Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 255-264 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 259 5.4 Storage quality and shelf life The stability of the pigments and antioxidant substances in fruits is also related to the pH of the soil. Studies have found that in a low pH environment, anthocyanins and pigments in bayberry fruits are more stable, which can extend the storage period and maintain the color (Bao et al., 2005). It has stronger antioxidant capacity and can also slow down the oxidation and deterioration of fruits, thereby extending the shelf life (Ju et al., 2022; Li et al., 2023). 6 Soil pH Regulation Strategies 6.1 Traditional approaches: Lime application, organic matter incorporation In southern orchards, lime is often used to regulate the pH of acidic soil. It can neutralize acidity, increase pH and also improve the root environment. Returning organic matter to the field, such as applying organic fertilizers or humic acid, can not only buffer the changes in soil pH, but also increase organic carbon, improve soil structure and provide more nutrients. These measures can diversify the microorganisms, help alleviate the disease of bayberry decay, and also improve the fruit quality (Ren et al., 2022; Chen et al., 2022). 6.2 Modern interventions: Biochar, microbial inoculants, nanomaterials Biochar is a new type of conditioner that can increase soil pH, improve soil properties, promote the reproduction of beneficial microorganisms, and regulate rhizosphere metabolites, thereby making bayberries more resilient and having better fruit quality (Ren et al., 2023; Hu et al., 2024). If microbial inocalants (such as Bacillus subtilis) are used together with biochar, the effect will be stronger, which can enhance soil enzyme activity and nutrient utilization and promote plant growth (Deng et al., 2024). Nanomaterials, such as functionalized nano-silica, can also improve rhizosphere microbial communities, enhance antioxidant enzyme activity and stress resistance, reduce the stress of heavy metals, and make bayberries healthier (Ahmed et al., 2024). 6.3 Integrated soil management approaches Integrated management advocates the combination of multiple methods, such as the use of lime, organic fertilizer, biochar and associated plants together. Companion plants (such as ryegrass) can not only improve soil pH and microbial environment, but also increase sugar, vitamin C and flavonoids in fruits, making the taste and nutrition better. If organic conditioners are used in combination with lime and biochar, it can significantly improve soil health and microbial diversity, and also increase yield, achieving a win-win situation for ecology and economy (Ren et al., 2022; Li et al., 2023; Hu et al., 2024). 6.4 Cost-effectiveness and sustainability considerations Lime and organic fertilizers are low in cost and easy to use, making them very suitable for large-scale promotion. However, their effects can be influenced by soil type and the frequency of application. Biochar, microbial inoculants and nanomaterials require a larger initial investment, but they can significantly improve soil health and crop stress resistance, which is beneficial to the sustainable development of orchards in the long run (Ren et al., 2023; Ahmed et al., 2024; Deng et al., 2024). The comprehensive management model combining multiple measures can strike a balance among cost, ecology and yield, and it is a sustainable direction for regulating the soil pH of bayberries in the future (Li et al., 2023; Hu et al., 2024). 7 Case Study: Bayberry Production in the Acidic Red Soil Area of South China 7.1 Context: region-specific soil conditions (e.g., acidic red soils of southern China) The southern part of China is the main production area of bayberries, such as Zhejiang, Fujian and Jiangxi. The soil here is mostly acidic red soil with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. Long-term cultivation will make the soil more acidic, increase the content of exchangeable aluminum (Al), and reduce the types of microorganisms, which is prone to cause bayberry recession disease and seriously affects the yield and quality (Chen et al., 2022; Hong et al., 2023). 7.2 Intervention: application of lime or biochar to regulate pH To improve acidified soil, people often use lime and biochar to regulate pH. In a case in Lanxi, Zhejiang Province, researchers applied 20 kilograms of biochar organic fertilizer (containing biochar, pig manure, potassium fertilizer,
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