Short-Term Co-Application of Organic and Chemical Fertilizer Benefits Topsoil Properties and Maize Productivity in a Medium-Productivity Meadow-Cinnamon Soil

Abstract

Co-application of organic-chemical fertilizer (CAOFCF) has attracted wide attention in China in recent years. However, its short-term effect on topsoil quality and maize yield in a medium-productivity meadow-cinnamon soil is not clear. In order to address this problem, a 3-year (2019–2021) field trial was established by arranging the following five treatments: (1) CF, applying chemical fertilizer alone; (2) OFCF1, 15% organic fertilizer + 85% chemical fertilizer; (3) OFCF2, 30% organic fertilizer + 70% chemical fertilizer; (4) OFCF3, 45% organic fertilizer + 55% chemical fertilizer; (5) OFCF4, 60% organic fertilizer + 40% chemical fertilizer. The results showed that short-term CAOFCF treatments were beneficial to the topsoil aggregate stability by increasing the percentage and mean weight diameter of macro-aggregate in topsoil. In addition, lower soil bulk density and higher soil organic carbon sequestration in topsoil were observed under the CAOFCF treatments. There was no difference in rhizosphere microbial diversity among all treatments. Compared to CF, OFCF1 and OFCF2 improved the activities of some key enzymes, including sucrase, urease, and acid phosphatase. Moreover, higher relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi were observed under the CAOFCF treatments. The root-shoot dry matter and maize grain yield were obviously higher in OFCF1 and OFCF2 than in CF; however, no significant difference was found in the OFCF3 and OFCF4 treatments compared to CF. The analysis of correlation suggested that there were no direct correlations between maize yield and various soil indexes measured. Nevertheless, root dry weight and root-shoot ratio were positively correlated with the activities of urease and sucrase. Meanwhile, the relationships between root dry weight, root-shoot ratio, shoot dry weight, and grain yield were all significant. In conclusion, short-term co-application of organic and chemical fertilizer (i.e., replacing 15–30% chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer with an equal N rate) was beneficial to soil properties and maize grain yield in a medium-productivity meadow-cinnamon soil. The higher grain yield was associated with a strong maize root system, which was driven by the improved rhizosphere urease and sucrase activities.

Organic Manure Significantly Promotes the Growth of Oilseed Flax and Improves Its Grain Yield in Dry Areas of the Loess Plateau of China

“…DMA and plant morphogenesis were the bases upon which the yield was assessed. Plant height and stem diameter, as important agronomic characteristics, are closely related to dry matter accumulation, thus affecting yield [33,34]. The application of organic manure could significantly improve plant growth and promote DMA [35,36].…”

Impact of cultivation methods and fertilization by EM (Effective microorganisms) and /or compost on Productivity and water use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

“…To help plants alleviate water stress and encourage plant growth, many additives may be used. For example, amending spoils with agricultural wastes like composts, protect water and improving soil fertility by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers hence minimize the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers needed for plant growth, yield, and quality (Zhai et al, 2023). Excessive use of chemical fertilizers can harmfully deteriorate the environment while lessen nutrient use efficiency (Seleiman et al, 2021;Elsherpiny, 2023;.…”