Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 236-246 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 238 2.3 Comparison with other crop residues Rapeseed straw differs from other crop residues like wheat and corn in its chemical composition and nutrient content. While all three types of residues are rich in organic carbon, rapeseed straw has a higher nitrogen content, which can enhance its effectiveness as a soil amendment (Wei et al., 2022; Song et al., 2023). Additionally, the structural composition of rapeseed straw, with its higher lignin content, may require the use of decomposition agents to achieve similar decomposition rates as wheat and corn residues (Salam et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2022). Rapeseed straw is highly suitable for soil amendment due to its ability to improve soil fertility and structure. Its application has been shown to increase soil organic matter, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity, making it a valuable resource for sustainable agriculture (Yang et al., 2020; Deng et al., 2021). In industrial applications, rapeseed straw can be used to produce biochar, which has been effective in immobilizing heavy metals and improving soil health in contaminated areas (Salam et al., 2019; Zong et al., 2021). The use of rapeseed straw in combination with other organic materials, such as biochar and nitrogen supplements, can further enhance its benefits for soil fertility and crop productivity (Jin et al., 2019; Khan et al., 2020). 3 Effects of Rapeseed Straw on Soil Fertility 3.1 Impact on soil nutrient content Incorporating rapeseed straw into the soil significantly enhances the levels of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Studies have shown that straw incorporation increases the accumulation of these nutrients in subsequent crops, such as rapeseed, by substantial margins. For instance, the dry matter accumulation (DMA) and nutrient uptake in rapeseed were significantly higher with straw incorporation compared to control treatments without straw (Song et al., 2023). Additionally, the combined application of phosphorus fertilizer and straw return has been found to improve crop productivity and soil nutrient content, particularly enhancing the availability of P (Zhang et al., 2023). The application of rapeseed residue also positively impacts the availability of micronutrients in the soil. The incorporation of organic materials, including rapeseed straw, has been shown to improve soil fertility by increasing the availability of micronutrients essential for plant growth. This is achieved through the enhancement of soil microbial activity, which plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and availability (Liu et al., 2022; Wei et al., 2022). 3.2 Influence on soil organic carbon Rapeseed straw incorporation contributes significantly to increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. The addition of organic residues such as rapeseed straw enhances the organic matter content in the soil, which is crucial for maintaining soil health and fertility. Studies have demonstrated that the application of rapeseed residue increases soil organic matter (OM) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), which are key indicators of improved soil carbon stocks (Jin et al., 2019; Yang et al., 2020). The long-term potential of rapeseed straw for carbon sequestration is notable. The incorporation of biochar derived from rapeseed residue has been shown to improve soil carbon sequestration by stabilizing organic carbon in the soil (Jin et al., 2019; Thers et al., 2019; Khan et al., 2022). The study found that converting rapeseed straw into high-temperature biochar and applying it to soil can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as N2O. Compared to traditional farmland management, biochar treatment achieved a 73%~83% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to its effective carbon sequestration effect (Thers et al., 2019). This practice not only enhances soil fertility but also contributes to mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon over extended periods. 3.3 Effects on microbial activity and biodiversity Rapeseed straw incorporation promotes the growth of beneficial soil microbial communities. The addition of organic materials such as rapeseed straw enhances microbial biomass and enzyme activities, which are critical for nutrient cycling and soil health. For example, the application of rapeseed residue has been shown to increase the activities of soil enzymes such as urease, acid phosphatase, and dehydrogenase, which are indicative of enhanced microbial activity (Yang et al., 2020; Liu et al., 2022).
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