Agriculture is the source of human food ingredients and the foundation for survival and development. Modern agriculture meets the demand for sufficient food, it has also led to diet-related diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia due to unbalanced diets. After the “Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)” jointly held by the FAO and WTO in 2014, functional agriculture research aimed at meeting people’s nutritional and health needs rapidly developed both domestically and internationally, China has issued guiding documents such as the “National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030)” and the “Healthy China 2030” planning outline. This paper systematically reviews the background of functional agriculture emergence and focuses on the functionalization of staple crops to discuss the research progress in functional agriculture of the world. It also summarizes the key research areas of functional agriculture, including exploration of functional components in germplasm resources, breeding of new functional varieties, agronomic enhancement measures, and development and promotion of health foods. On this basis, in accordance with the requirements of the “China Food and Nutrition Development Outline (2025-2030)” proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in February 2025, four suggestions are put forward: Strengthening top-level government design, establishing major projects for staple crop functionalization, accelerating the construction of standard systems, and improving intellectual property protection for varieties. These suggestions aim to provide theoretical support and practical paths for implementing China large-scale agriculture and grain strategy and ensuring national nutrition and health. This paper offers valuable insights for establishing a functional agricultural industry system with Chinese characteristics.
【Objective】 To analyze the genetic diversity relationship of phenotypic traits in forage oat germplasm resources worldwide, conduct Cluster analysis and Comprehensive evaluation, explore excellent materials, and provide Material basis and Technical support for Germplasm creation and Breeding utilization of forage oats. 【Method】 Using 244 collected domestic and foreign forage oat germplasm as experimental materials, they were planted in Guyuan City, Ningxia from 2023 to 2024, and 11 Phenotypic traits including plant height, stem diameter, tiller number, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, ear length, whorled layers number, number of spikelets, fresh weight, and hay weight were systematically measured. Multiple evaluation methods such as correlation analysis, principal component analysis, membership function, and hierarchical cluster analysis were comprehensively used for multi-dimensional evaluation. 【Result】 Phenotypic variant analysis showed that the coefficient of variation of the 11 traits ranged from 12.11% to 42.69%, among which tiller number, leaf length, and number of spikelets had higher coefficient of variation, which were 42.69%, 32.90%, and 32.77% respectively; The genetic diversity index ranged from 1.408 to 2.077, among which number of spikelets, stem diameter, and hay weight had higher genetic diversity index, which were 2.077, 2.075, and 2.074 respectively; Correlation analysis revealed that there were 41 pairs of significant or extremely significant relationships among the 11 traits, and the indicators with higher correlation with hay weight of forage oats were fresh weight, leaf number, leaf width, whorled layers number, plant height, and number of spikelets in sequence; The principal component analysis showed that the contribution rate of six principal components were extracted, which were 28.980%, 14.833%, 12.494%, 9.556%, 7.495%, and 6.850% in sequence, with the Cumulative contribution rate reaching 80.209%; Hierarchical cluster analysis divided the 244 germplasm resources into 5 Groups. Among them, the germplasm resources in Group Ⅱ had thick stem diameter, long ear length, and many whorled layers number, belonging to lodging-resistant or high yield materials; The germplasm in Group Ⅲ and Ⅳ had high plant height, long leaf length, and many tiller number, belonging to high yield forage materials; The germplasm in Group Ⅴ had multiple leaves, wide Leaf width, many number of spikelets, and high fresh and hay weight, belonging to high-quality forage type and high grain yield materials. The Comprehensive phenotypic evaluation value (F value) of germplasm resources was obtained through analytical methods such as membership function, and 20 accessions of Core germplasm resources with excellent comprehensive traits were screened out. 【Conclusion】 The results revealed that the 244 forage oat germplasm resources possess rich phenotypic genetic variation and diversity; Cluster analysis divided the 244 germplasm resources into 5 different groups, which can be selected and utilized according to the excellent characteristics of different germplasm resources and breeding objectives; 20 accessions of forage oat germplasm resources with excellent comprehensive traits, such as As166, As129, As163, As131 and As80 were screened out using F value.
【Objective】 To optimize the soybean-maize intercropping system in the Huang-Huai-Hai region, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different row ratio configurations on crop agronomic traits, canopy structure of the population, yield components, edge effects, and overall economic benefits. The goal was to identify suitable row ratio configurations, thereby improving land resource use efficiency and economic returns. 【Method】 Three row ratio configurations were implemented: 4 rows of soybean intercropped with 2 rows of maize (4:2), 6 rows of soybean intercropped with 4 rows of maize (6:4), and 4 rows of soybean intercropped with 4 rows of maize (4:4), using monoculture soybean (SCK) and monoculture maize (MCK) as controls. Crop dry matter accumulation, leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), canopy light transmittance, and yield components were measured. The inner and outer row sampling approach was adopted to evaluate edge effects and overall economic benefits. 【Result】 Compared with monoculture, intercropping significantly decreased per-plant dry matter accumulation in maize during the filling, milking, and maturity stages, and in soybean during the full flowering, full pod, grain filling, and full maturity stages. Among the row ratio configurations, maize exhibited maximum per-plant dry matter accumulation under the 4:4 pattern, whereas soybean achieved its highest accumulation under the 6:4 pattern. Row ratio configurations significantly influenced inter-row variations in dry matter accumulation and yield for both crops. Maize yield followed the order 4:4 pattern>4:2 pattern>6:4 pattern, representing reductions of 15.22%, 18.02%, and 12.62% relative to MCK, respectively; soybean yield followed the order 6:4 pattern>4:4 pattern>4:2 pattern, corresponding to reductions of 55.99%, 50.43%, and 56.00% compared with SCK, respectively. Intercropped maize exhibited pronounced edge advantage, with border row maize yields significantly exceeding those of inner rows. Within the intercropping system, both maize and soybean demonstrated lower canopy light transmittance, LAI, and SPAD values compared with their monoculture counterparts. Maize canopy light transmittance, LAI, and SPAD values followed the consistent ranking: 4:4 pattern>4:2 pattern>6:4 pattern; soybean canopy light transmittance followed 4:4 pattern>6:4 pattern>4:2 pattern, while its LAI and SPAD values mirrored the ranking pattern observed in maize. Maize LAI was significantly influenced by row ratio configuration, whereas no significant inter-row variations were detected for maize SPAD values or for soybean LAI and SPAD values. In evaluations of economic returns and intercropping advantages, the 4:4 pattern configuration demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest values for land equivalent ratio (LER), relative crowding coefficient (K), and economic benefits. Maize in intercropping exhibited higher LER and K values relative to soybean, with the maize competition ratio (CRm) being significantly greater than that of soybean (CRs) (CRm>1, CRs<1), demonstrating maize's competitive dominance in interspecific competition. 【Conclusion】 Although intercropping reduced per-plant dry matter accumulation, LAI, and SPAD values for both crops compared with monoculture, it significantly increased the land equivalent ratio (LER) and overall economic benefits. Under the experimental conditions, the 4:4 pattern exhibited more optimal canopy architecture, with maize demonstrating pronounced edge advantage. This system maintained maize yield while generating additional soybean income, thereby achieving the synergistic enhancement of total productivity and economic returns.
【Objective】 This study aimed to investigate the effects of different row ratio configurations on canopy light distribution, layer-specific photosynthesis, and crop yield formation in a maize-soybean strip intercropping system, thereby providing a theoretical basis for high-yield and high-light-efficiency cultivation. 【Method】 A field experiment was conducted under field conditions during the 2023-2024 growing seasons, with monoculture maize (SM) and monoculture soybean (SS) serving as controls. Four maize-soybean strip intercropping configurations were established: four rows of maize with six rows of soybean (4M6S), four rows of maize with four rows of soybean (4M4S), three rows of maize with four rows of soybean (3M4S), and two rows of maize with four rows of soybean (2M4S). The planting density of maize was consistently maintained at 67 500 plants/hm2 across all intercropping treatments. The soybean planting densities under SS, 4M6S, 4M4S, 3M4S, and 2M4S treatments were 160 000, 153 144, 128 351, 151 068, and 183 556 plants/hm2, respectively, and the effects of different row ratios on the light distribution, photosynthetic performance and yield in the canopy of the composite population were analyzed. 【Result】 The 4M4S treatment resulted in a higher leaf area index (LAI) and greater light transmittance in the middle canopy layer in maize. The LAI under 4M4S was 4.07%, 4.41%, 4.71%, and 5.46% higher than that under 4M6S, 3M4S, 2M4S, and SM, respectively. At the R1 stage, the light transmittance at the ear leaf of maize under 4M4S was 9.76%, 21.11%, 46.83%, and 48.16% higher than that under SM, 2M4S, 4M6S, and 3M4S, respectively. Concurrently, the 4M4S treatment enhanced the net photosynthetic rate of the lower leaves in maize, which was 10.45% and 8.58% higher than that under 3M4S and 4M6S, respectively. The overall radiation use efficiency (RUE) under 4M4S was 1.38%, 6.69%, and 8.01% higher than that under 4M6S, 3M4S, and 2M4S, respectively, demonstrating a stronger photosynthetic capacity under this treatment. The 4M4S treatment achieved the highest yields for both maize and soybean. The two-year average maize yields for 4M6S, 4M4S, 3M4S, and 2M4S were 8.88, 9.22, 8.44, and 8.86 t·hm-2, respectively, while the corresponding soybean yields were 1.44, 1.44, 1.37, and 1.29 t·hm-2, respectively. The land equivalent ratio (LER) for all intercropping patterns exceeded 1.27. Row ratio configuration significantly influenced interspecific relationships between maize and soybean. The aggressivity of maize relative to soybean under 3M4S, 4M6S, and 2M4S treatment was 3.91, 4.41, and 11.32 times that under 4M4S treatment, respectively. In 2023, the relative crowding coefficient was the smallest under 3M4S, followed by 4M4S; in 2024, the value for 4M4S was 3.19%, 10.58%, and 21.82% lower than that under 3M4S, 4M6S, and 2M4S, respectively. Thus, the 4M4S treatment effectively ensured maize yield while simultaneously increasing soybean production. 【Conclusion】 The 4M4S treatment enhanced maize light interception, thereby improving light transmittance within the middle and lower canopy layers of the maize population. This configuration enabled leaves across different canopy positions—both inner and outer rows—to maintain high photosynthetic capacity, while also preserving the photosynthetic performance of soybean plants. Consequently, the system's radiation use efficiency was significantly improved, and both crop yield and land equivalent ratio were markedly increased. Furthermore, this treatment resulted in the smallest values for interspecific competitiveness, relative crowding coefficient, and net effect among all configurations. Therefore, the 4M4S treatment was identified as the most suitable row ratio configuration under the experimental conditions.
【Objective】 The 4:6 maize-soybean intercropping model, widely promoted in the Huang-Huai-Hai region, has issues such as poor ventilation and light penetration, and poor grain setting in the middle rows of intercropping maize. Therefore, this study explored optimizing row spacing configurations to improve the canopy structure of intercropping maize populations and enhance the yield of intercropping systems, for providing a theoretical basis for the promotion and application of maize-soybean strip intercropping in the Huang-Huai-Hai region. 【Method】 From 2023 to 2024, soybean variety HeDou 22 and maize variety Liyuan 296 were used as test materials. Under the maize-soybean 4:6 planting pattern, five row spacing configurations were set: equal row spacing of 60 cm (ER) and narrow-wide row spacing of 40 cm+70 cm+40 cm (WNR1), 40 cm+80 cm+40 cm (WNR2), 40 cm+90 cm+40 cm (WNR3), and 40 cm+100 cm+40 cm (WNR4) to study the impacts of row spacing configurations on the yield, accumulation of dry matter, plant traits, and canopy characteristics of intercropping maize. 【Result】 Under the maize-soybean 4:6 intercropping pattern, the wide-narrow row planting of intercropping maize significantly increased its yield. The WNR3 treatment showed an average yield increase of 6.68% compared with ER over two years, with a 10.49% increase in post-anthesis dry matter accumulation. The yield improvement primarily stemmed from increased kernel number per ear (8.24%-9.95%) and 1 000-grain weight (2.66%-3.04%) in the middle rows. Compared with ER treatment, the wide-narrow row planting alleviated the "shade avoidance response" in the middle rows. Under the WNR3 treatment, the height difference between middle-row and border-row maize plants narrowed by 2.3%, stem diameter increased by 5.7%, leaf senescence was delayed, and the SPAD value of ear-leaf at the silking stage improved by 1.95%-14.95%. As the row spacing of middle rows increased, canopy light transmittance and single-plant leaf area exhibited an upward trend. The WNR3 treatment improved bottom-layer light transmittance by 29.11% and ear-layer light transmittance by 25.44% in the middle rows. However, no significant difference was observed between WNR3 and WNR4 treatments. Although the WNR4 treatment further enhanced canopy ventilation and light conditions, the light interception rate of the intercropping maize population significantly decreased, leading to reduced post-anthesis photosynthetic product accumulation and grain yield. 【Conclusion】 Under the intercropping mode of maize and soybean 4:6, the configuration of 40 cm+90 cm+40 cm wide and narrow rows could significantly improve the crown structure of maize, enhance photosynthetic performance, increase post-flower dry matter accumulation and grain yield, which was an effective way to optimize the yield of intercropping system in Huanghuaihai region.
【Objective】 This study aimed to explore the regulatory effects of different plant height combinations of maize varieties on the light distribution and light resource utilization of the population canopy under the soybean and maize strip intercropping pattern. 【Method】 From 2023 to 2024, four maize varieties with different plant heights were used as experimental materials, including the short-stemmed varieties of MY73 and Denghai 605 (DH605), and the tall varieties of Jingke 968 (JK968) and Xianyu 1466 (XY1466), as well as the soybean variety Qihuang 34. The row configuration of maize and soybean was both 4:4. Different intercropping patterns were set, including intercropping of the same maize variety in all four rows as the control (S-MY, S-DH, S-JK, and S-XY), with 6.75×104 plants/hm2 for each of the four rows and intercropping of tall and short varieties (middle row tall variety JK968, edge row short variety MY73: MY-JK-1, MY-JK-2; middle row tall variety XY1466, edge row short variety DH605: DH-XY-1, DH-XY-2), and two types of planting densities were set, with 6.75×104 plants/hm2 for each of the four rows (MY-JK-1, DH-XY-1), 6.75×104 plants/hm2 for the middle rows, and 8.25×104 plants/hm2 for the edge rows (MY-JK-2, DH-XY-2). The plant spacing of soybean in each treatment was the same. The focus was on analyzing the effects of different intercropping patterns on the canopy structure of the population, light distribution, photosynthetic characteristics of maize and crop yield. 【Result】 The combined planting of maize varieties with different plant height optimized the canopy structure, significantly improved the light transmittance of the spike layer in the maize population, increased the leaf area index and photosynthetic characteristics, and ultimately promoted the increase in total system yield. During the silk production stage, the light transmittance of the spike layer in MY-JK-1 and MY-JK-2 increased by 18.55%-88.22% compared with S-MY and S-JK, and that in DH-XY-1 and DH-XY-2 increased by 39.26%-55.77% compared with S-DH and S-XY. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the four varieties (except MY73) in the tall and short plant combination pattern was all increased. Among them, the Pn of DH605 in the DH-XY-2 pattern is 6.88% higher than that of S-DH, and the Pn of XY1466 in the DH-XY-2 pattern is 10.31% higher than that of S-XY. At the same time, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and potential activity (Fv/Fo) of the spike leaf also increased. The yield of maize under the MY-JK-2 pattern increased by an average of 19.44%, 9.58% and 1.66% over two years compared with the S-MY, S-JK and MY-JK-1 patterns, respectively. The average increase of DH-XY-2 over two years was 30.20%, 14.94% and 9.21% compared with the S-DH, S-XY and DH-XY-1 patterns, respectively. The maize yield (12 536.58 kg·hm-2) and total system yield (14 001.29 kg·hm-2) under the DH-XY-2 pattern were the highest in both years. 【Conclusion】 Compared with the intercropping pattern of single maize varieties, the combined planting of maize varieties with different plant heights could optimize the canopy structure of the population, improve the light distribution of the population canopy, and increase the light transmittance of the maize ear position layer and the photosynthetically active radiation at the top of soybean. At the same time, it improved the leaf area index and photosynthetic characteristics of maize, promoted the accumulation of photosynthetic products, and ultimately increased the total system yield. With the increase of edge row density, the maize yield was further enhanced. Under the conditions of this experiment, in the eastern part of the Huang-Huai-Hai region, it was recommended to use the combined planting of short-stemmed DH605 and tall XY1466, with a middle row density of 6.75×104 plants/hm2 and an edge row density of 8.25×104 plants/hm2.
【Objective】 Based on of “High-Yield and High-Efficiency Maize-Soybean Intercropping Technology R&D and Integrated Demonstration” project of National Key Research and Development Program in the 14th Five-Year Plan seven demonstration sites were established across Shandong, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu Provinces. Key technology research and integrated demonstrations were conducted. To comprehensively evaluate the yield performance, economic benefits, and ecological effects of the project demonstration sites, this study conducted a systematic assessment using neighboring farmers as a control, so as to provide a scientific basis for optimizing maize-soybean intercropping in the region. 【Method】 A comprehensive evaluation index system was established, covering three dimensions: yield, economy, and ecology. Through field surveys in seven demonstration sites and their neighboring farms, the differences in overall benefits of maize-soybean intercropping between the demonstration fields and local farmers were assessed. 【Result】 For yield, the intercropping in the demonstration fields was about 10% to 19% higher compared with neighboring farmers. In terms of economic benefits, the net output value per unit area in the demonstration sites was 5% to 21% higher on average. However, input costs increased by 7% to 15%, resulting in a net benefit per unit area only 2% to 18% higher. From an ecological perspective, the carbon footprint of the demonstration areas was approximately 9% to 34% higher than that of surrounding farmers, and the nitrogen footprint was 5% to 45% higher. This was mainly due to the increased use of fertilizers and diesel to ensure high yields. Based on the differences in yield, economic, and ecological dimensions between surrounding farmers and the demonstration areas, the CVI (comprehensive variation index) levels of all seven demonstration areas were at a moderate difference level (corresponding value of level 3). Among them, the ECI (economic convergence index) performed well (levels 3 to 4), especially with the smallest land output rate differences (the North Shandong, North Anhui, and North Jiangsu regions reaching the optimal level 5). This further proved that although surrounding farmers had lower yields and land output, the high inputs in the demonstration areas reduced the unit output efficiency, objectively narrowing the net profit gap with surrounding farmers and supporting the higher ECI value. The main limitation for the improvement of the comprehensive index in all regions was the relatively low yield, as the YCI (yield convergence index) of all regions concentrated at the poor level of 1 to 2. 【Conclusion】 The technological innovation and application of the project had a positive effect on promoting the yield and economic benefits of maize and soybean intercropping in the Huang-Huai region. But its sustainable promotion still faces challenges, such as rising costs and increasing ecological pressure. Finding ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency was therefore a key focus for the next stage of technological innovation.
【Objective】 Long-term reliance on chemical fertilizers in red soil paddy fields has caused a decline in soil fertility and nutrient imbalances, leading to unstable rice yields. This study evaluated the effects of combining organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers at different ratios on soil fertility and rice yields. The findings aim to provide scientific guidance for improving soil quality and promoting sustainable management of red soil paddy fields. 【Method】 A field experiment was conducted in the Green Breeding and Recycling Agricultural Demonstration Area, Shanggao County, Jiangxi Province, from 2021 to 2023. Seven treatments were implemented: no fertilization (CK), conventional chemical fertilizers alone (CF), optimized chemical fertilizers (COF), and partial replacement of chemical nitrogen fertilizers with 15% or 30% fermented pig manure organic fertilizers (OFN15, OFN30), and replacement with 30% or 60% of chemical phosphorus fertilizers with organic fertilizers (OFP30, OFP60). The study systematically analyzed the effects of these treatments on soil pH, carbon content, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium nutrient levels, ecological stoichiometric characteristics, comprehensive soil fertility and rice yields. 【Result】 Treatments involving partial replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers significantly increased the available potassium content in the soil by 10.8%-34.2% compared to CF treatments. Soil pH also increased by 0.19-0.30 units, while organic carbon content rose by 1.7%-11.6%. The effects of different organic fertilizer replacement proportions on soil nutrient improvement varied significantly, indicating the importance of determining the optimal proportion for soil enhancement. Among these treatments, the OFN30 treatment showed the greatest enhancement in soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and carbon content. Compared to CF, the OFN15 and OFP60 treatments reduced rice yields by 7.3% and 10.6%, respectively, while the OFN30 and OFP30 treatments showed no significant yield differences. A comprehensive soil fertility evaluation using the Nemero index (IFI) method ranked the seven soil treatments from highest to lowest as follows: OFN15 (1.407), OFN30 (1.391), OFP60 (1.379), OFP30 (1.356), COF (1.354), CF (1.341) and CK (1.309). While inorganic fertilizers had a more significant impact on rice yields, analysis using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) revealed that organic fertilizers were more effective in improving soil chemical properties. Furthermore, organic fertilizers had a significant positive impact on rice yield. Specifically, replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizers with organic fertilizers notably increased the levels of total nitrogen, organic carbon, and available nitrogen in paddy soil. 【Conclusion】 Based on a comprehensive evaluation of rice yields and improvements in soil physical and chemical properties, this study found that the application of organic fertilizers significantly enhanced the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as the overall fertility of red soil paddy fields under the experimental conditions. By maintaining the replacement ratio of organic fertilizers to chemical nitrogen fertilizers at about 30% (calculated based on nitrogen contents), an optimal balance between soil fertility and rice yield can be achieved in the short term. These findings provide important scientific evidence and practical guidance for the sustainable management and fertility improvement of red soil paddy fields.
【Objective】 This study aimed to explore the effects of different organic amendments combined with chemical fertilizers on maize yield and soil fertility in medium and low yield fields, so as to provide a scientific basis for selecting the best organic fertilization measure. 【Method】 The study focused on medium and low yield fields in Loess Plateau, conducting maize field trials in 2022 and 2023 for two consecutive years. Four organic amendment agent treatments were set up: straw return combined with chemical fertilizer (SF), biochar combined with chemical fertilizer (B), organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer (M), and biological organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer (EM), with chemical fertilizer alone (F) as the control. By measuring maize grain yield and various soil physical, chemical and biological indicators under different treatments, correlation analysis and principal component analysis were used to establish the minimum dataset for evaluation indicators. Fuzzy mathematics was then applied to assess soil fertility. 【Result】 Compared with F treatment, the percentage of soil water-stable macroaggregates (R>0.25) significantly increased by 19.8% and 17.8% under SF and B treatment, respectively, while the percentage of soil aggregates <0.053 mm (R<0.053) significantly decreased by 17.2% and 14.0%; soil moisture content significantly increased by 7.6% and 13.0%, respectively. The M and EM treatments similarly improved the percentage of soil water-stable macroaggregates and surface soil moisture, but the differences were not significant. The application of organic amendments combined with fertilizers improved the geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates, with SF treatment showing a significant increase compared with F treatment, but no significant differences were observed under B and M treatments. Compared with the F treatment, different organic amendment treatments significantly increased soil organic matter content by 16.1%-28.5% and available phosphorus content by 23.1%-195.4%. The DOC under SF treatment and the DON under M treatment showed the most significant increases. The MBC and MBP under EM treatment and the MBN under M treatment were the highest, significantly increasing by 36.9%, 216.4% and 63.3% than that under F treatment, respectively. Compared with the F treatment, the activities of β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and leucine aminopeptidase under SF, M and EM treatment increased by 13.3%-57.0%, 21.4%-22.0% and 24.3%-35.1%, respectively. While B treatment showed a significant increase in β-glucosidase activity, but not in N-acetyl-glucosidase and leucine aminopeptidase activity. The soil total enzyme activity index (TEI) ranked as EM>M>SF>B>F treatment, with the EM treatment significantly higher than SF, B and F treatment. The application of organic amendments enhanced soil aggregate structure, increased soil organic matter and nutrient content, and boosted soil enzyme activity, thereby improving soil IFI, with increases ranging from 0.6% to 36.9%, where EM, M and B treatments showed significant increases. Over the two-year trials period, the maize yield was increased significantly by 13.4%-18.5% with the application of organic and biological organic fertilizers compared with F treatment, and the maize yields under these treatments were significantly higher than that under SF treatment. 【Conclusion】 The application of organic amendments combined with chemical fertilizers improved the quality of soil fertility and increased the yield of maize, with M and EM treatment being the most effective.
