This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.

Dr. Kashif Akhtar
Zhejiang University

Basic Info


Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Soil Fertility
0 crop rotation
0 crop yield
0 Fertilizer application
0 GHG emissions

Fingerprints

Soil Fertility
crop yield
Fertilizer application

Honors and Awards

The user has no records in this section


Career Timeline

The user has no records in this section.


Short Biography

The user biography is not available.
Following
Followers
Co Authors
The list of users this user is following is empty.
Following: 0 users

Feed

Review
Published: 27 January 2021 in Sustainability
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The exercise of biochar in agribusiness has increased proportionally in recent years. It has been indicated that biochar application could strengthen soil fertility benefits, such as improvement in soil microbial activity, abatement of bulk density, amelioration of nutrient and water-holding capacity and immutability of soil organic matter. Additionally, biochar amendment could also improve nutrient availability such as phosphorus and nitrogen in different types of soil. Most interestingly, the locally available wastes are pyrolyzed to biochar to improve the relationship among plants, soil and the environment. This can also be of higher importance to small-scale farming, and the biochar produced can be utilized in farms for the improvement of crop productivity. Thus, biochar could be a potential amendment to a soil that could help in achieving sustainable agriculture and environment. However, before mainstream formulation and renowned biochar use, several challenges must be taken into consideration, as the beneficial impacts and potential use of biochar seem highly appealing. This review is based on confined knowledge taken from different field-, laboratory- and greenhouse-based studies. It is well known that the properties of biochar vary with feedstock, pyrolysis temperature (300, 350, 400, 500, and 600 °C) and methodology of preparation. It is of high concern to further investigate the negative consequences: hydrophobicity; large scale application in farmland; production cost, primarily energy demand; and environmental threat, as well as affordability of feedstock. Nonetheless, the current literature reflects that biochar could be a significant amendment to the agroecosystem in order to tackle the challenges and threats observed in sustainable agriculture (crop production and soil fertility) and the environment (reducing greenhouse gas emission).

ACS Style

Muhammad Ayaz; Dalia Feizienė; Vita Tilvikienė; Kashif Akhtar; Urte Stulpinaitė; Rashid Iqbal. Biochar Role in the Sustainability of Agriculture and Environment. Sustainability 2021, 13, 1330 .

AMA Style

Muhammad Ayaz, Dalia Feizienė, Vita Tilvikienė, Kashif Akhtar, Urte Stulpinaitė, Rashid Iqbal. Biochar Role in the Sustainability of Agriculture and Environment. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (3):1330.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Muhammad Ayaz; Dalia Feizienė; Vita Tilvikienė; Kashif Akhtar; Urte Stulpinaitė; Rashid Iqbal. 2021. "Biochar Role in the Sustainability of Agriculture and Environment." Sustainability 13, no. 3: 1330.

Journal article
Published: 23 January 2021 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Male sterility (MS) plays a key role in the hybrid breed production of plants. Researchers have focused on the association between genetic male sterility (GMS) and cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in kenaf. In this study, P9BS (a natural GMS mutant of the kenaf line P9B) and male plants of P9B were used as parents in multiple backcross generations to produce P9SA, a CMS line with stable sterility, to explore the molecular mechanisms of the association between GMS and CMS. The anthers of the maintainer (P9B), GMS (P9BS), and CMS (P9SA) lines were compared through phenotypic, cell morphological, physiological, biochemical observations, and transcriptome analysis. Premature degradation of the tapetum was observed at the mononuclear stage in P9BS and P9SA, which also had lower activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes compared with P9B. Many coexpressed differentially expressed genes were related to ROS balance, including ATP synthase, electron chain transfer, and ROS scavenging processes were upregulated in P9B. CMS plants had a higher ROS accumulation than GMS plants. The MDA content in P9SA was 3.2 times that of P9BS, and therefore, a higher degree of abortion occurred in P9SA, which may indicate that the conversion between CMS and GMS is related to intracellular ROS accumulation. Our study adds new insights into the natural transformation of GMS and CMS in plants in general and kenaf in particular.

ACS Style

Yiding Liu; Bujin Zhou; Aziz Khan; Jie Zheng; Farman Dawar; Kashif Akhtar; Ruiyang Zhou. Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation Strongly Allied with Genetic Male Sterility Convertible to Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Kenaf. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 1107 .

AMA Style

Yiding Liu, Bujin Zhou, Aziz Khan, Jie Zheng, Farman Dawar, Kashif Akhtar, Ruiyang Zhou. Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation Strongly Allied with Genetic Male Sterility Convertible to Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Kenaf. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (3):1107.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yiding Liu; Bujin Zhou; Aziz Khan; Jie Zheng; Farman Dawar; Kashif Akhtar; Ruiyang Zhou. 2021. "Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation Strongly Allied with Genetic Male Sterility Convertible to Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Kenaf." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 3: 1107.

Preprint content
Published: 07 July 2020
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The isolation of high-quality RNA from kenaf is crucial for genetic and molecular biology studies. However, high levels of polysaccharide and polyphenol compounds in kenaf tissues could irreversibly bind to and coprecipitate with RNA, which complicates RNA extraction. In the present study, we proposed a simplified, time-saving and low-cost extraction method for isolating high quantities of high-quality RNA from several different kenaf tissues. RNA quality was measured for yield and purity, and the proposed protocol yielded high quantities of RNA (10.1-12.9 μg/g·FW). Spectrophotometric analysis showed that A260/280 ratios of RNA samples were in the range of 2.11 to 2.13, and A260/230 ratios were in the range of 2.04-2.24, indicating that the RNA samples were free of polyphenols, polysaccharides, and protein contaminants after isolation. The method of RNA extraction presented here was superior to the conventional CTAB method in terms of RNA isolation efficiency and was more sample-adaptable and cost-effective than commercial kits. Furthermore, to confirm downstream amenability, the high-quality RNA obtained from this method was successfully used for RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis. We provide an efficient and low-cost method for extracting high quantities of high-quality RNA from plants that are rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides, and this method was also validated for the isolation of high-quality RNA from other plants.

ACS Style

Xiaofang Liao; Hongwei Li; Aziz Khan; Yanhong Zhao; Wenhuan Hou; Xingfu Tang; Kashif Akhtar; Ruiyang Zhou. A simple method for isolating high-quality RNA from kenaf containing high polysaccharide and polyphenol contents. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Xiaofang Liao, Hongwei Li, Aziz Khan, Yanhong Zhao, Wenhuan Hou, Xingfu Tang, Kashif Akhtar, Ruiyang Zhou. A simple method for isolating high-quality RNA from kenaf containing high polysaccharide and polyphenol contents. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xiaofang Liao; Hongwei Li; Aziz Khan; Yanhong Zhao; Wenhuan Hou; Xingfu Tang; Kashif Akhtar; Ruiyang Zhou. 2020. "A simple method for isolating high-quality RNA from kenaf containing high polysaccharide and polyphenol contents." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 24 June 2020 in Science of The Total Environment
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Nitrogen fertilization significantly increases greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, when applied from inorganic or organic sources. Minimizing GHGs from agroecosystems without compromising crop yield for stabilization of green production systems remains a challenge. Being an integral component of wheat production technology, the nitrogen (N) application deems to be indispensable. Thus, to reduce the application of N fertilizer and keep in view the minimization of GHGs emission, without compromising soil fertility and wheat production, field experiments were performed with treatments included maize straw mulch (S1: 0, S2: 4500, S3: 9000 kg ha−1) and nitrogen fertilizer (N1: 0, N2: 192 and N3: 240 kg ha−1) during 2015–17. Results showed that the cumulative CO2 and N2O emission from 9000 kg ha−1 of maize straw mulch with 192 kg N ha−1 (S3N2) significantly decreased by 0.67% and 33.7%, respectively, averaged over two years compared with that of 9000 kg ha−1 of maize straw mulch with 240 kg N ha−1 (S3N3). Likewise, the average soil moisture content significantly increased by 10% and 10.6% for S3N2 and S3N3 treatments at 0–10 cm soil depth, respectively, compared to S1N1. Similarly, the S3N2 and S3N3 treatments had lowered the soil temperature by 0.2 and 0.1 °C, respectively, over S1N1 in wheat grown fields. The grain yield of wheat was increased by 45% and 45% under S3N3 and S3N2 treatments than S1N1, respectively. The S3N2 treatment was more economical than S3N3 for wheat crop. Therefore, maize straw mulch (S3) combined with 20% less N fertilizer (N2) from commercial source were considered as a viable production technology to improve crop yield, and reduce soil CO2 and N2O emissions.

ACS Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Guangxin Ren; Ahmad Khan; Nie Enguang; Aziz Khan; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang; Haiyan Wang. Straw mulching with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer reduces soil CO2 and N2O emissions and improves wheat yield. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 741, 140488 .

AMA Style

Kashif Akhtar, Weiyu Wang, Guangxin Ren, Ahmad Khan, Nie Enguang, Aziz Khan, Yongzhong Feng, Gaihe Yang, Haiyan Wang. Straw mulching with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer reduces soil CO2 and N2O emissions and improves wheat yield. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 741 ():140488.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Guangxin Ren; Ahmad Khan; Nie Enguang; Aziz Khan; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang; Haiyan Wang. 2020. "Straw mulching with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer reduces soil CO2 and N2O emissions and improves wheat yield." Science of The Total Environment 741, no. : 140488.

Journal article
Published: 14 May 2020 in Environmental Pollution
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Benzene kresoxim-methyl (BKM) is an important methoxyacrylate-based strobilurin fungicide widely used against various phytopathogenic fungi in crops. Uptake, translocation and accumulation of BKM in vegetables remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate uptake, translocation, and accumulation of 14C-BKM and/or its potential metabolites in Chinese flowering cabbage and water spinach. 14C-BKM can be gradually taken up to reach a maximum of 44.4% of the applied amount by Chinese flowering cabbage and 34.6% by water spinach at 32 d after application. The 14CO2 fractions released from the hydroponic plant system reached 37.8% for cabbage and 45.8% for water spinach, respectively. Concentrations of 14C in leaves, stems and roots all gradually increased as vegetables growing, with relative 44.9% (cabbage) and 26.8% (water spinach) of translocated from roots to edible leaves. In addition, 14C in leaves was mainly accumulated in the bottom leaves, which was visualized by quantitative radioautographic imaging. The bioconcentration factor of 14C ranged from 7.1 to 38.2 mL g−1 for the cabbage and from 8.6 to 24.6 mL g−1 for the water spinach. The translocation factor of BKM ranged from 0.10 to 2.04 for the cabbage and 0.10–0.46 for the water spinach throughout the whole cultivation period, indicating that the cabbage is easier to translocate BKM from roots to leaves and stems than water spinach. In addition, the daily human exposure values of BKM in both vegetables were much lower than the limited dose of 0.15 mg day−1. The results help assess potential accumulation of BMK in vegetables and potential risk.

ACS Style

Yan Chen; Yuhui Lu; Enguang Nie; Kashif Akhtar; Sufen Zhang; Qingfu Ye; Haiyan Wang. Uptake, translocation and accumulation of the fungicide benzene kresoxim-methyl in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica campastris var. parachinensis) and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica). Environmental Pollution 2020, 264, 114815 .

AMA Style

Yan Chen, Yuhui Lu, Enguang Nie, Kashif Akhtar, Sufen Zhang, Qingfu Ye, Haiyan Wang. Uptake, translocation and accumulation of the fungicide benzene kresoxim-methyl in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica campastris var. parachinensis) and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica). Environmental Pollution. 2020; 264 ():114815.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yan Chen; Yuhui Lu; Enguang Nie; Kashif Akhtar; Sufen Zhang; Qingfu Ye; Haiyan Wang. 2020. "Uptake, translocation and accumulation of the fungicide benzene kresoxim-methyl in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica campastris var. parachinensis) and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)." Environmental Pollution 264, no. : 114815.

Journal article
Published: 16 March 2020 in Agronomy
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Canola crop has the potential for both seeds and grazing. Optimal planting density, time of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application and rates are the major aspects for successful qualitative traits and canola yield formation. In this content, optimization of planting density, N levels and its time of application in dual purpose canola are needed. This study was carried out in RCB design with split pot arrangement having three repeats during winter 2012–2013 and 2013–2014. The study evaluated N levels (120 and 80 kg N ha−1), cutting treatment, N application timings and planting density (20 and 40 plants m−2) effects on qualitative traits and yield of canola. No-cut treatment had 7.02%, 2.46%, and 4.26% higher, glucosinolates, oil, and protein content with 31.3% and 30.5% higher biological and grain yield respectively, compared with grazed canola. Compared with no-cut canola, grazed canola resulted in 7.74% of higher erucic acid. Further, application of N at 120 kg N ha−1 had 8.81%, 5.52%, and 6.06% higher glucosinolates, percent protein, and seed yield, respectively than 80 kg N ha−1. In-addition, the application of N into two splits was most beneficial than the rest application timings. Cutting had 15% reduction in grain yield of canola and fetched additional income of 143.6 USD compared with no-cut. Grazing resulted in a 23% reduction in grain yield while had additional income of 117.7 USD from fodder yield. Conclusively, the application of N in two splits at 120 kg N ha−1 combined with 20 plants m−2 is a promising strategy to achieve good qualitative attributes and canola yield under dual purpose system.

ACS Style

Sajjad Zaheer; Muhammad Arif; Kashif Akhtar; Ahmad Khan; Aziz Khan; Shahida Bibi; Mehtab Muhammad Aslam; Salman Ali; Fazal Munsif; Fazal Jalal; Noor Ul Ain; Fazal Said; Muhammad Ali Khan; Muhammad Jahangir; Fan Wei. Grazing and Cutting under Different Nitrogen Rates, Application Methods and Planting Density Strongly Influence Qualitative Traits and Yield of Canola Crop. Agronomy 2020, 10, 404 .

AMA Style

Sajjad Zaheer, Muhammad Arif, Kashif Akhtar, Ahmad Khan, Aziz Khan, Shahida Bibi, Mehtab Muhammad Aslam, Salman Ali, Fazal Munsif, Fazal Jalal, Noor Ul Ain, Fazal Said, Muhammad Ali Khan, Muhammad Jahangir, Fan Wei. Grazing and Cutting under Different Nitrogen Rates, Application Methods and Planting Density Strongly Influence Qualitative Traits and Yield of Canola Crop. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (3):404.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sajjad Zaheer; Muhammad Arif; Kashif Akhtar; Ahmad Khan; Aziz Khan; Shahida Bibi; Mehtab Muhammad Aslam; Salman Ali; Fazal Munsif; Fazal Jalal; Noor Ul Ain; Fazal Said; Muhammad Ali Khan; Muhammad Jahangir; Fan Wei. 2020. "Grazing and Cutting under Different Nitrogen Rates, Application Methods and Planting Density Strongly Influence Qualitative Traits and Yield of Canola Crop." Agronomy 10, no. 3: 404.

Journal article
Published: 03 March 2020 in Plants
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The tissue culture regeneration system of Lupinus albus has always been considered as recalcitrant material due to its genotype-dependent response and low regeneration efficiency that hamper the use of genetic engineering. Establishment of repeatable plant regeneration protocol is a prerequisite tool for successful application of genetic engineering. This aim of this study was to develop standardized, efficient protocol for successful shoot induction from cotyledonary node of white lupin. In this study, 5 day old aseptically cultured seedlings were used to prepare three explants (half cotyledonary node, HCN; whole cotyledonary node, WCN; and traditional cotyledonary node, TCN), cultured on four concentrations of M519 medium (M519, ½ M519, 1/3 M519, and ¼ M519), containing four carbohydrate sources (sucrose, fructose, maltose, and glucose), and stimulated with various combinations of KT (kinetin), and NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) for direct shoot regeneration. High frequency of 80% shoot regeneration was obtained on ½ M519 medium (KT 4.0 mg L−1 + NAA 0.1 mg L−1) by using HCN as an explant. Interestingly, combinations of (KT 4.0 mg L−1 + NAA 0.1 mg L−1 + BAP 1.67 mg L−1), and (KT 2.0 mg L−1 + NAA 0.1 mg L−1) showed similar shoot regeneration frequency of 60%. Augmentation of 0.25 g L−1 activated charcoal (AC) not only reduced browning effect but also improved shoot elongation. Among the all carbohydrate sources, sucrose showed the highest regeneration frequency with HCN. Additionally, 80% rooting frequency was recorded on ½ M519 containing IAA 1.0 mg L−1 + KT 0.1 mg L−1 (indole acetic acid) after 28 days of culturing. The present study describes establishment of an efficient and successful protocol for direct plant regeneration of white lupin from different cotyledonary nodes.

ACS Style

Mehtab Muhammad Aslam; Joseph K. Karanja; Qian Zhang; Huifeng Lin; Tianyu Xia; Kashif Akhtar; Jianping Liu; Rui Miao; Feiyun Xu; Weifeng Xu. In Vitro Regeneration Potential of White Lupin (Lupinus albus) from Cotyledonary Nodes. Plants 2020, 9, 318 .

AMA Style

Mehtab Muhammad Aslam, Joseph K. Karanja, Qian Zhang, Huifeng Lin, Tianyu Xia, Kashif Akhtar, Jianping Liu, Rui Miao, Feiyun Xu, Weifeng Xu. In Vitro Regeneration Potential of White Lupin (Lupinus albus) from Cotyledonary Nodes. Plants. 2020; 9 (3):318.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mehtab Muhammad Aslam; Joseph K. Karanja; Qian Zhang; Huifeng Lin; Tianyu Xia; Kashif Akhtar; Jianping Liu; Rui Miao; Feiyun Xu; Weifeng Xu. 2020. "In Vitro Regeneration Potential of White Lupin (Lupinus albus) from Cotyledonary Nodes." Plants 9, no. 3: 318.

Original research article
Published: 26 February 2020 in Frontiers in Plant Science
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Extreme environmental conditions seriously affect crop growth and development, resulting in substantial reduction in yield and quality. However, chitin-binding proteins (CBP) family member CaChiVI2 plays a crucial role in eliminating the impact of adverse environmental conditions, such as cold and salt stress. Here, for the first time it was discovered that CaChiVI2 (Capana08g001237) gene of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) had a role in resistance to heat stress and physiological processes. The full-length open-reading frame (ORF) of CaChiVI2 (606-bp, encoding 201-amino acids), was cloned into TRV2:CaChiVI2 vector for silencing. The CaChiVI2 gene carries heat shock elements (HSE, AAAAAATTTC) in the upstream region, and thereby shows sensitivity to heat stress at the transcriptional level. The silencing effect of CaChiVI2 in pepper resulted in increased susceptibility to heat and Phytophthora capsici infection. This was evident from the severe symptoms on leaves, the increase in superoxide (O2–) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, higher malondialdehyde (MDA), relative electrolyte leakage (REL) and lower proline contents compared with control plants. Furthermore, the transcript level of other resistance responsive genes was also altered. In addition, the CaChiIV2-overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana showed mild heat and drought stress symptoms and increased transcript level of a defense-related gene (AtHSA32), indicating its role in the co-regulation network of the plant. The CaChiVI2-overexpressed plants also showed a decrease in MDA contents and an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and proline accumulation. In conclusion, the results suggest that CaChiVI2 gene plays a decisive role in heat and drought stress tolerance, as well as, provides resistance against P. capsici by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulating the expression of defense-related genes. The outcomes obtained here suggest that further studies should be conducted on plants adaptation mechanisms in variable environments.

ACS Style

Muhammad Ali; Izhar Muhammad; Saeed Ul Haq; Mukhtar Alam; Abdul Mateen Khattak; Kashif Akhtar; Hidayat Ullah; Abid Khan; Gang Lu; Zhen-Hui Gong. The CaChiVI2 Gene of Capsicum annuum L. Confers Resistance Against Heat Stress and Infection of Phytophthora capsici. Frontiers in Plant Science 2020, 11, 1 .

AMA Style

Muhammad Ali, Izhar Muhammad, Saeed Ul Haq, Mukhtar Alam, Abdul Mateen Khattak, Kashif Akhtar, Hidayat Ullah, Abid Khan, Gang Lu, Zhen-Hui Gong. The CaChiVI2 Gene of Capsicum annuum L. Confers Resistance Against Heat Stress and Infection of Phytophthora capsici. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2020; 11 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Muhammad Ali; Izhar Muhammad; Saeed Ul Haq; Mukhtar Alam; Abdul Mateen Khattak; Kashif Akhtar; Hidayat Ullah; Abid Khan; Gang Lu; Zhen-Hui Gong. 2020. "The CaChiVI2 Gene of Capsicum annuum L. Confers Resistance Against Heat Stress and Infection of Phytophthora capsici." Frontiers in Plant Science 11, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2020 in Agronomy
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Besides carbon (C) sequestration, biochar (BC) is recently believed to deliver multiple eco-friendly benefits to the soil for enhancing crop productivity. Use of mineral fertilizers coupled with BC been suggested a promising sustainable strategy for increasing crops yield. However, imperative study is needed to investigate (1) BC integration with multiple legumes crop adjusted in summer gape for pooling more organic carbon and nitrogen, and (2) subsequently looking into its synergism with mineral N in the following crop. Therefore, two years’ field experiments were conducted on maize under cereal based cropping pattern with the adjustment of legumes (i.e., mungbean, cowpea, and Sesbania) with a fallow in summer. In legumes, treatments consist of (0 and 50 t ha−1) BC application. However, N rates of 0, 90, 120, 150 kg ha−1 were added to the subsequent maize crop. Preceding legumes plots with the use of 50 t ha−1 biochar enhanced maize grain yield, above ground biomass, stover N, grain N, soil C, and N content after maize harvest and N use efficiency as compared to non-legumes with BC and legumes without BC plots. N application increased grain yield, above-ground biomass, stover N, grain N, and soil N but reduced N use efficiency with higher rates. Conclusively, the integration of biochar and legumes is a promising option for increasing the entire farm production of cereal-based cropping systems. This increment in yield was associated with supplying a viable input of N and C to soil and increased yields from this supplementary ‘summer gap’ crop.

ACS Style

Fazal Jalal; Muhammad Arif; Kashif Akhtar; Aziz Khan; Misbah Naz; Fazal Said; Sajjad Zaheer; Syed Hussain; Muhammad Imtiaz; Muhammad Ali Khan; Muhammad Ali; Fan Wei. Biochar Integration with Legume Crops in Summer Gape Synergizes Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Enhance Maize Yield. Agronomy 2020, 10, 58 .

AMA Style

Fazal Jalal, Muhammad Arif, Kashif Akhtar, Aziz Khan, Misbah Naz, Fazal Said, Sajjad Zaheer, Syed Hussain, Muhammad Imtiaz, Muhammad Ali Khan, Muhammad Ali, Fan Wei. Biochar Integration with Legume Crops in Summer Gape Synergizes Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Enhance Maize Yield. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (1):58.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fazal Jalal; Muhammad Arif; Kashif Akhtar; Aziz Khan; Misbah Naz; Fazal Said; Sajjad Zaheer; Syed Hussain; Muhammad Imtiaz; Muhammad Ali Khan; Muhammad Ali; Fan Wei. 2020. "Biochar Integration with Legume Crops in Summer Gape Synergizes Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Enhance Maize Yield." Agronomy 10, no. 1: 58.

Journal article
Published: 07 December 2019 in Agronomy
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Manipulation of planting density and choice of variety are effective management components in any cropping system that aims to enhance the balance between environmental resource availability and crop requirements. One-time fertilization at first flower with a medium plant stand under late sowing has not yet been attempted. To fill this knowledge gap, changes in leaf structural (stomatal density, stomatal length, stomata width, stomatal pore perimeter, and leaf thickness), leaf gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence attributes of different cotton varieties were made in order to change the planting densities to improve lint yield under a new planting model. A two-year field evaluation was carried out on cotton varieties—V1 (Zhongmian-16) and V2 (J-4B)—to examine the effect of changing the planting density (D1, low, 3 × 104; D2, moderate, 6 × 104; and D3, dense, 9 × 104) on cotton lint yield, leaf structure, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf gas exchange attribute responses. Across these varieties, J-4B had higher lint yield compared with Zhongmian-16 in both years. Plants at high density had depressed leaf structural traits, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 uptake, quenching (qP), actual quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), and maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) in both years. Crops at moderate density had improved leaf gas exchange traits, stomatal density, number of stomata, pore perimeter, length, and width, as well as increased qP, ΦPSII, and Fv/Fm compared with low- and high-density plants. Improvement in leaf structural and functional traits contributed to 15.9%–10.7% and 12.3%–10.5% more boll m−2, with 20.6%–13.4% and 28.9%–24.1% higher lint yield averaged across both years, respectively, under moderate planting density compared with low and high density. In conclusion, the data underscore the importance of proper agronomic methods for cotton production, and that J-4B and Zhongmian-16 varieties, grown under moderate and lower densities, could be a promising option based on improved lint yield in subtropical regions.

ACS Style

Aziz Khan; Jie Zheng; Daniel Kean Yuen Tan; Ahmad Khan; Kashif Akhtar; Xiangjun Kong; Fazal Munsif; Anas Iqbal; Muhammad Zahir Afridi; Abid Ullah; Shah Fahad; Ruiyang Zhou. Changes in Leaf Structural and Functional Characteristics when Changing Planting Density at Different Growth Stages Alters Cotton Lint Yield under a New Planting Model. Agronomy 2019, 9, 859 .

AMA Style

Aziz Khan, Jie Zheng, Daniel Kean Yuen Tan, Ahmad Khan, Kashif Akhtar, Xiangjun Kong, Fazal Munsif, Anas Iqbal, Muhammad Zahir Afridi, Abid Ullah, Shah Fahad, Ruiyang Zhou. Changes in Leaf Structural and Functional Characteristics when Changing Planting Density at Different Growth Stages Alters Cotton Lint Yield under a New Planting Model. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (12):859.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aziz Khan; Jie Zheng; Daniel Kean Yuen Tan; Ahmad Khan; Kashif Akhtar; Xiangjun Kong; Fazal Munsif; Anas Iqbal; Muhammad Zahir Afridi; Abid Ullah; Shah Fahad; Ruiyang Zhou. 2019. "Changes in Leaf Structural and Functional Characteristics when Changing Planting Density at Different Growth Stages Alters Cotton Lint Yield under a New Planting Model." Agronomy 9, no. 12: 859.

Journal article
Published: 18 October 2019 in Agronomy
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The current farming system is heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers, which negatively affect soil health, the environment, and crop productivity. Improving crop production on a sustainable basis is a challenging issue in the present agricultural system. To address this issue, we assumed that the combined use of organic manure and inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers can improve rice grain yield and soil properties without the expense of the environment. This study explores the combined effects of cattle manure (CM), poultry manure (PM), and chemical fertilizer (CF) on soil properties, rice growth, physiology, and grain yield and quality. Six treatments in the following combinations were included: T1—no N fertilizer; T2—100% CF; T3—60% CM + 40% CF; T4—30% CM + 70% CF; T5—60% PM + 40% CF; and T6—30% PM + 70% CF. Results showed that across the seasons, treatment T6 increased the net photosynthesis rate, total biomass, grain yield, and amylose content by 23%, 90%, 95%, and 10%, respectively, compared with control. This increment in net photosynthetic rate and growth was the result of 24%, 14%, 19%, and 20% higher total root length, root surface area, root volume, and root diameter, respectively. Improvements in these attributes further enhanced the grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency of rice. No significant difference between T4 and T6 was observed. The correlation analysis also confirmed that root morphological traits were positively correlated with grain yield, N uptake, and biomass accumulation. Similarly, improvement in grain yield and NUE was also associated with improved soil properties, i.e., bulk density, soil porosity, soil organic carbon, and total N under combined organic and inorganic N fertilizers treatment. Conclusively, the integration of 30% N from PM or CM with 70% N from CF (urea) is a promising option not only for higher grain yield and quality of rice but also for improved soil health. This study provides a sustainable nutrient management strategy to improve crop yield with high nutrient use efficiency.

ACS Style

Anas Iqbal; Liang He; Aziz Khan; Shangqin Wei; Kashif Akhtar; Izhar Ali; Saif Ullah; Fazal Munsif; Quan Zhao; Ligeng Jiang. Organic Manure Coupled with Inorganic Fertilizer: An Approach for the Sustainable Production of Rice by Improving Soil Properties and Nitrogen Use Efficiency. Agronomy 2019, 9, 651 .

AMA Style

Anas Iqbal, Liang He, Aziz Khan, Shangqin Wei, Kashif Akhtar, Izhar Ali, Saif Ullah, Fazal Munsif, Quan Zhao, Ligeng Jiang. Organic Manure Coupled with Inorganic Fertilizer: An Approach for the Sustainable Production of Rice by Improving Soil Properties and Nitrogen Use Efficiency. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (10):651.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anas Iqbal; Liang He; Aziz Khan; Shangqin Wei; Kashif Akhtar; Izhar Ali; Saif Ullah; Fazal Munsif; Quan Zhao; Ligeng Jiang. 2019. "Organic Manure Coupled with Inorganic Fertilizer: An Approach for the Sustainable Production of Rice by Improving Soil Properties and Nitrogen Use Efficiency." Agronomy 9, no. 10: 651.

Journal article
Published: 05 September 2019 in Global Ecology and Conservation
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Tree density affects species diversity in forest plantations. Understory species diversity, tree regeneration, and soil physicochemical characteristics were assessed under three planting densities of Pinus massoniana in Taizishan Mountains, Hubei, China. There was a higher degree of shrub and herb species diversity in lower density stands. Total species richness was higher for herbs (n = 42) than for shrubs (n = 30) but the two groups exhibited a similar pattern with greater species richness at lower stand density. Changes in community structure and composition were more frequent in high density stands. Community structure in low and medium density stands was more similar to one another than to high stand densities for both herbs and shrubs. The regeneration status of tree species was more abundant in low and medium density stands. Low and medium density stands had significantly more favorable chemical properties such as soil organic matter, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and nitrogen, as well as on physical soil properties such as non-capillary pores and minimum water holding capacity. Lower planting density was beneficial with regard to natural regeneration, plant species diversity, and soil quality. Reducing tree density of existing high-density P. massoniana plantations can promote both understory plant species diversity and tree regeneration to sustain forest ecosystem services.

ACS Style

Ashfaq Ali; Dong Dai; Kashif Akhtar; Mingjun Teng; Zhaogui Yan; Nicolas Urbina-Cardona; Jana Mullerova; Zhixiang Zhou. Response of understory vegetation, tree regeneration, and soil quality to manipulated stand density in a Pinus massoniana plantation. Global Ecology and Conservation 2019, 20, e00775 .

AMA Style

Ashfaq Ali, Dong Dai, Kashif Akhtar, Mingjun Teng, Zhaogui Yan, Nicolas Urbina-Cardona, Jana Mullerova, Zhixiang Zhou. Response of understory vegetation, tree regeneration, and soil quality to manipulated stand density in a Pinus massoniana plantation. Global Ecology and Conservation. 2019; 20 ():e00775.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ashfaq Ali; Dong Dai; Kashif Akhtar; Mingjun Teng; Zhaogui Yan; Nicolas Urbina-Cardona; Jana Mullerova; Zhixiang Zhou. 2019. "Response of understory vegetation, tree regeneration, and soil quality to manipulated stand density in a Pinus massoniana plantation." Global Ecology and Conservation 20, no. : e00775.

Journal article
Published: 30 August 2019 in Agronomy
Reads 0
Downloads 0

High input costs combined with multiple management and material inputs have threatened cotton productivity. We hypothesize that this problem can be addressed by a single fertilization at flowering with late sowing in a moderately populated plant stand. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the cotton biomass accumulation, phosphorus dynamics, and fiber quality under three planting densities (low, 3 × 104; moderate, 6 × 104; and dense, 9 × 104 ha−1) and two cultivars (Zhongmian-16 and J-4B). High planting density had 6.2 and 12.6% larger stems and fruiting nodes m−2, while low density produced a 37.5 and 59.4% maximum height node ratio. Moderate density produced 26.4–15.5%, 24.7–12.6%, and 10.5–13.6% higher biomass accumulation rate at the peak bloom, boll set, and plant removal stages over low and high density in both years, respectively. J-4B produced a higher reproductive organs biomass yield when compared with Zhongmian-16 in both years. This higher biomass formation was due to both the higher average (0.8 VT kg·ha−1·d−1) and maximum (1.0 VM kg·ha−1·d−1) reproductive organ phosphorus uptake, respectively. Plants with low density had 5.3–18.5%, 9.5–15%, and 7.8–12.8% greater length, strength, and micronaire values over moderate and dense plants, respectively. Conclusively, moderate density with J-4B is a promising option for improved biomass, phosphorus acquisition, and fiber quality under a short season.

ACS Style

Aziz Khan; Xiangjun Kong; Ullah Najeeb; Jie Zheng; Daniel Kean Yuen Tan; Kashif Akhtar; Fazal Munsif; Ruiyang Zhou. Planting Density Induced Changes in Cotton Biomass Yield, Fiber Quality, and Phosphorus Distribution under Beta Growth Model. Agronomy 2019, 9, 500 .

AMA Style

Aziz Khan, Xiangjun Kong, Ullah Najeeb, Jie Zheng, Daniel Kean Yuen Tan, Kashif Akhtar, Fazal Munsif, Ruiyang Zhou. Planting Density Induced Changes in Cotton Biomass Yield, Fiber Quality, and Phosphorus Distribution under Beta Growth Model. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (9):500.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aziz Khan; Xiangjun Kong; Ullah Najeeb; Jie Zheng; Daniel Kean Yuen Tan; Kashif Akhtar; Fazal Munsif; Ruiyang Zhou. 2019. "Planting Density Induced Changes in Cotton Biomass Yield, Fiber Quality, and Phosphorus Distribution under Beta Growth Model." Agronomy 9, no. 9: 500.

Journal article
Published: 20 August 2019 in Environment International
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Mulching can effectively maintain and improve soil health and functionality. The mechanisms, however, have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the effects of temperature on the biogeochemical properties of soil were investigated in the present study in relation to nitrogen management and soil functionality. The results of the 3-year field experiments showed that integrated straw mulch (S) and nitrogen fertilizer (N) treatments enhanced the activities of soil urease, invertase, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase by >1.8, 2.1, 2.0 and 1.4 fold, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Furthermore, these treatments increased soil available N by 28%, phosphorus by 45%, and potassium by 55%. In general, the soil organic carbon, dissolved carbon and labile organic carbon content in the treated plot were approximately 1.2–2.9 folds greater than in the control plot. These improvements in soil fertility and carbon indices increased the biomass and grain yield of soybean (67 and 75%, respectively) during the three-year study period. During 2015–2017, the straw mulch and nitrogen fertilizer treatment increased the soil moisture (23%) and decreased the soil temperature (8%) in comparison to the control in the 0–0.2 m soil depth and, therefore, improved soil enzyme activities, nutrient availability, and carbon stocks, and ultimately, soil functionality and sustainability, in the semiarid region.

ACS Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Guangxin Ren; Ahmad Khan; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang; Haiyan Wang. Integrated use of straw mulch with nitrogen fertilizer improves soil functionality and soybean production. Environment International 2019, 132, 105092 .

AMA Style

Kashif Akhtar, Weiyu Wang, Guangxin Ren, Ahmad Khan, Yongzhong Feng, Gaihe Yang, Haiyan Wang. Integrated use of straw mulch with nitrogen fertilizer improves soil functionality and soybean production. Environment International. 2019; 132 ():105092.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Guangxin Ren; Ahmad Khan; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang; Haiyan Wang. 2019. "Integrated use of straw mulch with nitrogen fertilizer improves soil functionality and soybean production." Environment International 132, no. : 105092.

Journal article
Published: 30 July 2019 in Forests
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) has been planted extensively in different parts of China for timber production and habitat restoration. The effects of stand age and management of these plantations on biomass, carbon storage, and soil physicochemical properties are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated biomass, carbon storage, and soil physicochemical properties of Masson pine plantations. The plantations were divided into four age groups (9, 18, 28, and 48 years), and into managed (MS) and unmanaged stands (UMS) in Hubei province, Central China. Tree biomass increased with stand age. A growth model indicated that maximum tree growth occurred when the plantations were 17 years old, and the average growth rate occurred when plantations were 23 years old. Tree biomass in managed stands was 9.75% greater than that in unmanaged ones. Total biomass carbon was estimated at 27.4, 86.0, 112.7, and 142.2 Mg ha−1, whereas soil organic carbon was 116.4, 135.0, 147.4, and 138.1 Mg ha−1 in 9-, 18-, 28-, and 48-year-old plantations, respectively. Total carbon content was 122.6 and 106.5 Mg ha−1, whereas soil organic carbon content was 104.9 and 115.4 Mg ha−1 in MS and UMS, respectively. Total carbon storage in the plantations studied averaged 143.7, 220.4, 260.1, and 280.3 Mg ha−1 in 9-,18-, 28-, and 48-year-old stands, and 227.3 and 222.4 Mg ha−1 in MS and UMS, respectively. The results of our study provide a sound basis for estimating ecosystem carbon as it relates to forest management activity and stand age.

ACS Style

Ashfaq Ali; Adnan Ahmad; Kashif Akhtar; Mingjun Teng; Weisheng Zeng; Zhaogui Yan; Zhixiang Zhou. Patterns of Biomass, Carbon, and Soil Properties in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) Plantations with Different Stand Ages and Management Practices. Forests 2019, 10, 645 .

AMA Style

Ashfaq Ali, Adnan Ahmad, Kashif Akhtar, Mingjun Teng, Weisheng Zeng, Zhaogui Yan, Zhixiang Zhou. Patterns of Biomass, Carbon, and Soil Properties in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) Plantations with Different Stand Ages and Management Practices. Forests. 2019; 10 (8):645.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ashfaq Ali; Adnan Ahmad; Kashif Akhtar; Mingjun Teng; Weisheng Zeng; Zhaogui Yan; Zhixiang Zhou. 2019. "Patterns of Biomass, Carbon, and Soil Properties in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) Plantations with Different Stand Ages and Management Practices." Forests 10, no. 8: 645.

Journal article
Published: 24 January 2019 in Molecules
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Desert soil is one of the most severe conditions which negatively affect the environment and crop growth production in arid land. The application of organic amendments with inorganic fertilizers is an economically viable and environmentally comprehensive method to develop sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to assess whether milk tea waste (TW) amendment combined with chemical fertilizer (F) application can be used to improve the biochemical properties of sandy soil and wheat growth. The treatments included control without amendment (T1), chemical fertilizers (T2), TW 2.5% + F (T3), TW 5% + F (T4) and TW 10% + F (T5). The results showed that the highest chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoids, shoot and root dry biomass, and leaf area index (LAI) were significantly (p < 0.05) improved with all amendment treatments. However, the highest root total length, root surface area, root volume and diameter were recorded for T4 among all treatments. The greater uptake of N, P, and K contents for T4 increased for the shoot by 68.9, 58.3, and 57.1%, and for the root by 65.7, 34.3, and 47.4% compared to the control, respectively. Compared with the control, T5 treatment decreased the soil pH significantly (p < 0.05) and increased soil enzyme activities such as urease (95.2%), β-glucosidase (81.6%) and dehydrogenase (97.2%), followed by T4, T3, and T2. Our findings suggested that the integrated use of milk tea waste and chemical fertilizers is a suitable amendment method for improving the growth and soil fertility status of sandy soils.

ACS Style

Tanveer Ali Sial; Jiao Liu; Ying Zhao; Muhammad Numan Khan; Zhilong Lan; Jianguo Zhang; Farhana Kumbhar; Kashif Akhtar; Inayatullah Rajpar. Co-Application of Milk Tea Waste and NPK Fertilizers to Improve Sandy Soil Biochemical Properties and Wheat Growth. Molecules 2019, 24, 423 .

AMA Style

Tanveer Ali Sial, Jiao Liu, Ying Zhao, Muhammad Numan Khan, Zhilong Lan, Jianguo Zhang, Farhana Kumbhar, Kashif Akhtar, Inayatullah Rajpar. Co-Application of Milk Tea Waste and NPK Fertilizers to Improve Sandy Soil Biochemical Properties and Wheat Growth. Molecules. 2019; 24 (3):423.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tanveer Ali Sial; Jiao Liu; Ying Zhao; Muhammad Numan Khan; Zhilong Lan; Jianguo Zhang; Farhana Kumbhar; Kashif Akhtar; Inayatullah Rajpar. 2019. "Co-Application of Milk Tea Waste and NPK Fertilizers to Improve Sandy Soil Biochemical Properties and Wheat Growth." Molecules 24, no. 3: 423.

Research paper
Published: 19 December 2018 in Soil Use and Management
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Field experiments were conducted to study soil properties, soil enzymes activities, water use efficiency (WUE) and crop productivity after six years of soybean straw mulching in the semi‐arid conditions of China. The experiment included four treatments: CK (Control), N (240 kg N ha−1), H (soybean straw mulching at half rate 700 kg ha−1 with 240 kg N ha−1), and F (soybean straw mulching at full rate 1400 kg ha−1 with 240 kg N ha−1). Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil labile organic carbon (LOC), soil available N (AN), available P (AP) and enzyme activities were analyzed after wheat harvesting in 2016 and 2017. Results show that straw amounts had positive effects on the soil fertility indices being higher for treatment F. The SOC, LOC, AN, AP, and enzyme activities (i.e. saccharase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase) were in the order of F > H > N > CK. High wheat grain yield and WUE were observed for F combination. A total of six years mulching along with 240 kg ha−1 nitrogen fertilizer application is sufficient for wheat yield stability and improving soil properties except urease activities in the semiarid condition of China. However, the straw mulching amount should be further studied with minimum nitrogen fertilizer for an environment friendly and effective approach for improving the soil biological properties with adequate crop production on a sustainable basis in the semiarid region of China. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ACS Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Ahmad Khan; Guangxin Ren; Sajjad Zaheer; Tanveer Ali Sial; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang. Straw mulching with fertilizer nitrogen: An approach for improving crop yield, soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Soil Use and Management 2018, 35, 526 -535.

AMA Style

Kashif Akhtar, Weiyu Wang, Ahmad Khan, Guangxin Ren, Sajjad Zaheer, Tanveer Ali Sial, Yongzhong Feng, Gaihe Yang. Straw mulching with fertilizer nitrogen: An approach for improving crop yield, soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Soil Use and Management. 2018; 35 (3):526-535.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Ahmad Khan; Guangxin Ren; Sajjad Zaheer; Tanveer Ali Sial; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang. 2018. "Straw mulching with fertilizer nitrogen: An approach for improving crop yield, soil nutrients and enzyme activities." Soil Use and Management 35, no. 3: 526-535.

Journal article
Published: 18 October 2018 in Science of The Total Environment
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The use of crop residues as mulching materials or organic fertilizer, instead of burning, can help improve the soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop grain yield. An experiment was conducted for three consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2016, to study the effect of no straw (S0), S1/2 (700 kg/ha soybean straw, and 3000 kg/ha wheat straw), and S1 (1400 kg ha−1 soybean straw, and 6000 kg/ha wheat straw) treatments in wheat-soybean multi-crop system. The randomized complete block design was used with three repeats. Compared with the S0 regime, a significant increase of 0.5%–8.7% and 1.4%–27.7% in soil CO2 emission was observed in the S1 regime during all growth stages of summer soybean and winter wheat, respectively. Soil temperature of S1/2 and S1 was 0.1–1.1 °C and 0.3–1.4 °C higher than that of S0 during the seeding stage and greening stage for wheat, during 2013 to 2016. During wheat season, soil moisture was higher in the S1 than in the S0 treatment. Likewise, wheat, soybean crop resulted the same results. Soil CO2 emissions increase with the increasing in soil temperature, and 73.4–73.9% of the variation could be explained by seasonal variation in soil temperature in wheat season. Similarly, 69.5–74.7% of the variation in soil CO2 emissions is recorded by seasonal variation in soil temperature in summer soybean season. Meanwhile (S1) increased the SOC and grain yield of wheat and soybean when compared to S0. Straw input increasing soil CO2, grain yield and SOC content, considering the benefits of straw inputs to crops yield and SOC content, It is concluded that the addition of straw improve agriculture production. However, the types of straw inputs in order to promote the sequestration of soil organic carbon with the decrease in greenhouse gas emission is the future research direction for agriculture development in Guanzhong region of China.

ACS Style

Weiyu Wang; Kashif Akhtar; Guangxin Ren; Gaihe Yang; Yongzhong Feng; Liuyan Yuan. Impact of straw management on seasonal soil carbon dioxide emissions, soil water content, and temperature in a semi-arid region of China. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 652, 471 -482.

AMA Style

Weiyu Wang, Kashif Akhtar, Guangxin Ren, Gaihe Yang, Yongzhong Feng, Liuyan Yuan. Impact of straw management on seasonal soil carbon dioxide emissions, soil water content, and temperature in a semi-arid region of China. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 652 ():471-482.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Weiyu Wang; Kashif Akhtar; Guangxin Ren; Gaihe Yang; Yongzhong Feng; Liuyan Yuan. 2018. "Impact of straw management on seasonal soil carbon dioxide emissions, soil water content, and temperature in a semi-arid region of China." Science of The Total Environment 652, no. : 471-482.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2018 in Soil and Tillage Research
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Addition of organic material, such as crop straw mulch in most soils is considered a strategy for sustainable agricultural production. We conducted a two-year experiment in 2015 and 2016 to determine changes in soil biochemical properties and maize yield in response to treatment with wheat-straw mulch. The treatments consisted of the addition of different levels of wheat-straw mulch (S1: 0, S2: 2500, S3: 5000 kg ha−1). Soil samples from four depths (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 m) were collected and analyzed. Soil enzymes, such as invertase, phosphatase, urease, and catalase, were significantly higher in the S3 treatment than in the S1 treatment. Values were greater for the samples collected at 0.1 m soil depth than those collected from deeper soil layers. Regarding soil properties, soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and soil water content (SWC) were significantly higher in S3 at 0–0.1 m soil depth than in other treatments. Compared with the (S1), an average increase in SOC, AN, AP, TN, TP, and SWC in 0–0.4 m soil depth with full straw mulch (S3), were 32.4, 31.9, 32.0, 11.8, 16.7, and 18.5%, higher, respectively. On average, urease, phosphatase, invertase, and catalase increased by 15.1, 11.0, 88.4, and 24.0%, respectively in the S3 treatment compared with that in the S1 treatment at 0–0.1 m depth, and decreased with increasing soil depth. The S3 treatment had increased grain yield (7%), biomass yield (28%), and water use efficiency (8%), compared with the S1 treatment. Overall, our results suggested that the S3 straw mulch treatment (5000 kg ha−1) could be used to sustain maize productivity and promote a better relationship between soil enzymes and soil properties in the semi-arid conditions of the Guanzhong area.

ACS Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Guangxin Ren; Ahmad Khan; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang. Changes in soil enzymes, soil properties, and maize crop productivity under wheat straw mulching in Guanzhong, China. Soil and Tillage Research 2018, 182, 94 -102.

AMA Style

Kashif Akhtar, Weiyu Wang, Guangxin Ren, Ahmad Khan, Yongzhong Feng, Gaihe Yang. Changes in soil enzymes, soil properties, and maize crop productivity under wheat straw mulching in Guanzhong, China. Soil and Tillage Research. 2018; 182 ():94-102.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Guangxin Ren; Ahmad Khan; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang. 2018. "Changes in soil enzymes, soil properties, and maize crop productivity under wheat straw mulching in Guanzhong, China." Soil and Tillage Research 182, no. : 94-102.

Journal article
Published: 28 September 2018 in Agricultural Water Management
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In North-west china, the soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is grown in June, when the climate is dry, and soil has limited moisture contents. Moisture deficiency limits the soybean biomass. We studied the effects of wheat straw mulching and nitrogen on soybean growth, physiology and soil properties in three-year field experiments. The treatments included three straw mulching i.e. S1 (0 kg ha−1), S2 (3000 kg ha−1) and S3 (6000 kg ha−1), and three nitrogen rates i.e. N1 (0 kg N ha−1), N2 (21.6 kg N ha−1), and N3 (27 kg N ha−1). Full mulching (S3) significantly increased moisture retention (7.4%) and decrease soil temperature (3.0%) in 0–20 cm soil depth, increased photosynthesis, SPAD-value, leaf area, leaf area index, growth, and soybean grain yield (20.8%) over no-mulching (S1). The S3 improved the roots mass, nodules number and weight than S1. The application of 27 kg N ha−1 or 100% N fertilizer (N3) had significantly increased photosynthesis, SPAD-value, growth, and biomass and seed yield of soybean over no-N application (N1). It was concluded that using straw mulching (6 Mg ha−1) can change the soil hydrothermal regime for provision of favorable condition for soybean growth when 27 kg N ha−1 was used in semi-arid condition of North-west China.

ACS Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Ahmad Khan; Guangxin Ren; Muhammad Zahir Afridi; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang. Wheat straw mulching offset soil moisture deficient for improving physiological and growth performance of summer sown soybean. Agricultural Water Management 2018, 211, 16 -25.

AMA Style

Kashif Akhtar, Weiyu Wang, Ahmad Khan, Guangxin Ren, Muhammad Zahir Afridi, Yongzhong Feng, Gaihe Yang. Wheat straw mulching offset soil moisture deficient for improving physiological and growth performance of summer sown soybean. Agricultural Water Management. 2018; 211 ():16-25.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kashif Akhtar; Weiyu Wang; Ahmad Khan; Guangxin Ren; Muhammad Zahir Afridi; Yongzhong Feng; Gaihe Yang. 2018. "Wheat straw mulching offset soil moisture deficient for improving physiological and growth performance of summer sown soybean." Agricultural Water Management 211, no. : 16-25.