Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 236-246 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 244 Additionally, the incorporation of straw into the soil requires specific equipment and techniques to ensure proper mixing and decomposition, which may not be readily available to all farmers (Sonwani et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2020). Another challenge is the variability in the effectiveness of straw incorporation depending on the cropping system, soil type, and environmental conditions. For example, the benefits of straw return in terms of soil nutrient content and crop yield can differ significantly between rice-rape rotation systems and upland cropping systems (Hagos et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2023). These practical challenges highlight the need for tailored management practices and support systems to facilitate the widespread adoption of rapeseed straw incorporation in diverse agricultural settings. 8 Concluding Remarks The integration of rapeseed straw into agricultural practices has shown significant benefits for soil fertility and crop productivity. Studies have demonstrated that straw return, when combined with appropriate fertilization, enhances soil nutrient content, microbial diversity, and crop yields. For instance, phosphorus application during the rapeseed season combined with straw return significantly improved crop productivity and soil bacterial diversity in rape-rice rotations. Similarly, annual straw incorporation with nitrogen fertilizer in rice seasons positively influenced dry matter and nutrient accumulation in subsequent rapeseed crops. Moreover, straw residue incorporation was found to enhance soil microbial biomass and carbon-nitrogen dynamics, particularly in high fertility soils. The use of decomposition agents with straw return also improved soil fungal community diversity and soil quality, leading to better cotton yields. Long-term straw management practices, coupled with potassium fertilization, were shown to increase crop yields and improve soil properties and microbial communities in rice-oilseed rape rotations. Straw mulching with nitrogen fertilizer improved soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and crop productivity in semi-arid conditions. Future research should focus on optimizing straw management practices to maximize their benefits while minimizing potential negative impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions. Studies should explore the long-term effects of different straw incorporation rates and combinations with various fertilizers on soil health and crop productivity across diverse agro-ecological zones. Investigating the interactions between straw return and soil microbial communities in greater detail could provide insights into enhancing soil fertility sustainably. Additionally, research should aim to develop region-specific guidelines for straw management that consider local soil types, climate conditions, and cropping systems. The potential of straw return to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration should also be a key area of investigation, with a focus on balancing productivity gains with environmental sustainability. The role of rapeseed straw in improving soil fertility and crop productivity is well-supported by current research. The integration of straw return into agricultural practices offers a sustainable approach to enhance soil health, increase crop yields, and support long-term agricultural productivity. However, careful management is required to optimize these benefits and mitigate any adverse environmental impacts. Continued research and innovation in this field will be crucial to developing effective and sustainable straw management strategies that can be tailored to specific agricultural contexts. Acknowledgments The authors express deep gratitude to Professor R.X. Cai from the Zhejiang Agronomist College for his thorough review of the manuscript and constructive suggestions. The authors also extend their heartfelt gratitude to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their thorough evaluation of the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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