Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 163-171 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 163 Research Report Open Access Effects of Straw Incorporation and Fertilizer Interaction on Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency and Quality Improvement in Maize Yunpeng Zhao, Yan Bao , Lan Zhou, Shibin Zhao, Baihe Zhang College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, 132101, Jilin, China Corresponding email: baoyan0302@126.com Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0017 Received: 28 May, 2024 Accepted: 03 Jul., 2024 Published: 18 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhao et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhao Y.P., Bao Y., Zhou L., Zhao S.B., and Zhang B.H., 2024, Effects of straw incorporation and fertilizer interaction on nitrogen uptake efficiency and quality improvement in maize, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(4): 163-171 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0016) Abstract Nitrogen uptake is a critical determinant of crop yield and quality in maize production, and optimizing its efficiency remains a priority in sustainable agriculture. Straw incorporation has gained attention for its potential to improve soil health and influence nutrient dynamics, particularly when combined with appropriate fertilizer management. This study investigates the impact of straw incorporation and its interaction with different fertilizer types on nitrogen uptake efficiency and maize quality. Field experiments were conducted to analyze changes in soil microbial activity, soil structure, and nutrient availability following straw incorporation, as well as to elucidate the mechanisms underlying fertilizer and straw interactions. Our findings reveal that incorporating straw significantly enhances soil microbial biomass and enzyme activities, leading to improved soil structure and enhanced nitrogen cycling. The interaction between straw and nitrogen-based fertilizers was shown to optimize nitrogen uptake efficiency, contributing to higher grain quality in maize. A practical case study, including site-specific experimental design, provided insights into the implications of straw and fertilizer interaction for maize production. The results underscore the potential of integrating straw incorporation with fertilizer management to promote sustainable nitrogen management in maize cropping systems. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of this integrated approach on soil health and crop performance under varying environmental conditions. Keywords Nitrogen uptake efficiency; Maize quality; Straw incorporation;Fertilizer interaction; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Nitrogen (N) is a critical nutrient for maize (Zea mays L.) growth and development, significantly influencing its yield and quality. However, the efficiency of nitrogen uptake in maize is often suboptimal, with global nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) for cereal production averaging around 33%. This inefficiency results in substantial economic losses and environmental issues, such as nitrogen leaching and greenhouse gas emissions (Meng et al., 2021). Improving NUE in maize is essential for sustainable agricultural practices and to meet the growing food demands of the global population. Straw incorporation into the soil is a beneficial agronomic practice that can enhance soil fertility and structure, thereby improving crop yields. Incorporating straw helps in maintaining soil organic carbon levels, enhancing soil moisture retention, and providing a slow-release source of nutrients, including nitrogen (Akhtar et al., 2023a). Studies have shown that straw incorporation can significantly increase maize grain yield and nitrogen uptake by improving soil fertility indices and nitrogen cycling (Ma et al., 2021). Additionally, straw mulching has been found to regulate soil temperature and moisture, further contributing to improved crop performance (Akhtar et al., 2023b). The interaction between straw incorporation and nitrogen fertilization plays a crucial role in optimizing nitrogen uptake efficiency and improving maize quality. Combining straw mulch with nitrogen fertilizer has been shown to enhance soil and plant physio-chemical attributes, leading to increased photosynthetic efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, and grain yield (Akhtar et al., 2023a). Moreover, straw incorporation can mitigate nitrogen leaching, thereby improving nitrogen recovery efficiency and reducing environmental pollution (Meng et al., 2021). Different straw management techniques, such as surface coverage and deep burial, combined with varying
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