Effects of plastic mulch and nitrogen fertilizer on the soil microbial community, enzymatic activity and yield performance in a dryland maize cropping system

Abstract

Farming practices that integrate plastic film mulching and nitrogen (N) fertilization have been extensively used to enhance crop productivity. However, the interactive effects of mulching and N application on soil microbial properties and crop yields have received little attention. A 2‐year field experiment was carried out in the Loess Plateau to investigate the independent and combined effects of plastic mulch and N application rate on the soil microbial population, enzymatic activity and grain yield. From 2016 to 2017, two mulching patterns (i.e., plastic mulching and no mulching) were exposed to five different N application rates (0 (N0), 80 (N80), 160 (N160), 200 (N200) and 240 (N240) kg N ha−1). N application significantly affected the soil microbial community composition, as suggested by significant increases in soil total bacteria, cellulose‐decomposing bacteria and the bacterial‐to‐fungal ratio with N rates. In contrast, the mulching pattern significantly affected soil extracellular enzyme production. Furthermore, there were significant effects of mulching, N application and their interaction on grain yield. The highest grain yield (11,728 kg N ha−1 in 2016 and 12,350 kg N ha−1 in 2017) in both growing seasons was consistently obtained under plastic mulching with a N level of 200 kg N ha−1. Our study showed that plastic mulching significantly affected extracellular enzyme production, and N fertilizer application significantly affected the composition of the soil microbial community. Highlights Independent and coupled effects of mulching and N application on soil biological properties and grain performance were explored. N application significantly influenced soil microbial community composition. Mulching pattern rather than N application independently and significantly affected soil extracellular enzyme production The combined application of plastic mulching with 200 kg N ha−1 should be seem as an optimum crop production pattern in this area.

Influence of Selenium on Growth, Physiology, and Antioxidant Responses in Maize Varies in a Dose-Dependent Manner

“…Some earlier studies described that the exogenous application of selenium at lower levels can improve the antioxidant activity and the tolerance of plants [31]. Similar results of some other researches also describe that low Se doses can enhance the antioxidant activities whereas higher Se causes a reduction [15,50].…”

“…Maize (Zea mays L.) is considered an important crop worldwide [15,16]. e annual yield of maize in Pakistan is about 3.13 million tons [17].…”

“…Selenium is considered to be an important element for many plants at lower concentrations but it causes toxicity at higher concentrations [15]. Presently, the research is concentrating on revealing the particular physiological and biochemical mechanisms that cause the positive or negative effects of Se in plants.…”

Combined application of soluble organic and chemical fertilizers in drip fertigation improves nitrogen use efficiency and enhances tomato yield and quality

“…5 Sustainable greenhouse tomato production requires optimal fertilizer management to achieve the double-win strategy of producing high yields and maximizing profits with less environmental impacts. 6 Optimal and scientific fertilization can not only provide essential nutrients for plant growth, 7 but also increase nutrients availability. 8 Extensive studies have shown that, compared with organic cropping systems, conventional farming increased yield of pakchoi and Chinese cabbage, 9 and had higher soil nitrogen fertility.…”

“…Optimal and scientific fertilization can not only provide essential nutrients for plant growth, 7 but also increase nutrients availability 8 . Extensive studies have shown that, compared with organic cropping systems, conventional farming increased yield of pakchoi and Chinese cabbage, 9 and had higher soil nitrogen fertility 10 .…”