Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 290-297 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 294 nitrogen, and microbial gene abundance, leading to higher maize yields (Xie et al., 2020). Similarly, the application of organic fertilizers in combination with chemical fertilizers has been shown to sustain soil microbial communities and improve soil fertility and crop productivity over the long term (Wang et al., 2021). 6 Case Studies 6.1 Impact of straw incorporation and fertilizer application in a temperate maize cropping system In temperate regions such as Northeast China, the incorporation of straw and the application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers have shown significant impacts on soil microbial communities and maize yield. A study conducted over five years demonstrated that combining rotary tillage with straw incorporation and moderate N fertilization (187 kg N/ha) significantly improved soil enzyme activities and microbial abundances compared to other treatments. The predominant bacterial and fungal phyla were Proteobacteria and Basidiomycota, respectively. This combination also enhanced soil water content and penetration resistance, which contributed to better soil enzyme activity and microbial community structure (Sui et al., 2020). Another study in the North China Plain found that straw return combined with a modest nitrogen fertilizer input (270 kg N/ha/year) increased soil organic matter fractions and microbial activity, leading to improved soil fertility and potentially higher maize yields. These findings suggest that straw incorporation and balanced fertilization can enhance soil health and crop productivity in temperate maize cropping systems. 6.2 Effects in a subtropical maize cropping system In subtropical climates, such as those found in Guangxi, China, the effects of straw incorporation and nitrogen fertilization on soil microbial communities and maize yield have been extensively studied. A field experiment revealed that straw returning significantly increased soil fertility, enzymatic activities, and the diversity and composition of bacterial and fungal communities compared to traditional planting methods. The dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Acidobacterioia, and Nitrospirae, while the fungal phyla were Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota. Nitrogen fertilization further enhanced soil fertility and enzyme activities but decreased the richness of bacterial and fungal communities. The study concluded that continuous straw returning and nitrogen fertilization improved soil fertility and microbial community composition, which could positively impact maize yield in subtropical regions (Figur 1) (Yang et al., 2022). These results highlight the importance of tailored agricultural practices to optimize soil health and crop productivity under different climatic conditions. 6.3 Integrated practices in low-input maize farming In low-input or organic farming systems, integrating straw incorporation with minimal fertilizer application can enhance microbial resilience and sustainable yield increases. A study on a wheat-maize rotation system demonstrated that the combination of organic manure or maize straw with NPK fertilizers positively affected soil microbial and nematode communities. The incorporation of straw increased fungal biomass and enhanced the carbon resource flow into the soil food web, thereby improving soil fertility and crop yield. The study also found that organic management practices could effectively enhance the association between microbial and nematode communities, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable farming system (Zhang et al., 2016; Zhan, 2024). Another study emphasized that fertilization regimes, including the use of organic amendments like straw, had a greater impact on soil microbial community structure than crop rotation or growth stage, suggesting that these practices are crucial for maintaining soil health and productivity in low-input farming systems (Guo et al., 2020). These findings underscore the potential of integrated practices to promote sustainable agriculture and improve maize yields in low-input systems. 7 Concluding Remarks This study has demonstrated the significant impact of straw incorporation and fertilizer application on the co-regulation of soil microbial communities and maize yield. The integration of straw into the soil, combined with appropriate levels of nitrogen fertilization, has been shown to enhance soil enzyme activities and microbial
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