Saline-alkaline conditions limit crop productivity. This study investigated the effects of organic soil amendments (bio-fertilizer and rotten straw) on oat yield, soil properties, and rhizosphere bacterial communities in saline-alkaline soil. The combined bio-fertilizer and rotten straw amendment resulted in the highest oat yields, reduced soil pH, and increased soil salt content. Baiyan2 (tolerant cultivar) showed higher bacterial diversity and Proteobacteria abundance than Caoyou1 (sensitive cultivar). Rotten straw decreased bacterial diversity and Proteobacteria abundance but increased Firmicutes abundance, which correlated with soil nutrients. Using tolerant oat cultivars with combined rotten straw and bio-fertilizer is suggested as an effective remediation strategy for saline-alkaline soils.

Peina Lu, Luke D. Bainard, Bin Ma, Jinghui Liu