Chemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic fertilizer affects the soil microbial community and diversity and yield of cotton.

Introduction: The soil microbial community plays an important role in modulating cotton soil fertility. However, the effects of chemical fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer on soil chemical properties, microbial community structure, and crop yield and quality in arid areas are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of different organic fertilizers on soil microbial community structure and diversity and cotton growth and yield.

[Content and evolution characteristics of organic carbon associated with particle-size fractions of grey desert soil under long-term fertilization].

Physical fractionation technique was used to analyze the content, distribution, and temporal evolution of organic carbon associated with particle-size fractions of grey desert soil under long-term (1990-2007) fertilization. Compared with no fertilization, a combined application of manure and chemical fertilizers increased the organic carbon associated with particle-size fractions significantly, with the highest increment (0.34 g x kg(-1) x a(-1)) in sand.