Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Minhua Zhang Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Weiguan Li Author-Workplace-Name: Henan Provincial Tobacco Corporation, Zhengzhou, P.R. China Author-Name: Qingkui Li Author-Workplace-Name: China Tobacco Henan Import and Export Limited Company, Zhengzhou, P.R. China Author-Name: Aneela Younas Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Muhammad Shaaban Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Yuyang Li Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Jing Liu Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Yanfang Wang Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Zhanqiang Ma Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Zhaoyong Shi Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Hongtao Shen Author-Workplace-Name: Technology Centre, China Tobacco Henan Industrial Limited Company, Zhengzhou, P.R. China Author-Name: Ling Liu Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Title: Effects of microplastics on farmland soils and plants: a review Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, which are widely present and have become one of the major pollutants in the natural environment, and are increasingly recognised as emerging pollutants in agricultural ecosystems. Due to their small size and high mobility, MPs can easily migrate into farmland soils and attach to plant surfaces, thereby altering the physical, chemical and microbial properties of the soil. These changes may affect seed germination, plant growth, and physiological and biochemical functions. This review systematically synthesises current research on the impact of MPs on agricultural soil, focusing on their effects on soil structure, chemical properties and microbial diversity. The positive and negative effects of MPs on plant seed germination, growth, and physiological and biochemical processes are critically analysed. Furthermore, the potential ecological risks of MPs to soil and plant health are discussed. Mitigation strategies and future research priorities are proposed to address MPs contamination in agricultural systems. This study aims to provide both theoretical insights and practical references to support the prevention and control of MPs pollution in farmland soils, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development and soil ecosystem resilience. Keywords: plastic waste, agroecosystems, residue, toxicity, physiology and biochemistry Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 829-848 Volume: 71 Issue: 12 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/180/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/180/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202512-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:180-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Madhusha Mihirani Subasinghe Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague - Suchdol, Czech Republic Author-Name: Filip Mercl Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague - Suchdol, Czech Republic Author-Name: Sreynet Nang Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague - Suchdol, Czech Republic Author-Name: Altyn Taisheva Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague - Suchdol, Czech Republic Author-Name: Pavel Tlustoš Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague - Suchdol, Czech Republic Title: Occurrence of herbicides and their transformation products in sewage sludge: a review Abstract: The beneficial reuse of sewage sludge in agricultural soils is limited by the accumulation of micropollutants of emerging concern, which may pose significant environmental and human health risks. This review summarises recent advances in understanding the occurrence, persistence, and fate of herbicides and their transformation products in sewage sludge. Data from various geographic regions are discussed, with a focus on implications for the safe reuse of biosolids in agriculture. Most available studies have been conducted in European Union countries, where land application of biosolids is a common practice. Twelve groups of herbicides and their transformation products have been identified in sewage sludge, including glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), phenylureas, phenoxy acids, chloroacetamides, triazines and their metabolites, triazinones, phenylcarbamates, isoxazolidinones, benzoic acids, dinitroanilines, benzofurans, phenyl ethers, and other herbicides. Among these, triazines and their metabolites were the most frequently detected, with concentration ranges of 0.01-277 ng/g and not detected (n.d.)-237 ng/g, respectively. Glyphosate and AMPA were found at particularly high concentrations (n.d.-35 000 ng/g). Phenylurea herbicides (e.g., diuron and isoproturon) were detected in a limited number of studies, with concentrations ranging from not detected to 102 ng/g. Substantial concentrations of phenoxy herbicides (2,4-d, 2,4-db, and 2,4,5-t) were also reported in sewage sludge, ranging from 50.5-864 ng/g. The available scientific literature on the occurrence of herbicides in sewage sludge focuses mainly on older, often already banned compounds, while data on currently approved herbicides remain scarce. This review highlights the need for more comprehensive global assessments of herbicides and their transformation products in sewage sludge to ensure the safe agricultural use of biosolids and minimise risks to plants and other organisms. The current lack of systematic monitoring and documentation represents a critical knowledge gap in evaluating environmental exposure and associated risks. Keywords: contaminants of emerging concern, herbicide metabolites, pesticides, biosolids, wastewater, potential risk Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 849-859 Volume: 71 Issue: 12 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/485/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/485/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202512-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:485-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Katarzyna Waszak Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Cultivar Testing, Słupia Wielka, Poland Author-Name: Konrad Banaś Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland Author-Name: Jacek Broniarz Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Cultivar Testing, Słupia Wielka, Poland Author-Name: Tomasz Lenartowicz Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Cultivar Testing, Słupia Wielka, Poland Author-Name: Henryk Bujak Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Cultivar Testing, Słupia Wielka, Poland Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland Author-Name: Agnieszka Łacka Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland Author-Name: Marcin Przystalski Author-Workplace-Name: Research Centre for Cultivar Testing, Słupia Wielka, Poland Title: Multi-trait evaluation of oilseed rape varieties Abstract: The multifaceted nature of agricultural management and environmental factors complicates the production of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). This study evaluated 25 varieties (21 hybrids and four populations) in three growing seasons (2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23) in Poland. The focus was on yield, fat content, and resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The analyses revealed significant variability among the varieties, with the hybrids performing better consistently in terms of yield and fat content. The level of resistance to Sclerotinia was similar in hybrid and population varieties. Furthermore, DK Excited was found to be the highest-yielding variety, while Duke had the highest fat content. Derrick was the most resistant to S. sclerotiorum. Advocat and Dynamic were identified as the best varieties. In the analysed series of field trials, yield was found to be affected by high temperatures and a lack of rainfall in March, June, and July. For fat content, a lack of rainfall in July was the main limiting factor. Keywords: multiple character analysis, comparison of hybrids with population varieties, Shukla', s stability variance Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 860-872 Volume: 71 Issue: 12 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/337/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/337/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202512-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:337-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Muhammad Shaaban Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Lei Wu Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China Author-Name: Aneela Younas Author-Workplace-Name: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Yupeng Wu Author-Workplace-Name: College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China Title: Remediation of cadmium-polluted acidic soil with dolomite and calcite to enhance soil health and pak choi growth Abstract: Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils threatens crop productivity and food safety. This study examined the use of dolomite and calcite amendments in reducing Cd toxicity in pak choi grown in Cd-contaminated soil. Treatments included: control (CK), Calcite 1 (Cal1, 10 g/kg soil), Calcite 2 (Cal2, 20 g/kg soil), Dolomite 1 (Dol1, 10 g/kg soil), and Dolomite 2 (Dol2, 20 g/kg soil). Amendments significantly increased soil pH (P ≤ 0.05), with Cal2 (6.5) and Dol2 (6.2) achieving the highest values at harvest. Cd availability declined (P ≤ 0.05), with Dol2 being the most effective, reducing the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure-extractable Cd from 0.03 to 0.01 mg/kg, NH4NO3-extractable Cd from 0.05 to 0.02 mg/kg, and CaCl2-extractable Cd from 0.40 to 0.01 mg/kg. Dol2 improved biomass and chlorophyll content, while reducing Cd accumulation in shoots by 73.3% and in roots by 70% relative to the control. Antioxidant enzymes were regulated, with decreased peroxidase and superoxide dismutase indicating reduced oxidative stress, while Dol2 maximised urease, catalase, invertase, phosphatase, and phenol oxidase activities. Dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon also increased, thereby enhancing microbial activity. Dolomite and calcite significantly reduced biological concentration factors, biological accumulation coefficients, and translocation factors, thereby restricting Cd uptake. Overall, dolomite, especially at higher levels, effectively mitigated Cd toxicity, improved plant resilience, and enhanced soil health in contaminated systems. Keywords: soil remediation, soil pH amendment, phytoavailability, plant oxidative stress, soil enzymatic activity Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 873-882 Volume: 71 Issue: 12 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/390/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/390/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202512-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:390-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Shun Li Author-Workplace-Name: Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary, Qinghai University, Xining, P.R. China Author-Name: Lei Zeng Author-Workplace-Name: Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, P.R. China Author-Name: Ling Zhao Author-Workplace-Name: College of Finance and Economics, Qinghai University, Xining, P.R. China Title: Response of potato tuber yield to NPK fertiliser in China: a meta-analysis Abstract: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an economically significant food crop in China, and increasing tuber yield is a national priority. We conducted a meta-analysis utilising 180 studies and 1 583 pairs of observations to quantify the effects of fertilisation on potato tuber yield using data on climate, soil nutrients, and planting strategies. Compared with no fertilisation, fertilisation increased tuber yield by 33.64% overall. Applying single N, P, or K fertilisers increased yield by 33.64, 23.37, and 16.18%, respectively; combined NP, NK, and PK applications increased yield by 33.64, 36.34, and 19.12%, respectively. The greatest yield increase (49.18%) was achieved when NPK fertilisers were applied together. Average annual precipitation had the strongest effect on tuber yield, followed by cultivar identity and the availability of soil potassium. Under appropriate fertilisation regimes, tailoring planting strategies to local climate and soil nutrient status can maximise potato yield and improve economic returns. These findings have implications for future potato cultivation in China. Keywords: crop productivity, macronutrient, environmental condition, production, heterogeneity Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 883-890 Volume: 71 Issue: 12 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/514/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/514/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202512-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:514-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Lijuan Deng Author-Workplace-Name: College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: Jiangxi Environmental Engineering Vocational College, Ganzhou, P.R. China Author-Name: Duoji Wu Author-Workplace-Name: College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, P.R. China Author-Name: Weiqi Yuan Author-Workplace-Name: College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, P.R. China Author-Name: Zongqiang Wei Author-Workplace-Name: College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, P.R. China Author-Name: Yanlan Huang Author-Workplace-Name: College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, P.R. China Author-Name: Zhihua Hu Author-Workplace-Name: College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: Jiangxi Institute of Red Soil and Germplasm Resources, Nanchang, P.R. China Author-Name: Jianfu Wu Author-Workplace-Name: College of Land Resource and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, P.R. China Title: Exploring the impact of potassium fertiliser rate and split ratio on rice yield and quality in China: a meta-analysis Abstract: Potassium (K) is crucial for rice yield and quality, but continuous yield increase reduces protein content, challenging the balance between high yield and quality. This study analysed 3 178 case studies (1994-2024) on K management impacts on rice yield, grain protein, and amylose content, evaluating effects of K fertiliser rates, base-topdressing ratios, planting regions, and soil properties. The results showed that K application significantly increased rice yield, protein content and amylose content by 11.6, 2.0 and 1.0%, respectively. Importantly, we identified targeted K fertilisation strategies tailored to different quality goals: optimising for eating quality, nutritional quality, or synergistic improvement of yield and comprehensive quality. This study provides a scientific basis for precision K management to help growers balance rice yield with specific quality needs. Keywords: productivity, nutrient management, targeted fertilisation strategy, yield-quality trade-off Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 891-904 Volume: 71 Issue: 12 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/315/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/315/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202512-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:315-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Šarlota Kaňuková Author-Workplace-Name: National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Plant Production, Piešťany, Slovak Republic Author-Workplace-Name: University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Trnava, Slovak Republic Author-Name: Marcela Gubišová Author-Workplace-Name: National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Plant Production, Piešťany, Slovak Republic Author-Name: Martina Hudcovicová Author-Workplace-Name: National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Plant Production, Piešťany, Slovak Republic Author-Name: Jozef Gubiš Author-Workplace-Name: National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Plant Production, Piešťany, Slovak Republic Author-Name: Katarína Ondreičková Author-Workplace-Name: National Agricultural and Food Centre, Research Institute of Plant Production, Piešťany, Slovak Republic Title: Genotypic variation in physiological, biochemical, and transcriptional responses to drought stress in spring barley at an early growth stage Abstract: Drought is a major abiotic stress limiting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity. We evaluated 17 spring barley genotypes at the early leaf development stage under controlled laboratory conditions with optimal and drought treatments, integrating physiological, biochemical, and molecular traits. Drought reduced relative water content (-1.3% to -3.2%), plant height (-14.7% to -29.6%), and dry biomass (-2.3% to -24.9%), while inducing strong proline accumulation (+23.6% to +454%) and pigment loss (chlorophyll a -10.1% to -79.5%; carotenoids -6.2% to -70.9%). Principal component and discriminant analyses identified plant height and chlorophyll a as the most reliable discriminators, whereas relative water content was less predictive of the species. Multivariate stratification separated tolerant (Argument, Exalis, Slaven, Malz, Valis), intermediate (Laudis 550, Tango, Kompakt, LG Belcanto, SK Levitus), and sensitive (Kangoo, LG Tosca, LG Flamenco, Karmel, Bojos, Nitran, Tadmor) groups of genotypes. Gene expression profiling of 12 genotypes revealed a modest induction of HvABF2 (1.77-fold), moderate upregulation of HvSOD1 (1.82-fold) and HvAPX1 (2.28-fold), and the strongest response in HvP5CS (3.29-fold), which did not consistently correlate with tolerance. Tolerant genotypes combined growth stability, pigment retention, and moderate osmotic adjustment, whereas sensitive genotypes relied on excessive proline accumulation, resulting in severe pigment and growth penalties. Overall, drought tolerance in barley at the early growth stage emerged from the coordinated regulation of growth, photoprotection, and stress-gene activation, providing a foundation that can guide the selection of genotypes for subsequent validation under field conditions and future breeding programmes. Keywords: abscisic acid signalling, antioxidant enzymes, drought stress genes, high-stress environment, water deficit,  osmoprotectant, pigment stability Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 905-922 Volume: 71 Issue: 12 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/406/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/406/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202512-0007.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:406-2025-PSE