Yunpeng Zhao , Yan Bao , Lan Zhou , Shibin Zhao , Baihe Zhang

College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, 132101, Jilin, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 4   
Received: 28 May, 2024    Accepted: 03 Jul., 2024    Published: 18 Jul., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Nitrogen uptake is a critical determinant of crop yield and quality in maize production, and optimizing its efficiency remains a priority in sustainable agriculture. Straw incorporation has gained attention for its potential to improve soil health and influence nutrient dynamics, particularly when combined with appropriate fertilizer management. This study investigates the impact of straw incorporation and its interaction with different fertilizer types on nitrogen uptake efficiency and maize quality. Field experiments were conducted to analyze changes in soil microbial activity, soil structure, and nutrient availability following straw incorporation, as well as to elucidate the mechanisms underlying fertilizer and straw interactions. Our findings reveal that incorporating straw significantly enhances soil microbial biomass and enzyme activities, leading to improved soil structure and enhanced nitrogen cycling. The interaction between straw and nitrogen-based fertilizers was shown to optimize nitrogen uptake efficiency, contributing to higher grain quality in maize. A practical case study, including site-specific experimental design, provided insights into the implications of straw and fertilizer interaction for maize production. The results underscore the potential of integrating straw incorporation with fertilizer management to promote sustainable nitrogen management in maize cropping systems. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of this integrated approach on soil health and crop performance under varying environmental conditions.

Nitrogen uptake efficiency; Maize quality; Straw incorporation;Fertilizer interaction; Sustainable agriculture