A Comparative Study on the Effect of Biogas Residue Soil Conditioner on Dryland Maize

To investigate the adaptability and efficacy of biogas residue soil conditioner in conjunction with other commercially available soil conditioners in arid conditions, a study was conducted using dryland maize as the experimental crop. Five treatments were implemented based on the “dry sowing and wet emergence” method for Xinjiang cotton: T1 with traditional fertilization, T2 with biogas residue soil conditioner, T3 with biogas residue soil conditioner and endophytic arbuscular mycorrhizal bacteria, T4 with commercial Fuli Bang soil conditioner, and T5 with commercial Tianji soil conditioner. Results indicated that the combined use of biogas residue particulate soil conditioner and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (T3) had the most positive effects. T3 treatment reduced soil bulk density, increased soil organic matter content, and enhanced rhizosphere microbial diversity. Compared to T1, T3 led to a decrease in soil bulk density by 8.89%, higher microbial diversity indices, and significant increases in plant height, stem diameter, and yield by 6.25%, 15.48%, and 37.43%, respectively. Moreover, T3 showed elevated antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and POD) and lower malondialdehyde content, indicating enhanced stress resilience and root activity. T3 showed ideal balance in yield, aboveground growth, and root stress resilience. It also improved soil organic matter levels and structure, highlighting the significant potential of combining biogas residue soil conditioner and endophytic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to alleviate spring drought stress.