We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Comparative analysis of the effects of microplastics and nitrogen on maize and wheat: Growth, redox homeostasis, photosynthesis, and AsA-GSH cycle
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how microplastics and nitrogen fertilizer, alone and together, affect the growth of maize and wheat. They found that microplastics inhibited growth in both crops but had more severe effects on maize, while nitrogen application helped alleviate some of the damage. The study suggests that adding nitrogen fertilizer may partially offset the harmful effects of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant threat to the function of agro-ecosystems. At present, research on MPs has mainly focused on the effects of different concentrations or types of MPs on a crop, while ignoring other environmental factors. In agricultural production, the application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is an important means to maintain the high yield of crops. The effects of MPs and N on growth parameters, photosynthetic system, active oxygen metabolism, nutrient content, and ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle of maize and wheat were studied in order to explicit whether N addition could effectively alleviate the effects of MPs on maize and wheat. The results showed that MPs inhibited the plant height of both maize and wheat, and MPs effects on physiological traits of maize were more severe than those of wheat, reflecting in reactive oxygen metabolism and restriction of photosynthetic capacity. Under the condition of N supply, AsA-GSH cycle of two plants has different response strategies to MPs: Maize promoted enzyme activity and co-accumulation of AsA and GSH, while wheat tended to consume AsA and accumulate GSH. N application induced slight oxidative stress on maize, which was manifested as an increase in hydrogen peroxide and malonaldehyde contents, and activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. The antioxidant capacity of maize treated with the combination of MPs + N was better than that treated with N or MPs alone. N could effectively alleviate the adverse effects of MPs on wheat by improving the antioxidant capacity.
More Papers Like This
Nitrogen fertilization and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi do not mitigate the adverse effects of soil contamination with polypropylene microfibers on maize growth
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether adding nitrogen fertilizer or beneficial soil fungi could offset the negative effects of polypropylene microfibers on maize plants. They found that neither nitrogen supplementation nor mycorrhizal fungi helped the plants overcome the growth reductions caused by microplastic contamination. The study suggests that microplastics harm crops through mechanisms beyond simple nutrient limitation, and that conventional farming practices may not be sufficient to counteract microplastic damage to soil health.
Responses of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings growth and physiological traits triggered by polyvinyl chloride microplastics is dominated by soil available nitrogen
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that PVC microplastics in soil reduced maize seedling growth primarily by depleting available nitrogen, a nutrient essential for plant development. The microplastics altered soil bacteria, enzymes, and nutrient levels, with nitrogen availability explaining nearly 88% of the changes in plant growth. This suggests that microplastic pollution in agricultural soil could reduce crop yields by starving plants of essential nutrients.
Interactive impacts of heat stress and microplastics contamination on the growth and biochemical response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how heat stress combined with polyethylene microplastic contamination in soil affects wheat and maize growth. They found that the combination significantly reduced plant height, root length, leaf area, and chlorophyll content more than either stressor alone. The findings highlight that microplastic pollution in agricultural soils could worsen the damage already caused by rising temperatures to food crops.
Microplastics reduce the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) net photosynthetic rate through rhizospheric effects
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were shown to reduce the net photosynthesis and growth of wheat plants, with effects increasing at higher plastic concentrations. This demonstrates that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils poses a direct threat to crop productivity and food security.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings performance mainly affected by soil nitrate nitrogen under the stress of polyvinyl chloride microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated the effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on wheat seedling growth and soil properties. They found that microplastics significantly reduced shoot biomass and soil nitrate nitrogen levels, suggesting that disrupted nitrogen availability may be the primary mechanism affecting plant growth. The study indicates that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils could impair crop development by altering soil nutrient dynamics.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.