Forage-grain ratoon rice (FG-RR) is a sustainable system designed to enhance ratoon rice yield and quality while simultaneously producing high-quality whole-plant rice forage through early harvesting of the immature main crop (MC) for silage. This study examined the effects of planting density and mowing time on forage and grain productivity and quality, to optimize ecological and economic benefits. Field experiments were conducted using two cultivars, Liangyou 6326 and Taoyouxiangzhan, across five planting densities (17.26 × 10⁴–34.52 × 10⁴ hills ha⁻¹) and four mowing stages (heading, milk-ripening, dry-ripening, and full maturity). Forage and ratoon crop (RC) yields, quality traits, resource utilization efficiency, and economic returns were assessed. Increasing planting density initially promoted but subsequently reduced both forage and RC yields. Delayed mowing increased forage yield but, after an initial rise, reduced RC yield. The optimal combination-mowing at the milk-ripening stage with a planting density of 28.82 × 10⁴ hills ha⁻¹ produced forage containing 53.72% neutral detergent fiber, 21.26% starch, and 9.93% crude protein, meeting standards for high-quality silage. In the RC season, the head rice rate reached up to 58.61% with a chalkiness level as low as 4.17%, meeting high-quality edible rice standards. TOPSIS analysis and economic evaluation indicated that this management strategy yielded the highest overall performance, generating 3086.08 USD·ha⁻¹. Integrating this optimal mowing time with optimal density produced 31.88 t·ha⁻¹ of high-quality forage and 7.13 t·ha⁻¹ of premium-grade rice. This integrated strategy enhances resource utilization efficiency, grain quality, and profitability, offering a practical approach for the sustainable development of FG-RR systems.

Tree species richness is known to enhance soil phosphorus (P) availability; however, the mechanisms by which tree leaf functional trait diversity regulates P bioavailability through plant–microbe interactions remain unclear. Here, we conducted a tree diversity experiment with four species gradients (1, 2, 4, and 6 species) in southern subtropical China. We quantified four bioavailable P fractions (CaCl₂-P, Citrate-P, Enzyme-P, and HCl-P), and specifically targeted P bioavailability in the rhizosphere. We found that tree leaf functional trait diversity exerted a stronger and more direct effect on rhizosphere P bioavailability than did tree species richness. This enhancement was closely associated with increased forest productivity and soil organic carbon (SOC). Communities dominated by resource-acquisitive species showed higher P bioavailability. Further, soil microbial biomass and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes were positively associated with P bioavailability. Notably, mixtures of nitrogen-fixing and non-fixing species exhibited higher rhizosphere P bioavailability than either type in monoculture. Our findings suggest that subtropical plantation management should prioritize functional diversity over simply maximizing species richness. In particular, including P-mobilizing species in mixtures may enhance rhizosphere P bioavailability and support long-term forest productivity.

This study aimed to address two key bottlenecks in the microbial degradation of the endemic plant Miscanthus lutarioriparius: the scarcity of specialized degradative strains and the low cellulase activity of wild-type fungi. To isolate mutant strains with enhanced cellulolytic activity, this study applied a combined strategy of sequential screening (initially using Congo red followed by M. lutarioriparius straw powder) coupled with dual mutagenesis (UV and chemical). Seven cellulolytic fungal strains were isolated from soil samples from the native range of M. lutarioriparius. The wild-type strain XN-13 (Talaromyces sp.) had the highest initial activity for both carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase, 3.2 U·mL^–1) and filter paper cellulase (FPase, 2.1 U·mL^–1). Following mutagenesis, the resulting mutant MG-5 had significantly enhanced CMCase (4.4 U·mL^–1) and FPase (3.1 U·mL^–1) activities, corresponding to increases of 39.4% and 48.1%, respectively. In degradation assays, MG-5 outperformed XN-13, achieving a 13.3% apparent cellulose degradation rate by day 25 (vs XN-13’s 8.7%, an absolute difference of 4.6 percentage points) and an apparent hemicellulose degradation peak of 16.9% by day 20 (vs XN-13’s 13.8%, an absolute difference of 3.1 percentage points). These findings demonstrate that the combined screening and mutagenesis strategy used successfully generated an efficient non-model mutant strain. Consequently, MG-5 thus represents a promising microbial resource for enhancing lignocellulose bioconversion of Miscanthus species.

Iron is an essential element for all organisms due to its involvement in numerous cellular processes. Siderophores, which are small organic molecules produced by microorganisms, chelate iron and have significant biotechnological potential. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that synthesize siderophores can improve plant iron uptake and contribute to the management of phytopathogens. Elucidating the biosynthesis and functional roles of siderophores in plant growth is important for developing ecological strategies that minimize agrochemical use, and mitigate pest and disease damage. This review examines the classification, biosynthesis, transport and regulation of bacterial siderophores, highlights prominent siderophore-producing PGPR, and discusses the mechanisms by which siderophores facilitate plant growth and phytopathogen suppression.

Ammonia, as a nitrogen-based fertilizer is essential for enhancing crop yields and supporting global food production. Established ammonia production relies on fossil fuels and is highly carbon-intensive with detrimental consequences for the environment and society. The significance of the decarbonization of fertilizer production cannot be overstated. In this perspective, the opportunities and challenges associated with green ammonia (GA) deployment are discussed, drawing on insights from recent literature. While environmental and techno-economic aspects of GA are increasingly well understood, social dimensions such as farmer acceptance and adoption remain largely overlooked. From an environmental perspective, we argue that GA significantly mitigates climate change impacts compared with current ammonia production. From a technological perspective, decentralized production systems, though more energy intensive, offer flexibility and reduced raw material requirements. However, economic barriers persist, as GA is less cost-effective than standard ammonia. Therefore, enhancing the sustainability of GA production relies on improving the technological and supply chain aspects, reducing capital costs for green hydrogen infrastructure, and incentivizing the fertilizer industry with carbon credits. By highlighting these critical considerations, this perspective aims to inform research, policy and investment decisions for a sustainable transition to green ammonia.