In the heart of Inner Mongolia, a humble legume is at the center of a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize sustainable agriculture and boost the energy sector. Astragalus mongholicus, a medicinal herb, is proving to be a game-changer in the quest for efficient fertilizer and water use. Researchers from the College of Grassland and Resources and Environment at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, led by WU Rigumula, have published their findings in the journal ‘Guan’gai paishui xuebao’ (translated to ‘Water and Soil Conservation’).
The study, conducted on sandy soil in Horqin, Inner Mongolia, explores the impact of reduced fertilization and fertigation on the growth and nutrient demand of Astragalus mongholicus seedlings. With China’s mandate for zero growth in fertilizer use, the research is timely and crucial for sustainable agriculture.
The experiment involved five treatments, including conventional fertilization combined with spraying irrigation, conventional fertigation, and fertigation with 30% and 50% nitrogen reduction. The results were striking. Fertigation significantly improved plant growth traits, particularly root length and fresh root mass. This is a significant finding, as robust root systems are essential for nutrient absorption and overall plant health.
“Fertigation not only enhances plant growth but also optimizes nutrient use efficiency,” said WU Rigumula, the lead author of the study. This optimization is crucial for the energy sector, where sustainable practices are increasingly valued. By reducing nitrogen application by 30% combined with fertigation, the study found a 15.93% increase in crop yield and a 33.33% increase in water use efficiency. This translates to a net income increase of 32,648.26 yuan per hectare, a substantial boost for farmers and the energy sector.
The study also identified the critical period for dry matter accumulation and nutrient absorption. Between 83 and 118 days after seedling emergence, the plant exhibited the fastest dry matter accumulation and the highest demand for phosphorus and potassium. This knowledge can help farmers tailor their fertilization strategies, ensuring that nutrients are available when the plant needs them most.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the energy sector increasingly focuses on sustainability, efficient use of resources like water and fertilizer becomes paramount. This study provides a roadmap for optimizing nitrogen, phosphorus, and water application in the cultivation of Astragalus mongholicus and potentially other crops. It’s a step towards more sustainable and profitable agriculture, benefiting both farmers and the environment.
The findings published in ‘Water and Soil Conservation’ offer valuable insights for the agricultural community. They highlight the potential of fertigation and reduced fertilization in improving crop yield and resource use efficiency. As we look to the future, such innovative practices will be key to meeting the challenges of sustainable agriculture and energy production.