How Humic Acid Fertilizer Boosts Growth and Soil Health of Ginseng Plants

Jenn Hoskins
4th August, 2024

How Humic Acid Fertilizer Boosts Growth and Soil Health of Ginseng Plants

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Southwest Forestry University, China, found that moderate humic acid (HA) concentration (4 ml/L) significantly improved the fresh and dry weight of Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) plants
  • This HA concentration also increased nitrate nitrogen levels in the soil, a crucial nutrient for plant growth
  • The study showed that moderate HA application enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria and reduced harmful bacteria, stabilizing the soil's microbial network
Soil health and plant growth are critical components of sustainable agriculture, particularly for high-value crops like Panax notoginseng (Sanqi). In a recent study conducted by researchers at Southwest Forestry University, China, the effects of varying concentrations of humic acid (HA) on the development of Sanqi and soil quality were explored[1]. This study aimed to provide insights into optimizing Sanqi cultivation, which is often challenged by soil degradation and disease. The researchers administered exogenous HA to the roots of Sanqi at different concentrations (2, 4, and 6 ml/L) and assessed the diversity and community structure of soil bacteria and fungi using high-throughput sequencing technology. The study focused on how these microbial communities, along with soil edaphic factors (soil properties that influence plant growth), interact and affect the growth of Sanqi. The findings revealed that a moderate concentration of HA (4 ml/L) significantly improved the fresh and dry weight of Sanqi plants. Additionally, this concentration also increased the levels of nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) in the soil, which is a crucial nutrient for plant growth. The moderate HA concentration had a notable impact on the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the soil. However, there was no significant difference in the alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity of these microbial communities, which means that the overall variety and distribution of species remained relatively stable. Interestingly, the study found that at the 4 ml/L HA concentration, the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Bradyrhizobium increased, while harmful bacteria such as Xanthobacteraceae decreased. This shift contributed to enhanced stability in the bacterial and fungal networks within the soil. The structural equation model (SEM) used in the study indicated that the fresh weight of Sanqi and the composition of bacterial and fungal communities were direct factors influencing the stability of the microbial network at moderate HA concentrations. These results align with previous findings that highlight the importance of balanced nutrient application and soil management for optimizing crop yield and health. For instance, excessive nitrogen application has been shown to decrease soil pH and alter microbial communities, leading to increased soil acidification and the accumulation of pathogens[2][3]. In the case of Sanqi, over-application of nitrogen aggravated negative plant-soil feedback (NPSF), making the plants more susceptible to diseases like root rot[3][4]. The current study by Southwest Forestry University builds on these earlier findings by demonstrating that moderate HA application can mitigate some of these negative effects. By improving soil microbial balance and enhancing nutrient availability, HA helps promote healthier plant growth and soil quality. This not only increases the yield of Sanqi but also supports the sustainable development of the Sanqi-pine agroforestry system. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the benefits of using humic acid in moderate concentrations to enhance the growth of Panax notoginseng and improve soil health. These findings offer a practical reference for farmers and agricultural practitioners aiming to increase crop yields sustainably and manage soil health effectively.

AgricultureBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Effects of humic acid fertilizer on the growth and microbial network stability of Panax notoginseng from the forest understorey.

Published 1st August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68949-9

Related Studies

2) Significant acidification in major Chinese croplands.

https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1182570

3) Fertilizer N application rate impacts plant-soil feedback in a sanqi production system.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.219

4) Optimal fertilizer application for Panax notoginseng and effect of soil water on root rot disease and saponin contents.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgr.2015.04.003


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