Enhancing rice ecological production: synergistic effects of wheat-straw decomposition and microbial agents on soil health and yield.

Aims: This study evaluated the impact of wheat straw return and microbial agent application on rice field environments.

Methods: Using Rice variety Chuankangyou 2115 and a microbial mix of and . Five treatments were tested: T (no straw return), T (straw return), T, T, and T (straw return with varying ratios of and ).

Results: Results indicated significant improvements in rice root length, surface area, dry weight, soil nutrients, and enzyme activity across T-T compared to T, enhancing yield by 3.81-26.63%. T (50:50 microbial ratio) was optimal, further increasing root dry weight, soil enzyme activity, effective panicle and spikelet numbers, and yield. Dominant bacteria in T included , , kubacteriales, and . Higher proportions (75% in T) increased straw decomposition but slightly inhibited root growth. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between yield and soil microorganisms like and at the heading stage. Factors like dry root weight, straw decomposition rate post-jointing stage, and elevated soil enzyme activity and nutrient content from tiller to jointing stage contributed to increased panicle and spikelet numbers, boosting yield.

Conclusion: The optimal and ratio for straw return was 50:50, effectively improving soil health and synergizing high rice yield with efficient straw utilization.