Abstract
This study investigated the effect of rice straw returning on the soil physicochemical properties, nutrients, enzyme activity, and rice yield in highly saline-alkali paddy soils using a two-year field experiment conducted in a saline area, Northeast China. The soil was incorporated with rice straw with 0% straw returning (CK), 25% straw returning (25% SR), 50% straw returning (50% SR), 75% straw returning (75% SR) and 100% straw returning (100% SR). Results revealed that compared with CK, the soil bulk density (BD) was significantly decreased after rice straw returning, while it significantly increased the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and total porosity (TP), thus helpful for the leaching of sodium ions from the soil profile and for root growth. Rice straw returning significantly reduced the soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), saturated paste extract (ECe), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), pH, Na+/K+ and Na+/Ca2+ ratios, and increased cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared with CK. Rice straw returning significantly increased the availability of soil total N, alkali-hydrolysable N, NH4-N, NO3-N, available P, available K, soil organic matter (SOM), and enzyme activities of highly saline-alkali paddy soils. The grain yield of 25% SR, 50% SR, 75% SR, and 100% SR were 16.92%, 33.10%, 63.87%, and 51.82% higher, respectively, than that of CK, and rice yield reached the highest under 75% SR treatment in 2 years. Grain yield (GY) was positively correlated with soil TP, Ks, CEC, soil nutrients, SOM, and soil enzyme activities. Rice straw returning, especially 75% SR, had the potential to increase rice yield and can be widely applied as an effective means to improve highly saline-alkali paddy soils. These findings improve our understanding of the effect of rice straw returning on ameliorating the health parameters of saline-alkali paddy soils, regulating rice saline-alkali tolerance, and enhancing rice production in saline-alkali paddy areas.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Amin AEEAZ (2023) Chemical properties of some alkaline sandy soils and their effects on phosphorus dynamics with bone char application as a renewable resource of phosphate fertilizer. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01199-2
Anning DK, Qiu HZ, Zhang CH, Ghanney P, Zhang YJ, Guo YJ (2021) Maize straw return and nitrogen rate effects on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) performance and soil physicochemical characteristics in Northwest China. Sustainability 13:5508. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105508
Cao N, Wang JW, Pang JY, Hu W, Bai H, Zhou ZG, Meng YL, Wang YH (2021) Straw retention coupled with mineral phosphorus fertilizer for reducing phosphorus fertilizer input and improving cotton yield in coastal saline soils. Field Crops Research 274:108309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2021.108309
Chen X, Yaa OK, Wu J (2020) Effects of different organic materials application on soil physicochemical properties in a primary saline-alkali soil. Eurasia Soil Sci 53:798–808. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229320060034
Chen L, Sun S, Yao B, Peng Y, Gao C, Qin T, Zhou Y, Sun C, Quan W (2022) Effects of straw return and straw biochar on soil properties and crop growth: A review. Front. Plant Science 13:986763. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.986763
Cheng L, Wang H (2023) Responses of soil bacterial communities and enzyme activities to straw return and potassium fertilization with two soils under soil potassium balance condition in rice-wheat system. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01142-5
Cheng Y, Zhang TB, Qiao R, Yan S, Luo M, Wang C, Zhang TG, Dong QG, Feng H (2022) Photosynthesis and salt cations adsorption response of spring maize (Zea mays L.) to salinity stress caused by different drip irrigation regimes in an arid saline area, Northwest China. J Agron Crop Sci 208:693–708. https://doi.org/10.1111/jac.12601
Chi CM, Wang ZC (2010) Characterizing salt-affected soils of Songnen Plain using saturated paste and 1:5 soil-to-water extraction methods. Arid Soil Res Rehabil 24:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/15324980903439362
Dong SD, Wan SQ, Kang YH, Miao J, Li X (2021) Different mulching materials influence the reclamation of saline soil and growth of the lycium barbarum L. under drip-irrigation in saline wasteland in northwest China. Agricultural Water Management 247:106730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106730
Fan Y, Gao J, Sun J, Liu J, Su Z, Wang Z, Yu X, Hu S (2021) Effects of straw returning and potassium fertilizer application on root characteristics and yield of spring maize in China inner Mongolia. Agron J 113:4369–4385. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20742
Fu B, Chen L, Huang HY, Qu P, Wei ZG (2021) Impacts of crop residues on soil health: a review. Environmental Pollutants and Bioavailability 33:164–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/26395940.2021.1948354
Gaskin WJ, Speir A, Harris K, Das KC, Dewey LR, Morris AL, Fisher SD (2010) Effect of peanut hull and pine chip biochar on soil nutrients, corn nutrient status, and yield. Agron J 102:623–633. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2009.0083
Gong HY, Li YF, Li SJ (2021) Effects of the interaction between biochar and nutrients on soil organic carbon sequestration in soda saline-alkali grassland: a review. Global Ecology and Conservation 26:e01449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01449
Guan S. 1986. Enzyme in soils and their study methods. China Agriculture Press, Beijing, pp 260–313 (in Chinese).
Guo ZB, Hui L, Hua KK, Wang DZ, He CL (2018) Long-term straw incorporation benefits the elevation of soil phosphorus availability and use efficiency in the agroecosystem. Span J Agric Res 16:12. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2018163-12857
Hbirkou C, Martius C, Khamzina A, Lamersc JPA, Welpa G, Amelung W (2011) Reducing topsoil salinity and raising carbon stocks through afforestation in Khorezm. Uzbekistan J Arid Environ 75:146–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2010.09.018
He W, Wang H, Ye WH, Tian YL, Hu GQ, Lou YH, Pan H, Yang QG, Zhuge YP (2022) Distinct stabilization characteristics of organic carbon in coastal salt-affected soils with different salinity under straw return management. Land Degrad Dev 33:2246–2257. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.4276
Houba V.J.G., Vanderlee J.J., Novozamsky I. 1995. Soil and plant analysis: A series of syllabi. In Part 5B Soil Analysis Procedures Other Procedures, 6th ed.; Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Wageningen Agricultural University: Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Huang LH, Liu Y, Ferreira JFS, Wang MM, Na J, Huang JX, Liang ZW (2022) Long-term combined effects of tillage and rice cultivation with phosphogypsum or farmyard manure on the concentration of salts, minerals, and heavy metals of saline-sodic paddy fields in Northeast China. Soil & Tillage Research 215:105222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2021.105222
Jin K, Sleutel S, Buchan D, Neve SD, Cai DX, Gabriels D, Jin JY (2009) Changes of soil enzyme activities under different tillage practices in the Chinese Loess Plateau. Soil Tillage Res 104:115–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2009.02.004
Jin F, Ran C, Anwari Q, Geng YQ, Guo LY, Li JB, Han D, Zhang XQ, Liu X, Shao XW (2018) Effects of biochar on sodium ion accumulation, yield and quality of rice in saline-sodic soil of the west of Songnen plain, northeast China. Plant, Soil and Environment 64:612–618. https://doi.org/10.17221/359/2018-pse
Li B, Wang ZC, Chi CM (2006) Parameters and characteristics of alkalization of sodic soil in Da’an City. J Ecol Rural Environ 22:20–23 (in Chinese)
Liang BC, Mackenzie AF, Schnitzerm M (1997) Management induced change in labile soil organic matter under continuous corn in eastern Canadian soils. Biol Fertil Soils 26:88–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s003740050348
Malobane ME, Nciizah AD, Mudau FN, Wakindiki IC (2021) Tillage, crop rotation and crop residue management effects on nutrient availability in a sweet sorghum-based cropping system in marginal soils of South Africa. Agronomy 10:776. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060776
Meng XY, Ran C, Liu BL, Zhao ZX, Bai TQ, Zhao MM, Cheng ZW, Chen G, Geng YQ (2022) Effect of straw return with nitrogen fertilizer on photosynthetic characteristics and yield of rice in soda saline-alkali rice paddy fields. Cereal Research Communications 51:509–526. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42976-022-00312-y
Morsy S, Elbasyoni IS, Baenziger S, Abdallah AM (2022) Gypsum amendment influences performance and mineral absorption in wheat cultivars grown in normal and saline-sodic soils. J Agron Crop Sci 208:675–692. https://doi.org/10.1111/jac.12598
Munns R, Tester M (2008) Mechanisms of salinity tolerance. Annu Rev Plant Biol 59:651–681. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.arplant.59.032607.092911
Nelson PN, Oades JM (1998) Organic matter, sodicity and soil structure. In: Sumner ME, Naidu R (eds) Sodic soils: distribution, properties, management and environmental consequences. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 51–75
Piao JL, Che WK, Li X, Li XB, Zhang CB, Wang QS, Hua S (2022) Application of peanut shell biochar increases rice yield in saline-alkali paddy fields by regulating leaf ion concentrations and photosynthesis rate. Plant Soil 483:589–606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-022-05767-w
Pituello C, Polese R, Morari F, Berti A (2016) Outcomes from a long-term study on crop residue effects on plant yield and nitrogen use efficiency in contrasting soils. Eur J Agron 77:179–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2015.11.027
Qadir M, Schubert S (2002) Degradation processes and nutrient constraints in sodic soils. Land Degrad Dev 13:275–294. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.504
Qin W, Hu CS, Oenema O (2015) Soil mulching significantly enhances yields and water and nitrogen use efficiencies of maize and wheat: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 5:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep16210
Qing DL, Wang SL, Liu YH, Nie JJ, Zhao N, Mao LL, Song XL, Sun XZ (2017) Effects of cotton stalk returning on soil physical and chemical properties and cotton yield in coastal saline-alkali soil. Acta Agron Sin 43:1030–1042. https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1006.2017.01030
Rasool G, Guo XP, Wang ZC, Ali M, Uiiah M (2020) Coupling fertigation and buried straw layer improves fertilizer use efficiency, fruit yield, and quality of greenhouse tomato. Agric Water Manage 239:9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106239
Shi SH, Tian L, Nasir F, Bahadur A, Batool A, Luo SS, Yang F, Wang ZC, Tian CJ (2019) Response of microbial communities and enzyme activities to amendments in saline-alkaline soils. Appl Soil Ecol 135:16–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2018.11.003
Song XL, Sun RJ, Chen WF, Wang M (2020) Effects of surface straw mulching and buried straw layer on soil water content and salinity dynamics in saline soils. Can J Soil Sci 100:58–68. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjss-2019-0038
Su Y, Lv JL, Yu M, Ma AH, Xi H, Kou CL, He ZC, Chen AL (2020) Long-term decomposed straw return positively affects the soil microbial community. J Appl Microbiol 128:138–150. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.14435
Sumner ME (1993) Sodic soils: New perspectives. Aust J Soil Res 31:683–750. https://doi.org/10.1071/SR9930683
Tabatabai M (1994) Methods of Soil Analysis: Part 2. Microbiological and Biochemical Properties. Soil enzymes Soil Science Society of America, Madison, Wisconsin. pp 775–833
Tan CJ, Cao X, Yuan S, Wang WY, Feng YZ, Qiao B (2015) Effects of long-term conservation tillage on soil nutrients in sloping fields in regions characterized by water and wind erosion. Sci Rep 5:17592. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep17592
Tao ZQ, Li CF, Li JJ, Ding ZS, Xu J, Sun XF, Zhou PL, Zhao M (2015) Tillage and straw mulching impacts on grain yield and water use efficiency of spring maize in Northern Huang–Huai–Hai Valley. Crop J 3:445–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cj.2015.08.001
USDA (1954) Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. USDA, U.S. Govt. Printing Office, Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.1097/00010694-195408000-00012
Wang L, Wang Q, Wei S, Shao MA, Li Y (2008) Soil desiccation for Loess soils on natural and regrown areas. For Ecol Manage 255:2467–2477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2008.01.006
Wang L, Seki K, Miyazaki T, Ishihama Y (2009) The causes of soil alkalinization in the Songnen Plain of Northeast China. Paddy Water Environ 7:259–270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10333-009-0166-x
Wang CY, Liu WX, Li QX, Ma DY, Lu HF, Feng W, Xie YX, Zhu YJ, Guo TC (2014) Effects of different irrigation and nitrogen regimes on root growth and its correlation with above-ground plant parts in high-yielding wheat under field conditions. Field Crops Res 165:138–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2014.04.011
Wang XJ, Jia ZK, Liang LY, Zhao YF, Yang BP, Ding RX, Wang JP, Nie JF (2018) Changes in soil characteristics and maize yield under straw returning system in dryland farming. Field Crop Res 218:11–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2017.12.003
Wang EZ, Lin XL, Tian L, Wang XG, Ji L, Jin F, Tian CJ (2021) Effects of Short-Term Rice Straw Return on the Soil Microbial Community. Agriculture 11:561. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11060561
Xie W, Wu L, Zhang Y, Wu T, Li X, Ouyang Z (2017) Effects of straw application on coastal saline topsoil salinity and wheat yield trend. Soil Tillage Res 169:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2017.01.007
Xie J, Blagodatskaya E, Zhang Y, Wan Y, Hu QJ, Zhang CM, Wang J, Zhang YQ, Shi XJ (2022) Substituting nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer with optimal amount of crop straw improves rice grain yield, nutrient use efficiency and soil carbon sequestration. J Integr Agric 21:3345–3355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jia.2022.08.059
Yan C, Yan SS, Hou ZF, Dong S, Gong Z, Zhang Z (2019) Phosphorus adsorption characteristics of soil with rice straw retention in northeast China. Ekoloji 28:1671–1678
Yang Y, Guo Y (2018) Elucidating the molecular mechanisms mediating plant salt stress responses. New Phytol 217:523–539. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.14920
Yao SH, Teng XL, Zhang B (2014) Effects of rice straw incorporation and tillage depth on soil puddlability and mechanical properties during rice growth period. Soil till Res 146:125–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2014.10.007
Zhang P, Wei T, Jia ZK, Han QF, Ren XL (2014) Soil aggregate and crop yield changes with different rates of straw incorporation in semiarid areas of northwest China. Geoderma 230–231:41–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2014.04.007
Zhang P, Wei T, Li YL, Wang K, Jia AK, Han QF, Ren XL (2015) Effects of straw incorporation on the stratification of the soil organic C, total N and C: N ratio in a semiarid region of China. Soil Tillage Res 153:28–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2015.04.008
Zhang HY, Pang HC, Zhao YG, Lu C, Liu N, Zhang XL, Li YY (2020) Water and salt exchange flux and mechanism in a dry saline soil amended with buried straw of varying thicknesses. Geoderma 365:114213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2020.114213
Zhang SJ, Zhang G, Wang DJ, Liu Q (2021) Abiotic and biotic effects of long-term straw retention on reactive nitrogen runoff losses in a rice–wheat cropping system in the Yangtze Delta region. Agric, Ecosyst & Environ 305:10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2020.107162
Zhang L, Mao LL, Yan XY, Liu CM, Song XL, Sun XZ (2022) Long-term cotton stubble return and subsoiling increases cotton yield through improving root growth and properties of coastal saline soil. Industrial Crops & Products 177:114472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2021.114472
Zhao S, Li K, Zhou W, Qiu S, Huang S, He P (2016a) b. Changes in soil microbial community, enzyme activities and organic matter fractions under long-term straw return in North-central China. Agr Ecosyst Environ 216:82–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2015.09.028
Zhao YG, Li YY, Wang J, Pang HC, Li Y (2016b) a. Buried straw layer plus plastic mulching reduces soil salinity and increases sunflower yield in saline soils. Soil Tillage Res 155:363–370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2015.08.019
Zhou GX, Zhang JB, Zhang CZ, Feng YZ, Chen L, Yu ZH, Xin XL, Zhao BZ (2016) Effects of changes in straw chemical properties and alkaline soils on bacterial communities engaged in straw decomposition at different temperatures. Sci Rep 6:22186. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep22186
Funding
This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32071951), Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province (No. 20230101258JC) and Chinese Scholarship Council (No. 202008220050).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Che, W., Piao, J., Gao, Q. et al. Response of soil physicochemical properties, soil nutrients, enzyme activity and rice yield to rice straw returning in highly saline-alkali paddy soils. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 23, 4396–4411 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01358-5
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01358-5