Influence of Green Tuff Fertilizer Application on Soil Microorganisms, Plant Growth, and Soil Chemical Parameters in Green Onion (Allium fistulosum L.) Cultivation

Abstract

<jats:p>Organic farming (OF) has been increasing in popularity over recent years, but unfortunately tends to have lower yield, due to lower nutrient availability and pest problems. To better understand how OF influences plant growth, we must elucidate the impact of such practices on the microbial community, an important factor in soil management. In this study, we examined the relationship between farming practice, changes in plant growth, and soil microbial community for green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) cultivated over 313 days in green houses with OF using composts with natural green tuff as soil conditioner (EF1) or inorganic fertilizer (EF2). Average yields of EF1 were generally higher than EF2, reaching up to 12% higher (p &lt; 0.05; day 131). The observed soil microorganism phylotypes and phylogenetic diversity (Faith’s phylogenetic diversity (PD)) were both significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in EF1 than EF2 on days 93, 191 (only for PD), and 261, based on microbial richness indices. Several phylotypes belonging to the Bacillus-related microbial order Bacillales were found at higher abundances in EF1 soils, positively correlated with specific soil properties (i.e., humus, ammonium, and pH), and may associate with plant growth promotion and/or fungal toxin degradation. These results point towards novel positive effects of OF and provide insights into the management of soil microorganisms using organic fertilizers.</jats:p>

Soil Amendment Using Biochar and Application of K-Humate Enhance the Growth, Productivity, and Nutritional Value of Onion (Allium cepa L.) under Deficit Irrigation Conditions

“…In this context, planting onion seeds in soil treated with biochar and/or potassium humate as foliar spraying resulted in great increments in bulb carbohydrate, bulb soluble sugars, bulb protein, and bulb flavonoid contents in comparison with soil without biochar application [5]. The dual application of biochar and K-humate stimulates the stress tolerance of treated plants and improves their adaptation responses to various abiotic stresses [12]. The beneficial effects of biochar and K-humate may be ascribed to the entrance of potassium humate into the cells, carrying both macro-elements and water [3].…”

“…To alleviate water stress and soil salinity impacts on plants, some new approaches have been applied, including soil amendments and foliar spraying. Biochar has been widely demonstrated as a potential soil amendment to increase soil fertility and crop productivity as it increases soil physico-chemical attributes, plant physio-biochemical properties by improving soil pH [12], cation exchange capacity, water, and nutrient retention capacity in soils, which positively affects plant growth and crop productivity as well as alleviating the harmful impacts of water stress and soil salinity. Biochar is a carbon-rich solid obtained through gasification (fast or slow pyrolysis at various temperatures from 250 to 650 • C), which thermally decomposes biomass or organic materials by heating in the absence or limited presence of oxygen [13].…”

Microbial Activity in the Agricultural and Forestry System

“…Hence, it appears that soil management in agriculture is essential for its high fertility and consequently for increasing plant production. Although the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is a common practice for agricultural activity, it can generate a decrease in soil biodiversity resulting in environmental pollution, one of the main concerns for sustainability Research, Society and Development, v. 11, n. 2, e56211226184, 2022 (CC BY 4.0) | ISSN 2525-3409 | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i2.26184 3 (Kuroda et al, 2020). Considering the above, the objective of this review was to highlight the functions of soil microorganisms and relate their potential use in agricultural and forestry species.…”

High-Throughput Customization of Plant Microbiomes for Sustainable Agriculture

“…Microorganisms, which vary tremendously in diversity and quantity, are an indispensable part of the soil ecosystem and are involved in several processes, including material circulation, energy conversion, and plant health (Shen, 2008;Zhang et al, 2019). For example, green tuff fertilizer application influences soil microorganisms, plant growth, and soil chemical parameters in green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) cultivation (Kuroda et al, 2020). The microorganisms in the soil consist of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms (Cheng et al, 2018).…”

“…For example, green tuff fertilizer application influences soil microorganisms, plant growth, and soil chemical parameters in green onion ( Allium fistulosum L .) cultivation ( Kuroda et al., 2020 ). The microorganisms in the soil consist of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms ( Cheng et al., 2018 ).…”