Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 199-213 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 2 08 Examples include maize intercropped with green manure in Northwest China and with soybean in Northeast China, where beneficial microbes increased and soil aggregates became stronger (Zhang et al., 2021; Ablimit et al., 2022). In general, more diverse systems show better soil conditions, while single high-input models carry higher risks of decline. 9.2 Key driving factors for soil health changes in corn cultivation Crop rotation and intercropping improve soil fertility and structure by increasing organic matter input, promoting microbial diversity and nutrient cycling (Zhang et al., 2021; Ablimit et al., 2022; Liang et al., 2024; Mukhametov et al., 2024). Organic inputs such as organic fertilizers, straw returning, and biochar can increase soil organic carbon and nutrient content, promote microbial and enzyme activity, and improve soil physicochemical properties (Dawar et al., 2022; Sankhyan et al., 2023; Yang et al., 2024). Although long-term high-intensity fertilizer application can increase yield in the short term, it can easily lead to soil acidification, trace element imbalance, and decreased microbial diversity (Wolińska et al., 2022; Sankhyan et al., 2023; Afata et al., 2024; Mukhametov et al., 2024). The combination of organic-inorganic fertilizers and scientific regulation of fertilizer application can balance yield and soil health (Dawar et al., 2022; Sankhyan et al., 2023; Afata et al., 2024). The regulation of soil microbial community structure, such as the application of rhizosphere bacteria, green manure, and crop cover, can enhance soil health and crop stress resistance (Hafez et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2021; Ablimit et al., 2022; Yang et al., 2024; Singh et al., 2025). 9.3 Balance between yield optimization and soil protection In corn production practice, there is a clear trade-off between maximizing yield and soil protection. High input conventional systems achieve short-term high yields through deep cultivation, high-dose fertilizers, and pesticides, but often at the cost of decreased soil organic matter, structural degradation, and loss of microbial diversity, which may lead to long-term yield decline and land degradation (Ruf et al., 2021; Wolińska et al., 2022; Sankhyan et al., 2023; Mukhametov et al., 2024). Although conservation tillage, crop rotation, and organic management systems have limited initial yield increases, they can significantly improve soil health, enhance long-term productivity and stress resistance of the system (Zhang et al., 2021; Ablimit et al., 2022; Dawar et al., 2022; Li et al., 2023; Sankhyan et al., 2023). Scientific management measures, such as the combination of organic-inorganic fertilizers, crop coverage, and rational rotation, can to some extent balance yield and soil protection, achieving a win-win situation of "high yield and health" (Zhang et al., 2021; Ablimit et al., 2022; Dawar et al., 2022; Li et al., 2023; Sankhyan et al., 2023; Mukhametov et al., 2024; Yang et al., 2024). But in areas with limited resources and high land pressure, farmers often tend to pursue short-term yields and neglect long-term soil health. 9.4 Long term impacts on agricultural sustainability Long term single high input systems lead to soil organic matter depletion, structural degradation, loss of microbial diversity, and ecological function decline, posing a threat to food security and the ecological environment (Ruf et al., 2021; Woli ń ska et al., 2022; Sankhyan et al., 2023; Mukhametov et al., 2024). Diversified and eco-friendly management measures, such as crop rotation, intercropping, crop cover, organic inputs, and microbial regulation, can significantly improve soil health, enhance system resilience and ecological service functions (Zhang et al., 2021; Ablimit et al., 2022; Dawar et al., 2022; Sankhyan et al., 2023; Li et al., 2023; Liang et al., 2024; Yang et al., 2024). Long term positioning experiments and multi-point studies have found that soil health indicators (such as organic carbon, aggregate stability, microbial diversity, enzyme activity, etc.) are closely related to crop yield and system sustainability (Zhang et al., 2021; Ablimit et al., 2022; Dawar et al., 2022; Li et al., 2023; Sankhyan et al., 2023; Liang et al., 2024; Yang et al., 2024). Continuous monitoring and scientific management can not only increase current production, but also ensure the long-term productivity and ecological security of land resources.
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