Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 236-246 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 237 Soil fertility is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, directly influencing crop productivity and ecosystem health. Fertile soils provide essential nutrients, support robust microbial activity, and maintain favorable physical properties, all of which are critical for optimal plant growth. Enhancing soil fertility through organic amendments, such as straw incorporation, can lead to increased crop yields and improved soil health. For example, the return of straw combined with phosphorus application has been shown to significantly increase crop productivity and soil bacterial diversity in rape-rice rotation systems (Zhang et al., 2023). Similarly, the use of organic and inorganic nutrients along with straw mulch has resulted in higher yields in rapeseed and subsequent crops, demonstrating the residual benefits of improved soil fertility (Mitra and Mandal, 2012). Moreover, practices like straw mulching can adjust soil micro-climate, thereby enhancing the productivity of crops such as winter oilseed rape (Su et al., 2014). Despite these benefits, the optimal management practices for rapeseed straw to maximize its positive impact on soil and crop productivity are not well established. Understanding the specific effects of rapeseed straw on soil properties and crop performance is essential for developing sustainable agricultural practices. This study explores the impact of returning rapeseed straw to the field on soil fertility and crop productivity, with a particular focus on its role in nutrient supply, soil structure, and crop performance. It will evaluate both the immediate and long-term effects of rapeseed straw, examining various aspects such as nutrient cycling, soil microbial activity, and soil physical and chemical properties, aiming to provide valuable insights for optimizing the sustainable agricultural use of rapeseed straw. The study is expected to support agricultural practices that achieve high yields while promoting soil health, benefiting both farmers and the environment. 2 Characteristics of Rapeseed Straw 2.1 Chemical composition analysis Rapeseed straw is composed of various chemical constituents that play a significant role in its utilization and decomposition. The primary components include cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Studies have shown that the incorporation of rapeseed straw into soil can significantly increase the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil, which are essential nutrients for plant growth (Wang et al., 2022; Wei et al., 2022; Song et al., 2023). Additionally, the application of rapeseed residue has been found to increase soil organic matter and microbial biomass, further enhancing soil fertility (Yang et al., 2020). The chemical composition of rapeseed straw influences its biodegradability and effectiveness as a soil amendment. High levels of cellulose and hemicellulose make it a good source of organic carbon, which can improve soil structure and fertility (Jin et al., 2019; Deng et al., 2021). The presence of lignin, however, can slow down the decomposition process, making it necessary to use decomposition agents to accelerate the breakdown of the straw (Wang et al., 2022). The addition of biochar derived from rapeseed straw has also been shown to improve soil pH and nutrient availability, making it a valuable amendment for contaminated soils (Salam et al., 2019; Zong et al., 2021). 2.2 Biodegradability features The decomposition rate of rapeseed straw varies under different environmental conditions. Factors such as soil moisture, temperature, and the presence of decomposition agents can significantly influence the rate at which the straw breaks down. For instance, the use of decomposition agents has been shown to enhance the fungal community diversity and accelerate the decomposition process, leading to improved soil quality and crop yields (Wang et al., 2022). Additionally, higher soil moisture levels can facilitate faster decomposition, as observed in studies where biochar application under high moisture conditions reduced the bioavailability of heavy metals and improved soil health (Salam et al., 2019). The decomposition of rapeseed straw offers several environmental benefits. It enhances soil organic matter, which improves soil structure and water retention capacity (Jin et al., 2019; Deng et al., 2021). The process also increases microbial biomass and enzyme activity, contributing to better nutrient cycling and soil fertility (Yang et al., 2020). Moreover, the application of rapeseed straw can mitigate the risk of heavy metal contamination in soils by reducing the bioavailability and accumulation of toxic elements such as cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) (Zong et al., 2021).
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