Earthworms With Low Dose n‐ <scp> MoS <sub>2</sub> </scp> Improve Soybean Yield and Quality by Reconfiguring Rhizosphere Chemistry and Strengthening Nitrogen Fixation

ABSTRACT Nano‐enabled fertilizers can enhance biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and yield in legumes; yet, their interactions with earthworms remain poorly understood. Herein, we performed a 120‐day greenhouse experiment applying low‐dose n‐MoS 2 at 10 mg kg −1 with earthworms to evaluate interactive effects on soybean yield and underlying mechanisms. Earthworms combined with n‐MoS 2 treatment promoted Mo release and transport, with translocation and bioaccumulation increased by 44% and 26%, respectively. Furthermore, the rhizosphere soil shifted towards NO 3 − dominance while pH remained stable and consistent with sustained nitrification. Belowground, root system architecture expanded by 33%–82% and nodulation upregulated by 51%–61% relative to control. Similarly, leaf photosynthetic capacity was maximized by 23%–32% and gas exchange efficiency by 23%–27% under the n‐MoS 2 with earthworm treatment. Additionally, NR, NiR, GS, GOGAT, and urease increased 30%–46% in shoots and 23%–43% in roots. Moreover, shoot and root N contents increased by 56%–68%, while nitrogenase activity and BNF increased by 40%–51%, respectively. Consequently, pods, seeds, and grain yield per plant increased by 90, 64% and 41%, respectively. Accordingly, seed protein and soluble sugars improved by 44% and 98%, respectively. Collectively, our findings show that earthworms amplify the efficacy of n‐MoS 2 , mobilizing Mo and strengthening BNF to deliver higher soybean yield and improved seed quality, supporting a practical, low‐input strategy for sustainable production.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physiologia Plantarum
Published
2026-06-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.70988
Primary Topic
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Earthworms With Low Dose n‐ MoS 2 Improve Soybean Yield and Quality by Reconfiguring Rhizosphere Chemistry and Strengthening Nitrogen Fixation

Te Zhang, Imran Azeem, Noman Shakoor, Muhammad Nadeem et al.
Physiologia Plantarum
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
article

Earthworms With Low Dose n‐ MoS 2 Improve Soybean Yield and Quality by Reconfiguring Rhizosphere Chemistry and Strengthening Nitrogen Fixation

Te Zhang, Imran Azeem, Noman Shakoor, Muhammad Nadeem, Yukui Rui, Muhammad Adeel, Usama Zaheer
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nano‐enabled fertilizers can enhance biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and yield in legumes; yet, their interactions with earthworms remain poorly understood. Herein, we performed a 120‐day greenhouse experiment applying low‐dose n‐MoS 2 at 10 mg kg −1 with earthworms to evaluate interactive effects on soybean yield and underlying mechanisms. Earthworms combined with n‐MoS 2 treatment promoted Mo release and transport, with translocation and bioaccumulation increased by 44% and 26%, respectively. Furthermore, the rhizosphere soil shifted towards NO 3 − dominance while pH remained stable and consistent with sustained nitrification. Belowground, root system architecture expanded by 33%–82% and nodulation upregulated by 51%–61% relative to control. Similarly, leaf photosynthetic capacity was maximized by 23%–32% and gas exchange efficiency by 23%–27% under the n‐MoS 2 with earthworm treatment. Additionally, NR, NiR, GS, GOGAT, and urease increased 30%–46% in shoots and 23%–43% in roots. Moreover, shoot and root N contents increased by 56%–68%, while nitrogenase activity and BNF increased by 40%–51%, respectively. Consequently, pods, seeds, and grain yield per plant increased by 90, 64% and 41%, respectively. Accordingly, seed protein and soluble sugars improved by 44% and 98%, respectively. Collectively, our findings show that earthworms amplify the efficacy of n‐MoS 2 , mobilizing Mo and strengthening BNF to deliver higher soybean yield and improved seed quality, supporting a practical, low‐input strategy for sustainable production.

Physiologia PlantarumVol. 178(4)
Izmir Institute of Technology (TR), Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (CN), Shenzhen University (CN), Beijing Normal University (CN), Sanya University (CN), China Agricultural University (CN)
National Key Research and Development Program of China
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
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