Optimal fertilizer formulation for maximizing bamboo shoot production while improving soil fertility

Dendrocalamus latiflorus is an important bamboo species with comprehensive values encompassing economic and ecological aspects.Formula fertilization is critical for enhancing bamboo shoot productivity, quality, and soil sustainability.This study aimed to determine the best fertilizer combination for maximizing yield, improving shoot quality, and maintaining soil fertility in bamboo forests. Using an orthogonal L16(45) design, we tested different application rates of urea (N), calcium-magnesium phosphate (P), potassium sulfate (K), and water-soluble silica (Si). Yield, shoot quality, and soil fertility were assessed, and treatments were evaluated using the affiliation function method. Formula fertilization significantly (p < 0.01) influenced yield, quality, and soil fertility: the N2P2K2Si2 treatment produced the highest yield at 2163.90 kg/mu, 52.69% higher than the control; the N1P3K2Si0 treatment achieved the best bamboo shoots quality with an affiliation value of 0.566, representing a 15.51% improvement; the N3P2K1Si0 treatment led to the highest soil fertility index of 0.506, an increase of 13.96%.The N3P3K3Si0 treatment had the highest comprehensive score, making it the optimal formula for balancing yield, quality, and soil health. The results of the affiliation function analysis showed that the fertilization treatment of N3P3K3Si0 had the highest comprehensive score and the best effect on the yield, quality, and soil fertility of D. latiflorus, which was the best fertilization formula.Though findings are based on controlled experimental conditions; field validation across diverse environments is needed, and long-term trials under varying climatic and soil conditions should assess broader applicability.