appear to be insensitive to soil N availability, because they release compounds containing both N and C which serve as sources for both N and C/energy. We propose the use of enzymes such as L-asparaginase and urease as N-acquiring enzymes that release a compound containing N but not C (i.e. NH4+) as the hydrolysis product. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry can be considered as an indicator of long-term (weeks) temporally integrated soil nutrient availability, rather than instantaneous availability, for plants as well as microbes, because of (i) the long-term persistence of extracellular enzymes in soils; (ii) a significant correlation between ecoenzymatic stoichiometry and the measurements reflecting the quantity of long-term available nutrients in soil; and (iii) a significant correlation between ecoenzymatic stoichiometry and plant nutrient uptake. This review also identifies challenges in assessing microbial nutrient limitation using ecoenzymatic stoichiometry. With a comprehensive understanding of underlying mechanisms and limitations, ecoenzymatic stoichiometry can be used as a biologically relevant indicator of nutrient availability in combination with other approaches such as conventional chemical extraction methods and the nutrient addition approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the periodic outbreak of green tides in the coastal areas of China, caused by the combined effects of environmental changes and human activities, has been attracting extensive attention due to the serious negative impacts on the coastal marine ecosystem. In the study, the samples of Ulva linza, a green tide species, were cultivated under two light intensities (LL: 80 mmol photons m-2 s-1; HL: 300 mmol photons m-2 s-1) and three stocking densities (LD: 0.2 g L-1; MD:1 g L-1; HD:2 g L-1) to explore the photosynthetic physiological responses and nutrients absorption capacity. The results showed that high light and low density significantly increased the growth rate of U. linza. Under the HLLD, the maximum growth rate of U. linza was 43.13% day-1 and the energy captured per unit reaction center for electron transfer (ET0/RC) was the highest. The higher density significantly decreased the maximum relative electron transfer rate (rETRmax) of U. linza, especially among groups subjected to high-light condition. Under HL condition, HD also significantly decreased light utilization efficiency (a) in U. linza. The contents of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids of U. linza were significantly lower in HLLD group compared to other treatment groups. The P uptake of U. linza was prominently inhibited by higher density, and the maximum P uptake and minimum P uptake was 17.94 mM g-1 FW day-1 in LLLD group and 2.74 mM g-1 FW day-1 in LLHD group, respectively. Lower density improved N uptake of U. linza, but high light had no effect on it. These results suggest that high light and lower density synergistically promote the growth of U. linza, which is likely due to enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake. And the inhibitory effects of higher densities on growth, particularly under high-light conditions, may be due to increased competition for light and nutrients. In the late stage of the green tides outbreak, an increase in accumulation density could help to suppress the sustained outbreak of the green tides, particularly in high-light condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent advancements in nanotechnology present promising opportunities for enhancing crop resilience in adverse environmental conditions. Methods: In this study, we conducted a factorial experiment to investigate the influence of potassium nanosilicate (PNS) on sorghum plants exposed to varying degrees of drought stress A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed to subject the sorghum plants to different drought conditions. The three levels of stress were designated as non-stress (NS at -0.03 MPa), moderate stress (MD at -0.6 MPa), and severe stress (SD at -1.2 MPa). The plants were administered PNS at concentrations of 0 mM (control), 3.6 mM Si, and 7.2 mM Si. Results and discussion: As drought stress intensified, we observed significant reductions in multiple plant parameters, including height, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf number, stem diameter, cluster length, seed weight, and nutrient uptake, with the most pronounced effects observed under SD conditions. Interestingly, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) levels exhibited an increase under drought stress and PNS application, peaking at MD, alongside Si concentrations. Notably, PNS application facilitated enhanced nutrient uptake, particularly evident in the significant increase in nitrogen concentration observed at 3.6 mM PNS. Furthermore, the application of PNS significantly enhanced the fresh weight and nutrient concentrations (notably K and Si) in sorghum seeds under drought stress, despite varying statistical significance for other nutrients. These findings shed light on the mechanisms through which PNS exerts beneficial effects on plant performance under drought stress. By elucidating the complex interactions between PNS application, drought stress, and plant physiology, this study contributes significantly to the development of sustainable agricultural practices aimed at bolstering crop resilience and productivity in waterlimited environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fulvic acid enhances plant growth and interacts synergistically with phosphate fertilizer to alleviate the agricultural production problem of low phosphorus fertilizer utilization efficiency. However, the underlying mechanism of its action remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of fulvic acid application with varying concentrations (0, 40, 60, 80 and 120 mg/L) on rice performance in plants grown in a hydroponic system subjected to low phosphorus stress. The rice growth phenotypes, biomass, root morphology, phosphorus uptake, and the impact of fulvic acid on the rhizosphere environment of rice, were assessed. Results: The findings showed that adding appropriate concentrations of exogenous fulvic acid could promote the growth performance of rice under low phosphorus stress. Particularly at T1 (40 mg/L) and T2 (60 mg/L) over the control effectively increased rice biomass by 25.42% and 24.56%, respectively. Fulvic acid treatments stimulated root morphogenesis, up-regulated phosphate transporter genes, and facilitated phosphorus absorption and accumulation. Especially T1 (20.52%), T2 (18.10%) and T3 (20.48%) treatments significantly increased phosphorus uptake in rice, thereby alleviating low phosphorus stress. Additionally, fulvic acid elevated organic acids concentration in roots and up-regulated plasma membrane H+-ATPase genes, promoting organic acids secretion. This metabolic alteration can also alleviate low phosphorus stress in rice. Conclusions: The effect of exogenous fulvic acid on physiological indicators is concentration-dependent under low phosphorus stress, enhances rice performance and reduces reliance on phosphorus fertilizer. This provides new insights to shed light on the mechanism of alleviating low phosphorus stress in rice through fulvic acid application, an eco-friendly tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root hairs have become an important model system for studying plant growth, and in particular how plants modulate their growth in response to cell-intrinsic and environmental stimuli. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth of Arabidopsis root hairs in the interface between responses to environmental cues (e.g. nutrients such as nitrates and phosphate, and microorganisms) and hormonal stimuli (e.g. auxin). Growth of root hairs is under the control of several transcription factors that are also under strong regulation at different levels. We highlight recent new discoveries along these transcriptional pathways that might have the potential to increase our capacity to enhance nutrient uptake by the roots in the context of abiotic stresses. We use the text-mining capacities of the PlantConnectome database to generate an up-to-date view of root hairs growth within these complex biological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the critical role of balanced nutrition in crop productivity, the use of potash (K) and zinc (Zn) is not much practiced by Pakistani farmers. The reduced nutrient uptake and crop productivity together increase the costs associated with fertilization and revisit farmers' confidence in the efficacy and profitability of fertilizers. To address this problem, a field study was conducted in the research area of the MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, in collaboration with Engro Fertilizers Limited. The research plan consisted of five treatments, including T1 = control (without N, P, K, and Zn fertilizers), T2 = NP in practice (NP at 32-23-0 kg acre-1), T3 = recommended NP (NP at 48-34.5 kg acre-1), T4 = balanced NPK (NP +K at 48-34.5-30 kg acre-1), and T5 = balanced NPK + Zn (NPK+Zn at 48-34.5- 30 + 7.5 kg acre-1). Wheat was used as a test crop, and its growth, yield, and physiological and nutritional parameters were studied. The results indicated that NPK+Zn balanced nutrition increased plant height, spike length, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and grain yield by 13%, 15%, 44%, 60%, 63%, 39%, and 78%, respectively, compared with the control. It was found that the combined application of NP, K, and Zn improved the recovery efficiency of applied nutrients, i.e., nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) by 230%, phosphorus recovery efficiency (PRE) by 136%, potassium recovery efficiency (KRE) by 135%, and zinc recovery efficiency (ZnRE) by 136% compared to NP-alone application. Agronomic use efficiency of applied fertilizers, such as potassium agronomic use efficiency (KAUE) by 71%, phosphorus agronomic use efficiency (PAUE) by 72%, nitrogen agronomic use efficiency (NAUE) by 70%, and zinc agronomic use efficiency (ZnAUE) by 72%, was observed compared to NP-alone application. The results showed that NPUE, PPUE, NPUE, and ZnPUE were reduced by 5%, 3%, 3%, and 5%, respectively, compared to NP-alone application. Our findings suggest that K and Zn should be made an essential part of wheat nutrition management for higher yield and better quality of produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite fertilization efforts, phosphorus (P) availability in soils remains a major constraint to global plant productivity. Soil incorporation of biochar could promote soil P availability but its effects remain uncertain. To attain further improvements in soil P availability with biochar, we developed, characterized, and evaluated magnesium-oxide (MgO) and sepiolite (Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O)-functionalized biochars with optimized P retention/release capacity. Field-based application of these biochars for improving P availability and their mechanisms during three growth stages of maize was investigated. We further leveraged next-generation sequencing to unravel their impacts on the plant growth-stage shifts in soil functional genes regulating P availability. Results showed insignificant variation in P availability between single super phosphate fertilization (F) and its combination with raw biochar (BF). However, the occurrence of Mg-bound minerals on the optimized biochars' surface adjusted its surface charges and properties and improved the retention and slow release of inorganic P. Compared to BF, available P (AP) was 26.5% and 19.1% higher during the 12-leaf stage and blister stage, respectively, under MgO-optimized biochar + F treatment (MgOBF), and 15.5% higher under sepiolite-biochar + F (SBF) during maize physiological maturity. Cumulatively, AP was 15.6% and 13.2% higher in MgOBF and SBF relative to BF. Hence, plant biomass, grain yield, and P uptake were highest in MgOBF and SBF, respectively at harvest. Optimized-biochar amendment stimulated microbial 16SrRNA gene diversity and suppressed the expression of P starvation response and P uptake and transport-related genes while stimulating P solubilization and mineralization genes. Thus, the optimized biochars promoted P availability via the combined processes of slow-release of retained phosphates, while inducing the microbial solubilization and mineralization of inorganic and organic P, respectively. Our study advances strategies for reducing cropland P limitation and reveals the potential of optimized biochars for improving P availability on the field scale. Article Highlights: MgO and sepiolite doping optimized biochar's surface properties for phosphorus (P) retention and slow release The potential formation of Mg-PO4 phases on the optimized biochar surface regulated P retention and release MgO and sepiolite-ptimized biochars increased soil available P by promoting microbial P mineralization and solubilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial microbiome plays crucial role in plants' resistance to diseases, nutrient uptake and productivity. We examined the microbiome characteristics of healthy and unhealthy strawberry farms, focusing on soil (bulk soil, rhizosphere soil) and plant (roots and shoots). The relative abundance of most abundant taxa were correlated with the chemical soil properties and shoot niche revealed the least amount of significant correlations between the two. While alpha and beta diversities did not show differences between health groups, we identified a number of core taxa (16–59) and marker bacterial taxa for each healthy (Unclassified Tepidisphaerales, Ohtaekwangia, Hydrocarboniphaga) and dysbiotic (Udaeobacter, Solibacter, Unclassified Chitinophagales, Unclassified Nitrosomonadaceae, Nitrospira, Nocardioides, Tardiphaga, Skermanella, Pseudomonas, Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, Curtobacterium) niche. We also revealed selective pressure of strawberry rhizosphere soil and roots plants in unhealthy plantations increased stochastic ecological processes of bacterial microbiome assembly in shoots. Our findings contribute to understanding sustainable agriculture and plant-microbiome interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents a synthesis of the current state of knowledge of physiological processes, weather conditions and management factors affecting the responses of different crops to foliar fertilization with nitrogen and phosphorus. It is concluded that if foliar fertilization is carried out in the correct way under carefully optimized conditions, it will be possible to obtain higher nutrient efficiencies than is the case for conventional soil-based fertilizer applications. However, successful implementation of foliar fertilization requires careful optimization of the conditions for nutrient uptake across the leaf barriers as affected by the form of nutrient applied, the concentration of salts in the applied solution, the addition of adjuvant and the application time in relation to crop developmental stage and weather conditions. Foliar fertilization is more demanding with respect to technical knowledge and management skills than is the conventional use of solid fertilizers. If not carried out appropriately, foliar fertilization with nitrogen or phosphorus will imply a considerable risk of causing negative yield responses. An important target for future innovation will be development of new nutrient formulations, adjuvants and synergists, that can prolong the duration of the period in which the sprayed solution remains as a liquid on the leaf surface and ensure rapid and efficient nutrient uptake with minimal risks of scorch. In addition, it will be essential to develop new sensor and spraying technologies for precision agriculture, including drone-based systems that may enable frequent applications of relatively low nutrient doses under optimum weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that participates in several plant metabolisms. Soil application of Zn is an effective strategy to increase the productivity and Zn concentration in maize grains, but the effect of Zn fertilizers on the nutrients uptake and biofortification still needs more studies. In this study, a greenhouse plot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the optimum Zn fertilizer doses (0, 5.7, and 11.4 kg ha−1) on the nutrients uptake and Zn biofortification of maize crops. Zn applications were found to increase significantly the transpiration rate; photosynthesis rate, Zn, and P concentration in the maize shoot at the VT (Tasseling) stage as well as the grain Zn and maize grain yield. P, Mg, and phytic acid (PA) concentration in grains was also increased with a Zn application of 11.4 kg ha−1. The PA/Zn molar ratio in grains decreased due to the Zn application doses as compared with the control treatment, but there was no significant difference between Zn 5.7 and 11.4 kg ha−1 doses, while Zn 5.7 kg ha−1 achieved a higher PA/Fe molar ratio in maize grains compared to other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the effect of using animal excreta on the nutritional content of forages, focusing on macro- and micro-element concentrations (nitrogen; N, phosphorus; P, sulphur; S, copper; Cu, zinc; Zn, manganese; Mn, selenium; Se) from animal feed to excreta, soil, and plants. Data were collected from pot and field trials using separate applications of sheep or cattle urine and faeces. Key findings indicate that soil organic carbon (SOC) and the type of excreta significantly influences nutrient uptake by forages, with varied responses among the seven elements defined above. Although urine contributes fewer micronutrients compared to faeces (as applied at a natural volume/mass basis, respectively), it notably improves forage yield and micronutrient accumulation, thus potentially delivering positive consequences at the farm level regarding economic performance and soil fertility when swards upon clayey soil types receive said urine in temperate agro-climatic regions (i.e., South West England in the current context). In contrast, faeces application in isolation hinders Se and Mn uptake, once again potentially delivering unintended consequences such as micronutrient deficiencies in areas of high faeces deposition. As it is unlikely that (b)ovine grazing fields will receive either urine or faeces in isolation, we also explored combined applications of both excreta types which demonstrates synergistic effects on N, Cu, and Zn uptake, with either synergistic or dilution effects being observed for P and S, depending largely on SOC levels. Additionally, interactions between excreta types can result in dilution or antagonistic effects on Mn and Se uptake. Notably, high SOC combined with faeces reduces Mn and Se in forages, raising concerns for grazed ruminant systems under certain biotic situations, e.g., due to insufficient soil Se levels typically observed in UK pastures for livestock growth. These findings underscore the importance of considering SOC and excreta nutritional composition when designing forage management to optimize nutrient uptake. It should be noted that these findings have potential ramifications for broader studies of sustainable agriculture through system-scale analyses, as the granularity of results reported herein elucidate gaps in knowledge which could affect, both positively and negatively, the interpretation of model-based environmental impact assessments of cattle and sheep production (e.g., in the case of increased yields [beneficial] or the requirement of additional synthetic supplementation [detrimental]). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding how trees develop their root systems is crucial for the comprehension of how wildland and urban forest ecosystems plastically respond to disturbances such as harvest, fire, and climate change. The interplay between the endogenously determined root traits and the response to environmental stimuli results in tree adaptations to biotic and abiotic factors, influencing stability, carbon allocation, and nutrient uptake. Combining the three-dimensional structure of the root system, with root morphological trait information promotes a robust understanding of root function and adaptation plasticity. Low Magnetic Field Digitization coupled with AMAPmod (botAnique et Modelisation de l'Architecture des Plantes) software has been the best-performing method for describing root system architecture and providing reliable measurements of coarse root traits, but the pace and scale of data collection remain difficult. Instrumentation and applications related to Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) have advanced appreciably, and when coupled with Quantitative Structure Models (QSM), have shown some potential toward robust measurements of tree root systems. Here we compare, we believe for the first time, these two methodologies by analyzing the root system of 32-year-old Pinus ponderosa trees. Results: In general, at the total root system level and by root-order class, both methods yielded comparable values for the root traits volume, length, and number. QSM for each root trait was highly sensitive to the root size (i.e., input parameter PatchDiam) and models were optimized when discrete PatchDiam ranges were specified for each trait. When examining roots in the four cardinal direction sectors, we observed differences between methodologies for length and number depending on root order but not volume. Conclusions: We believe that TLS and QSM could facilitate rapid data collection, perhaps in situ, while providing quantitative accuracy, especially at the total root system level. If more detailed measures of root system architecture are desired, a TLS method would benefit from additional scans at differing perspectives, avoiding gravitational displacement to the extent possible, while subsampling roots by hand to calibrate and validate QSM models. Despite some unresolved logistical challenges, our results suggest that future use of TLS may hold promise for quantifying tree root system architecture in a rapid, replicable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-input-based farming system can reduce the adverse effects of modern agriculture through proper utilization of natural resources. Modern varieties often need to improve in low-input settings since they are not adapted to these systems. In addition, rice is one of the most widely cultivated crops worldwide. Enhancing rice performance under a low input system will significantly reduce the environmental concerns related to rice cultivation. Traits that help rice to maintain yield performance under minimum inputs like seedling vigor, appropriate root architecture for nutrient use efficiency should be incorporated into varieties for low input systems through integrated breeding approaches. Genes or QTLs controlling nutrient uptake, nutrient assimilation, nutrient remobilization, and root morphology need to be properly incorporated into the rice breeding pipeline. Also, genes/QTLs controlling suitable rice cultivars for sustainable farming. Since several variables influence performance under low input conditions, conventional breeding techniques make it challenging to work on many traits. However, recent advances in omics technologies have created enormous opportunities for rapidly improving multiple characteristics. This review highlights current research on features pertinent to low-input agriculture and provides an overview of alternative genomics-based breeding strategies for enhancing genetic gain in rice suitable for low-input farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we analyzed the effect of using a hydroponic system inside a greenhouse and different photoperiod regimes with artificial light on the nutrient uptake of bok choy. Light duration treatment consisting of both sunlight and artificial light was applied to determine the optimal photoperiod for bok choy. Advanced technology - a wireless sensor network and Internet of Things - was used to monitor and maintain nutrient concentrations. Additionally, plant growth was evaluated using image processing technology. A higher amount of P was observed to be accumulated in plants grown in plots without photoperiod. Meanwhile, excessive photoperiod was found to reduce K content in plants. The optimal photoperiod in this study was 20:4 (light:dark), which is a combination of 12 h of sunlight and 8 h of artificial light. Additionally, image processing technology helped monitor plant growth. Pixel information in images can represent plant growth with a R² value of >0.8. Further, the addition of photoperiod affects the dry weight of yields and growth rate, which is highly correlated to nutrient uptake, with R² values of 0.84 and 0.72, respectively. The combination of artificial light and sunlight along with the optimal photoperiod can optimize the growth of bok choy with appropriate NPK uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil flooding is a serious abiotic stress that can repress plant growth and yield. The intensity of flooding stress is continuously increasing owing to rapid climate change and changes in rain intensity and frequency. Biochar (BC) emerges as an important soil amendment to mitigate adverse impacts of abiotic stress. The role of BC against different stresses is well reported, however, its role under flooding stress is not determined yet. Thus, this experiment was conducted to determine the role of BC on the performance of brassica crops under flooding stress. The experiment was comprised of well-watered (WW) and flooding stress (FS) conditions and biochar application: control, 1% biochar, and 2.5% biochar. The results indicated that flooding stress stunted the plant growth and impaired the photosynthetic pigments, leaf water status, osmolytes yield and yield traits, and oil concentration and increased the electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The application of BC at the rate of 2.5% mitigated the adverse impacts of salinity and upgraded the antioxidant activities (~50-120%), reduced the oxidative stress markets (~70-300%), and increased the leaf water status, photosynthetic pigments, osmolyte accumulation, nutrient uptake, yield traits, and oil contents. In conclusion, BC application can improve the productivity and oil yield of brassica under drought stress by improving plant physiological and biochemical functioning. However, more in depth studies are direly needed to explore the mechanism of BC to induce flood tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita, is considered a major soil-borne pathogen that can cause severe yield losses for vegetables and diverse crops. Usually, reducing of M. incognita damage is mainly relies on the application of nematicides and good agricultural practices. However, the use of synthetic nematicides is restricted due to concerns about their impact on the environment and human health. As a result, the use of alternative strategies is becoming necessary to combat RKN resistance. This study evaluates the antagonistic impact of the root mutualistic fungus Piriformospora indica on M. incognita. It also assesses its influence on the nutritional status, photo-synthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) levels, and selected ABA related-responsive genes in cucumber plants. Roots of cucumber seedlings were inoculated with P. indica and the second-stage juveniles (1000 J2 per plant). The results demonstrated that P. indica significantly reduced M. incognita invasion in roots, resulting in a 24% reduction in root galling and 42.6% decline in final population. Inoculating plants with both P. indica and RKN increased performance of root fresh and dry weight, as well as improved photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), photosystem II efficiency (PSII), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dis-mutase (SOD). Furthermore, P. indica colonization, either alone or in combination with M. incognita, significantly improved number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, the plant's marketable yield, and leaf nutrient content (N, P, K and Mg), Moreover, there was an increase in IAA content combined with a decrease in ABA content in roots of dual inoculation plants, if compared to M. incognita infested plants. The highest ABA content was recorded in the root of RKN-cucumber plants. The decline in ABA content due to P. indica treatment was consistent with the modulation of ABA pathway genes, specifically PP2C, PYL1, RK2,1, and RK2,2. The mixed of P. indica and M. incognita led to a decrease in the expression of PP2C, PLY1, RK2,1, and RK2,2 in comparison to the control group. These results indicate that P. indica application could help reduce the negative effects of RKN on important crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping is a traditional farming system that increases crop diversity to strengthen agroecosystem functions while decreasing chemical inputs and minimizing negative environmental effects of crop production. However, the effect of intercropping legume-cereal in enhancing nutrient uptake and use efficiency under low phosphorus (P) soils is poorly understood. Growth, nodulation, P uptake and use efficiency, and changes in inorganic P availability in the rhizosphere of intercropped species were thus investigated in a field experiment with durum wheat and chickpea either grown alone or intercropped. The results showed that both plant biomass and grain yield, and consequently, the amount of P uptake by intercropped durum wheat increased significantly (30%, 12%, and 46%, respectively) compared with sole cropping during the two seasons. P availability increased in the rhizosphere of the two species, either grown as sole crops or as intercrops, and was enhanced by intercropping. Moreover, total biomass, grain yield, and P uptake were significantly improved, as indicated by higher land equivalent ratio (LER > 1) in intercropping over sole cropping treatments. The increased biomass and grain yield for intercropped durum wheat were associated with the stimulation of P absorption and use efficiency. Furthermore, intercropped wheat was more competitive than their respective chickpea over two growing seasons. The results of this study suggest that changes in the intercropped chickpea rhizosphere may enhance plant growth, P uptake, and use efficiency of the intercropped wheat under low-P soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive summer seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to assess the residual effect of wheat varieties and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, economics and quality of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). The soil of the experimental plot was loamy sand in texture, low in organic carbon (0.24%), available nitrogen (159 kg/ha) and Zn (0.41 mg/kg), medium in available phosphorus (38.90 kg/ha) and high in available potash (287 kg/ha). Methods: During the period 2016-17 to 2017-18 the experiment was laid out in a Factorial RBD with three replications, consisted of four varieties GW 273 (V1 ), GW 322 (V2 ), GW 451 (V3 ) and GW 496 (V4 ) and six integrated nutrient management control (N1 ), 100% RDF (N2 ), 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (N3 ), 75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (N4 ), 75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB + ZnSO4 (N5 ) and 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + Azotobacter + PSB + ZnSO4 (N6 ). Result: The pooled results indicated that among the residual effect of nutrient management practices, application of 50% RDF (RDF; 120:60:00 kg NPK/ha) + 25% N through FYM + Azotobacter + PSB + ZnSO4 significantly improved growth parameters, yield attributes, seed yield (669 kg/ha) and stover yield (1406 kg/ha) over control and gained the highest net return (`18538/ha) and benefit: cost ratio of 0.88. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the most important legume grown all over the world with its varied uses as vegetables and other processed products. Its production and productivity in recent times have witnessed a diminishing graph due to numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. With unexploited use of synthetics in legume crops number of nodule formation have reduced to lowest levels. VAM (Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) and PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) inoculation in soil have been observed in enhancing number of nodules, levels of NPK uptake and yield in pea. Methods: Considering the importance of above facts and experiment was laid in 2022 with RBD with three replications containing 7 treatments viz. T1 (Control), T2 (75% RDF + 25% PSB), T3 (50% RDF + 50% PSB), T4 (75% RDF + 25% VAM), T5 (50% RDF + 50% VAM), T6 (75% RDF + 12.5% VAM + 12.5% PSB) and T7 (50% RDF + 25% VAM + 25% PSB). Result: Investigations indicated that the treatment T7 (50% RDF + 25 % VAM + 25% PSB) showed significantly high growth, yield and quality like plant height (113.90 cm), number of leaves (87.09), number of branches (20.2), number of nodules (90.56), numbers of pod/plant (19.1), pod length (8.97 cm), number of seeds per pod (8.23), green pod yield/plot (4.80 kg), green pod yield/ha (80.12 q) compared to control. Hence, T7 (50% RDF + 25% VAM + 25% PSB) evidently exhibited a conglomeration of bio nutrient uptake enhancers resulting in maximum yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salinity stress remains a chronic threat to pulses productivity in India. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a major role which influences plant growth, nutrient uptake and contributes to ecosystem processes under salt stress. The present study aims, to demonstrate the impact of Glomus mosseae (Gm), on physio-biochemical attributes of mungbean exposed to salinity. Methods: Two highly tolerant, two moderately susceptible and two highly susceptible mungbean lines were subjected to salinity stress alone and in presence of Gm under greenhouse. Result: Results revealed that Gm alleviates the salinity stress related alterations by improving the nutrient uptake and by balancing the ratio between K:Na, which impact directly the osmoregulation of the plants. Mycorrhiza inoculation also increased the proline content (23%), water-use efficiency (38%) and activity of different antioxidant enzymes in a significant manner providing efficient protection against salinity stress. All these positive impacts of Gm were duly reflected in a significant increase in grain yield (more than 2 fold increase) in mungbean. Interestingly, salt-induced retarded growth and decline in other biochemical parameters in susceptible lines recorded remarkable recovery following Gm inoculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare Fe, Zn, Mn, Al and Li contents in table potato tubers, obtained from seven potato cultivars with different flesh colour, and one cultivar characterised by light-coloured flesh. The study material consisted of potato tubers produced in a one-factor field experiment carried out at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Zawady belonging to the University of Siedlce, Poland (52°03′ N, 22°33′ E) in 2021–2023. The following cultivars were tested: Eurostar (light yellow flesh), Rote Emmalie and Herbie 26 (red flesh), Provita, Salad Blue, Blaue Annelise, Vitelotte Noire and Bora Valley (purple and blue flesh). The study showed that the genetic characteristics of the cultivars determined the nutrient content and uptake with tuber yield. Of the tested minerals which are important for human nutrition (Fe, Zn, Mn), red and purple cultivars accumulated more Fe than the light yellow-fleshed Eurostar. Zn content was the highest in red-fleshed cultivars compared with light and purple-fleshed cultivars. Mn content was the highest in the tubers of the light yellow-fleshed Eurostar and lowest in red Rote Emmalie. Fe, Zn, Mn and Al contents and uptake with tuber yield were influenced by weather conditions during the growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium sulfate (AS) has been utilized in agriculture; however, there is a dearth of research on its application in maize cultivation subsequent to the implementation of nitrification inhibitors or coating treatments. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of various combinations of AS fertilizers on soil nutrients, plant nutrient uptake, yield, and fertilizer utilization efficiency in maize cultivation to establish an optimal and stabilized disposal method for AS. A completely randomized design was employed with five treatments (AU, the control using urea; AS, treatment using ammonium sulfate; ASN, treatment using ammonium sulfate with a nitrification inhibitor; ASG, treatment using oil-coated ammonium sulfate; and ASD, treatment using oil–humic acid-coated ammonium sulfate). The results show the following: (1) Compared with AU and AS, ASN, ASG, and ASD decreased the leaching rates of total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), and more residual N had accumulated in the soil. The first-order kinetic equation Nt = N0(1 − e−kt) could better fit the process of N accumulation and release, and the N-release rate constant was in the order of AU > CK > AS > ASG > ASN > ASD. (2) Compared with the AU and AS treatments, the plant dry weight, grain dry weight, spike width, spike length, and yields of maize increased by 8.85–11.08%, 12.98–14.15%, 2.95–3.52%, 5.50–5.65%, and 43.21–51.10%, respectively, under the ASG treatment. A path analysis revealed the main decision coefficient of the effective spike number on the maize yield. Furthermore, the accumulation levels of N, P, and K within above-ground plants significantly increased under the ASG treatment compared with those under the AU and AS treatments. N, P, and K partial factor productivity under the ASG treatment increased by 47.12%, 47.15%, and 73.40% on average, while grain N, P, and K balance increased by 50.45%, 47.10%, 55.61% on average, compared with the AU and AS treatments. Therefore, the ASG treatment exhibited the optimal slow-release effect on nutrients and achieved excellent performance in enhancing the production and efficiency of maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) nutrient uptake in residue biomass is important for agronomic, economic, and environmental decisions. Improved understanding of grain yield, residue biomass, nutrient uptake, and their relationships are needed. Research determined these factors in 2018 and 2019 from trials of four barley classes (spring animal feed, human food, and malt, as well as winter malt), using three common cultivars of each, at five locations in southern Idaho. Production environment created the largest difference in residue biomass and nutrient uptake. Barley harvest index ranged from 0.46 to 0.52 Mg Mg−1 across feed, food, and malt classes. Compared to previous estimates, nutrient concentrations from the combined dataset were greater than for N, less than for P, and greater than for K. Correlation of grain yields to nutrient uptake (excluding Cu and Fe) had r2 ranging from 0.68 to 0.89. At current prices, economic analysis indicated that fertilizer replacement costs for total residue biomass nutrients were greater than previous estimates and could greatly exceed current sale value. These relationships and value estimates can be used to improve prediction of barley residue biomass production and nutrient uptake to guide best management practices. The decision of how to utilize these metrics (on‐farm, regional, etc.) should be considered based on known variation in measured nutrient and residue data and considered in relation to the proposed task. Core Ideas: Limited research has focused on nutrient uptake and economic value of barley residue biomass (straw + chaff).Production environment created the largest differences in residue biomass and nutrient uptake across barley classes.Average harvest indices (HI) were 0.51, 0.47, 0.52, and 0.46 Mg Mg−1 for feed, food, spring malt, and winter malt barley.N uptake combined across classes was greater than previous estimates, P was less, and K was greater.Fertilizer replacement cost of nutrients removed in residue may far exceed the sale value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Plant microbial biostimulants, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), enhance nutrient concentration in fruits, including tomato. However, field studies on tomato AMF inoculation are scarce. AMF species belonging to Gigasporaceae and Glomeraceae families known to vary in life-history strategies may determine differential effects on plant nutrient benefits and residue decomposition. Despite this, the effect of different life-history strategies on nutrient acquisition of tomato fruits has not been investigated yet. Methods: We studied the effect of inoculation of two tomato varieties with four AMF species belonging to Glomeraceae and Gigasporaceae. Fungal colonization, yield, fruit nutrient concentration, litter decomposition, and bacterial and fungal abundances in soil were assessed in the field under organic agriculture. Results: Overall Gigasporaceae promoted the concentration of nutrients in tomato fruits compared to Glomeraceae. A variability in AM fungal colonization and fruit nutrient concentration was detected within Glomeraceae. Scutellospora pellucida increased the yield (+ 27%) of var. Rio Grande with respect to Gigaspora gigantea. In var. Rio Grande, inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae did not change litter decomposition as compared to non-inoculated controls, whereas it was lower than in Sclerocystis sinuosa and Gigasporaceae species, which showed the highest decomposition rates. AMF inoculation promoted soil total bacterial and fungal abundance and fungal:bacterial (F:B) ratio compared to controls, and members of Gigasporaceae had the highest F:B ratio. Conclusion: These findings pointed at the inclusion of AM fungal life-history strategy within the selection criteria for the development of biofertilizers able to enhance the nutritional value of vegetables under organic farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicontamination of soils by various organic and inorganic pollutants is considered as an obstacle for the development of hyperaccumulator plants and phytoextraction of metals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in combination with trace elements on the antioxidant response and phytoextraction efficiency of two populations of the hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens from either a metalliferous (Ganges) or a nonmetalliferous (Chavignée) site. Plants were grown for 17 days in soil containing moderate concentrations of trace elements and under the effect of phenanthrene (PHE), a PAH stress model. In general, exposure to PHE resulted in a reduction of growth parameters, together with the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and compounds and limitations in nutrient uptake and heavy metal extraction in N. caerulescens. Variations were observed in the extent of enzymatic activities and the amount of metals extracted between the two populations studied. Plants from Chavignée exhibited a slightly more tolerant response to PHE stress than those from Ganges. The presence of PHE in the soil proved highly toxic to N. caerulescens, resulting in low numbers of survivors. Nevertheless, the differences observed between the two populations with regard to growth, metal extraction, and antioxidant defense responses suggest that the difference in defense capacity may ensure different tolerance. This difference may be linked to adaptations acquired by each population according to the soil type from which it originates. However, these results need to be confirmed by further experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilizer treatments on the growth, yield, and nutrient content of two sugar beet cultivars, Aksu (Kazakhstan) and Yampol (Poland), cultivated in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. The experiment was conducted using a complete randomized block design with three replicates, comprising six treatments: control (without fertilizer), N120P120K90, and N130P130K130 for both cultivars. The soil's physical and chemical properties were analyzed, revealing a foothill light chestnut soil with favorable nutrient levels. Results indicated that the N130P130K130 treatment significantly increased soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents, leading to enhanced sugar beet growth, nutrient uptake, and yield. Both cultivars responded positively to the increased nutrient levels, with the N130P130K130 treatment showing the highest yield of 785.6 tons/ha for Aksu and 802.5 tons/ha for Yampol. Furthermore, nutrient content in tubers and leaves was significantly higher in the N130P130K130 treatment compared to other treatments. These findings underscore the importance of balanced nutrient management tailored to specific cultivars for optimizing sugar beet productivity and soil fertility in diverse agro-climatic conditions. Adopting balanced mineral nutrient management approaches could offer promising solutions to enhance sugar beet productivity and sustainability. Future research should focus on exploring long-term effects and integrated nutrient management strategies for sustainable sugar beet cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential minerals play a crucial role in diverse physiological processes, and their deficiencies can give rise to significant health challenges. Probiotics, residing as beneficial microorganisms in the gut, have recently garnered attention for their potential in modulating mineral absorption and alleviating deficiencies. However, the difficulties arise from the variability of probiotic strains, varying dosages, and the distinct composition of individuals' gut microbiota, rendering it challenging to establish universal guidelines. A more nuanced understanding of these mechanisms holds the key to developing targeted probiotic interventions, ultimately optimizing mineral absorption and fostering human health. This review explores the complex relationship between probiotics and the assimilation of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, decoding how probiotics influence the absorption of these minerals. Further research on the role of probiotics in mineral absorption is necessary for optimizing nutrient uptake and informing personalized interventions to support overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum MVT801 combined with different ratios of nutrient solution (NR) (25%, 50%, and 100%) on the growth and physiological traits of Lactuca sativa "Lollo Rosso" plants cultivated in floating systems. Inoculation of lettuce plants with T. harzianum MVT801 (T1) in a floating system improves biometric properties, photosynthetic parameters, and nutrient uptake compared with uninoculated treatment (T0). The results clearly showed that in T1, despite a 50% reduction in the ratio of nutrient solution, no significant difference was observed in the growth and photosynthesis characteristics and nutrient uptake in L. sativa "Lollo Rosso" leaves compared with a complete nutrient solution treatment (100%), which is one of the notable results of this study. In this regard, the highest yield was observed in T1NR50 (inoculated with fungi and 50% of the nutrient solution) and T1NR100 (inoculated with fungi and complete nutrient solution) treatments. Also, the highest concentrations of phosphorus and potassium in "Lollo Rosso" leaves were observed in T1NR50 and T1NR100 treatments. Accordingly, the use of T. harzianum in floating lettuce cultivation could be recommended to increase crop productivity and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchids produce millions of dust-like and reserveless tiny seeds per capsule and are unable to germinate on their own in nature. Orchid seeds have developed strategies to exploit seed germination-promoting orchid mycorrhizal fungi (sgOMFs) for acquisition of exogenous nutrients to fuel germination. Once colonized by sgOMFs, orchid seeds can digest intracellular sgOMF hyphae to acquire fungal nutrients, especially those for carbon nutrition. However, the underlying carbon delivery pathway from sgOMFs to orchid cells remains elusive. Clarification of the identities of fungally derived carbohydrates and the main molecular players responsible for the sgOMF-to-orchid carbon flow is of great significance for better understanding of symbiotic germination. To germinate in nature, orchid seeds strictly rely on seed germination-promoting orchid mycorrhizal fungi (sgOMFs) for provision of carbon nutrients. The underlying delivery pathway, however, remains elusive. We develop here a plausible model for sugar transport from sgOMFs to orchid embryonic cells to fuel germination. Orchids exploit sgOMFs to induce the formation of pelotons, elaborate intracellular hyphal coils in orchid embryos. The colonized orchid cells then obtain carbon nutrients by uptake from living hyphae and peloton lysis, primarily as glucose derived from fungal trehalose hydrolyzed by orchid-specific trehalases. The uptake of massive fungally derived glucose is likely to be mediated by two classes of membrane proteins, namely, sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs) and H+-hexose symporters. The proposed model serves as a launch pad for further research to better understand and improve orchid seed germination and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blooms of the coccolithophore Gephyrocapsa huxleyi (formerly Emiliania huxleyi) are routinely infected by a specific lytic virus (EhV) that kills host cells and drives bloom termination. However, the impact of EhV on nutrient retention and stoichiometric ratios of particulate organic matter remains unknown, limiting our current understanding of the biogeochemical significance of the G. huxleyi–EhV interaction. To tackle this knowledge gap, we surveyed both nitrate, phosphate, and alkalinity consumption by the cells, as well as the elemental composition (C : N : P) of particulate organic matter during infections in culture. We found that within 24 h of infection, alkalinity concentration in the solution stabilized, and nutrient uptake declined to low levels. In parallel, the molar ratio of carbon to nitrogen in particulate organic matter increased by 10–17% and the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio declined by 5–12% relative to the noninfected algal cultures. These variations likely resulted from intracellular lipid accumulation as part of viral infection as well as the differential retention of phosphorus‐rich macromolecular pools in decaying cells, respectively. After infection, as most host cells lysed, we detected a progressive enrichment in phosphorus and nitrogen relative to carbon in the remaining particulate organic matter, which could be attributed to the accumulation of colonizing heterotrophic bacteria with a distinct elemental composition. This study indicate that marine viruses influence the elemental stoichiometry and fate of phytoplankton‐born organic materials in the oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To know the effect of irrigation scheduling and foliar application of thiourea on nutrient concentration, uptake and water use efficiency of mustard, an experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner during winter season of 2019-20. The experiment consisted five treatments of scheduling of irrigation (Surface irrigation, sprinkler, drip irrigation at 0.4 IW/CPE ratio, 0.6 IW/CPW ratio and 0.8 IW/CPE ratio, respectively) and three levels of foliar application of thiourea (Control, thiourea @ 500 ppm and thiourea @ 750 ppm). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The results revealed that drip irrigation at 0.6 IW/CPE ratio recorded significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur concentration and their uptake in mustard, water use efficiency as well as protein content as compared to surface irrigation, sprinkler and drip irrigation at 0.4 IW/CPE ratio. The thiourea @ 500 ppm recorded significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur concentration and their uptake in mustard, protein and oil yield of mustard, water use efficiency. Based on the above findings, drip irrigation at 0.6 IW/CPE ratio with foliar application of thiourea @ 500 ppm could be recommended to farmers of mustard in Rajasthan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High salinity levels exert detrimental effects on plant growth and development by disturbing photosynthesis, water relations, and nutrient absorption. Different soil amendments are used to alleviate the adverse effects of soil salinity on plant growth and development. This study investigated the impact of cottonseed meal (CSM) application as soil amendment on soil enzymes, macro- and micro-nutrients, and phenol and sugar content in cotton plants grown on normal and saline soil. Three different CSM levels, i.e. 0 (CK), 40 and 80 Mg ha-1 were included in the study. Soil amendment with CSM significantly increased soil enzyme activities, organic carbon, and available nutrients, and improved soil structure. Soil amendment with 40 Mg ha-1 CSM improved dehydrogenase and urease enzyme activities by 15.38 and 40.51%, whereas amendment with 80 Mg ha-1 improved the activities of these enzymes by 15.29 and 21.47%, respectively. However, the activity of catalase enzyme was decreased by 32.18 and 48.28% under 40 and 80 Mg ha-1 CSM amendment, respectively. Soil amendment with 40 Mg ha-1 CSM to increased N, K, Ca, and Mg content by 65.90, 52.29, 5.71, 15.79%, and decreased Na content by 28.85%, whereas 80 Mg ha-1 increased these nutrients by 87.12, 53.63, 10.60, 40.63% and decreased Na content by 4.19%. Similarly, application of 40 Mg ha-1 CSM significantly increased B and Mn content in plants by 7.12, 8.6% on saline soil and by 1.13, and 10.09% on normal soil. Likewise, while 80 Mg ha-1 CSM application increased the B and Mn content by 1.84, and 9.46% on saline soil and 4.0, and 8.94% on normal soil. The application of 80 Mg ha-1 CSM improved total sugar content by 45.5% in saline soil and 3.97% in normal soil. The total phenol content of the plants was improved by 17.25% in saline soil and 2.9% in normal soil. It is concluded that CSM can be used alone or in combination with other organic amendments, such as compost and poultry manure, to alleviate the adverse effects of soil salinity on soil enzymes and nutrient uptake by plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive soil acidity negatively affects citrus growth and development worldwide. However, less information has been presented on its tolerance to low pH stress (LPS). Here, the way in which citrus plants respond to LPS was investigated at morphological, physiological and molecular levels. Under LPS, the root length and diameter were significantly decreased. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents and catalase (CAT) activity were significantly enhanced. LPS increased the root indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins (GAs) contents, and leaf chlorophyll content. Additionally, nutrient uptake was significantly affected by LPS. RNA-seq data revealed that a total of 1319 genes responded to LPS, of which 573 and 746 genes were up- and down-regulated, respectively. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly linked to carbon metabolism, reactive oxygen species scavenging, nutrient uptake and transport, and hormone synthesis/signalling. Taken together, our data provided an essential foundation for future elucidation of the LPS tolerance of citrus plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigated the impact of phosphorus and zinc on both yield and quality parameters of chickpea. Topics discussed include importance of maintaining a favourable balance between phosphorus and zinc to the optimum growth of plants, nutrient content and uptake of chickpea, and effect of phosphorus and zinc levels on nutrient uptake by chickpea.

Sesame is recognised as a valuable oil plant with potential health benefits due to its disease mitigating properties. It shows exceptional growth rates in light soil types, such as sandy beach soils which are often deemed infertile. To address the issue, it is necessary to apply eco-friendly fertilisers derived from animal manure. Consequently, research has focused on performance evaluation over two growing seasons, namely the dry and rainy seasons, on coastal sandy soils. Employing a split-plot design across three replicates, the study investigated the influence of planting time and cultivar on the growth and yield of sesame. The study aimed to assess the impact of mixed fertiliser application timing on sesame growth and yield, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative parameters across the rainy and dry seasons. Results indicated that applying a mixture comprising chicken manure and inorganic fertiliser at the planting time significantly affected several growth parameters. These included plant height, chlorophyll content, flowering time, number of branches, net assimilation rate, root volume, and total sesame oil content, particularly in the dry season. Specifically, employing a dosage of 24.75 g of inorganic NPK fertiliser, comprising 1.45 g of nitrogen, 0.74 g of phosphorus, and 1.25 g of potassium per plant at planting time during the dry season, demonstrated the most favourable outcomes in terms of growth, yield components, and soil fertility. This approach also yielded a remarkable 54.51% oil content in the cultivar 'Sbr-1'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought presents a major risk to wheat growth and productivity under changing climates. During the last few years, various morphological and physiological approaches were used to overcome drought stress-associated problems. Cultivation of tolerant wheat cultivars can serve as a sustainable choice to raise wheat yield under water stress. Herein, field trials were carried out at the experimental farm of Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, Egypt, in two successive growing seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) to investigate the response of four Egyptian bread wheat cultivars (Misr 1, Misr 3, Giza 171, and Sakha 95) to drought stress according to morpho-physiological characteristics, yield, and stress indices. Irrigation treatments and cultivars were assigned to the main and sub-plots, consequently, in a split-plot design with three replicates. The findings revealed that in both the first and second seasons, drought drastically revoked growth vigor of shoot, growth vigor of flag leaf, relative water content (%), membrane stability index (%), photosynthetic pigments, heading (days), maturity (days), as well as yield and yield attributes: spike length, number of spikes/m2, spike weight, grain number/spike, 100-kernel weight, grain yield/m2, straw yield/m2, biological yield/m2, and harvest index of all four wheat cultivars. Conversely, drought caused a marked increase in saturation water deficit (%), carotenoids content, and NKP uptake of all four wheat cultivars in both study seasons. The current study found that all four of the wheat cultivars were drought-tolerant plants. These cultivars exhibited similar drought-tolerant behaviors, which included decreased loss in relative water content, membrane stability, and photosynthetic pigment levels, consequently reducing wheat grain yield loss under water stress. Additionally, the drought tolerance indices of Sakha 95 > Giza 171 > Misr 1 > Misr 3 were revealed by the stress sensitivity index (SSI), mean productivity (MP), stress tolerance index (STI), and yield stability index (YSI). In conclusion, Misr 3 was the least tolerant wheat cultivar and Sakha 95 was the most tolerant. These results can be applied to breeding programs by plant breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Molecular hydrogen (H2) is crucial for agricultural microbial systems. However, the mechanisms underlying its influence on crop yields is yet to be fully elucidated. This study observed that H2-based irrigation significantly increased strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) yield with/without nutrient fertilization. The reduction in soil available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic matter was consistent with the increased expression levels of N/P/K-absorption-related genes in root tissues at the fruiting stage. Metagenomics profiling showed the alterations in rhizosphere microbial community composition achieved by H2, particularly under the conditions without fertilizers. These included the enrichment of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, such as Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Cupriavidus genera. Rhizobacteria with the capability to oxidize H2 (group 2a [NiFe] hydrogenase) were also enriched. Consistently, genes related to soil carbon (C) fixation (i.e., rbcL, porD, frdAB, etc.), dissimilar nitrate reduction (i.e., napAB and nrfAH), and P solublization, mineralization, and transportation (i.e., ppx-gppA, appA, and ugpABCE) exhibited higher abundance. Contrary tendencies were observed in the soil C degradation and N denitrification genes. Together, these results clearly indicate that microbe-mediated soil C, N, and P cycles might be functionally altered by H2, thus increasing plant nutrient uptake capacity and horticultural crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface runoff and subsurface flow patterns were monitored in hillside runoff plots in almond and olive orchards with soils covered with spontaneous plants over two hydrological years. The experimental runoff plots were located on the south flank of the Sierra Nevada (Lanjarón, SE Spain) at 580 m a.s.l. with an area of 40 m2 (10 m × 4 m). The surface and subsurface discharge were collected and measured at different soil depths (0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cm), and the dissolved nutrient concentrations (NO3–N, NH4–N, PO4–P, and K) were determined. According to the findings, the subsurface flow pathways drained most of the rainfall water compared with surface runoff, which was affected by plant cover. The influence of rainfall intensity (I30) on surface runoff was more meaningful than that on subsurface flow. Throughout the monitoring period, the runoff coefficients at soil depths of 0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cm averaged 0.04, 0.11, 0.14, 0.17, and 0.18, respectively. Subsurface flow was one of the dominant pathways for N and K loss, whereas P loss mainly occurred via surface runoff. Moreover, the concentrations in subsurface flow were higher than the recommended level for standard water quality for NO3–N, NH4–N, and PO4–P. Subsurface flow was the main route of dissolved nutrient delivery, making these nutrients available to the root systems of trees, where nutrient uptake is more likely to occur. Thus, by lessening surface runoff and encouraging surface vegetation coverage to facilitate the recycling of nutrients and buffer the rainfall's impact on the soil surface, nutrient loss control can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome of species competition strongly depends on the traits of the competitors and associated trade‐offs, as well as on environmental variability. Here, we investigate the relevance of consumer trait variation for species coexistence in a ciliate consumer–microalgal prey system under fluctuating regimes of resource supply. We focus on consumer competition and feeding traits, and specifically on the consumer's ability to overcome periods of resource limitation by mixotrophy, that is, the ability of photosynthetic carbon fixation via algal symbionts in addition to phagotrophy. In a 48‐day chemostat experiment, we investigated competitive interactions of different heterotrophic and mixotrophic ciliates of the genera Euplotes and Coleps under different resource regimes, providing prey either continuously or in pulses under constant or fluctuating light, entailing periods of resource depletion in fluctuating environments, but overall providing the same amount of prey and light. Although ultimate competition results remained unaffected, population dynamics of mixotrophic and heterotrophic ciliates were significantly altered by resource supply mode. However, the effects differed among species combinations and changed over time. Whether mixotrophs or heterotrophs dominated in competition strongly depended on the genera of the competing species and thus, species‐specific differences in the minimum resource requirements that are associated with feeding on shared prey, nutrient uptake, light harvesting, and access to additional resources such as bacteria. Potential differences in the curvature of the species' resource‐dependent growth functions may have further mediated the species‐specific responses to the different resource supply modes. Overall, our study demonstrates that genus‐ or species‐specific traits other than that related to nutritional mode may override the relevance of acquired phototrophy by heterotrophs in competitive interactions, and that the potential advantage of photosynthetic carbon fixation of symbiont‐bearing mixotrophs in competition with pure heterotrophs may differ greatly among different mixotrophs, playing out under different environmental conditions and depending on the specific requirements of the species. Complex trophic interactions determine the outcome of competition, which can only be understood by taking on a multidimensional trait perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthonectida is a group of multicellular endoparasites of a wide range of marine invertebrates. Their parasitic stage is a multinuclear shapeless plasmodium infiltrating host tissues. The development of the following worm‐like sexual generation takes place within the cytoplasm of the plasmodium. The existence of the plasmodial stage and the development of a sexual stage within the plasmodium are unique features to Bilateria. However, the molecular mechanisms that maintain this peculiar organism, and hence enable parasitism in orthonectids, are unknown. Here, we present the first‐ever RNA‐seq analysis of the plasmodium, aimed at the identification and characterization of the plasmodium‐specific protein‐coding genes and corresponding hypothetical proteins that distinguish the parasitic plasmodium stage from the sexual stage of the orthonectid Intoshia linei Giard, 1877, parasite of nemertean Lineus ruber Müller, 1774. We discovered 119 plasmodium‐specific proteins, 82 of which have inferred functions based on known domains. Thirty‐five of the detected proteins are orphans, at least part of which may reflect the unique evolutionary adaptations of orthonectids to parasitism. Some of the identified proteins are known effector molecules of other endoparasites suggesting convergence. Our data indicate that the plasmodium‐specific proteins might be involved in the plasmodium defense against the host, host–parasite communication, feeding and nutrient uptake, growth within the host, and support of the sexual stage development. These molecular processes in orthonectids have not been described before, and the particular protein effectors remained unknown until now. Highlights: We discovered 119 orthonectid proteins that are specific to the parasitic plasmodium stage of the orthonectid Intoshia linei.The function of 82 of these proteins could be inferred from known homologs, superfamilies, and domains, including those enriched among other endoparasites.Thirty‐five proteins lacked homology to any known organism except Orthonectida, and 13 of them showed sequence similarity with proteins from the other orthonectid Intoshia variabili. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]