Mild to moderate drought stress reinforces the role of functional microbiome in promoting growth of a dominant forage species () in desert steppe.

Background: Desert steppe ecosystems are prone to drought stress, which influences the ecological balance and sustainable development of grasslands. In addition to directly restrict plant growth, drought stress indirectly impacts plant fitness by altering the diversity and function of root-associated microbiomes. This begs the question of whether the functional microbiome of forage plants, represented by synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), can be leveraged to mitigate drought stress in desert steppes and promote the ecological restoration of these fragile ecosystems.

Phosphorus uptake and rhizosphere properties of alfalfa in response to phosphorus fertilizer types in sandy soil and saline-alkali soil.

Introduction: Phosphorus (P) fertilizer is critical to maintain a high yield and quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). There are several fertilizer types and soil types in China, and the application of a single type of P fertilizer may not be suitable for present-day alfalfa production.

Alfalfa growth and nitrogen fixation constraints in salt-affected soils are in part offset by increased nitrogen supply.

Introduction: In China, alfalfa ( L.) is often grown on marginal land with poor soil fertility and suboptimal climate conditions. Soil salt stress is one of the most limiting factors for alfalfa yield and quality, through its inhibition of nitrogen (N) uptake and N fixation.

Yield and quality of alfalfa ( L.) in response to fertilizer application in China: A meta-analysis.

Introduction: In China, alfalfa ( L.) often grows in marginal land with poor soil fertility and suboptimal climate conditions. Alfalfa production cannot meet demands both in yield and quality.