New review unveils breakthroughs in soil nitrogen cycle research from microbial pathways to global sustainability
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Uncovering the soil nitrogen cycle from microbial pathways to global sustainability
view moreCredit: Xiaoyuan Yan, Jun Shan, Xiaomin Wang, Baozhan Wang, Shuang-Jiang Liu, Ping Zhang, Yan Zhang, Jinrui Ling, Ouping Deng, Chen Wang & Baojing Gu
A comprehensive review published in Nitrogen Cycling highlights significant advances in understanding the soil nitrogen cycle, emphasizing the critical role of microbial processes and innovative technologies in achieving global nitrogen sustainability.
The study, led by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Zhejiang University, synthesizes a decade of progress in quantifying nitrogen transformation processes, identifying novel microbial pathways, and developing sustainable management strategies.
“Nitrogen is essential for life, but its mismanagement has led to severe environmental issues,” said corresponding author Dr. Xiaoyuan Yan. “Our review bridges the gap between microbial mechanisms and global nitrogen governance, offering science-based solutions for sustainable nitrogen use.”
Key findings include:
Advanced Methodologies: New techniques such as 15N tracing models, robotic incubation systems (Robot and Roflow), and membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) now allow precise measurement of gross nitrogen transformation rates, denitrification, and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). These tools have revealed unexpected processes, including aerobic nitrogen gas production and the significant role of heterotrophic nitrification.
Novel Microbial Pathways: The discovery of complete ammonia-oxidizing (comammox) bacteria and direct ammonia oxidation to nitrogen gas (dirammox) has reshaped understanding of nitrification. These microbes operate efficiently under low-nitrogen conditions, offering potential pathways to reduce nitrogen losses and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions.
Integrated Modeling and Management: Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS) models, combined with remote sensing and artificial intelligence, enable high-resolution tracking of nitrogen flows across scales. Field practices like Integrated Soil-Crop System Management (ISSM) and policy instruments such as Nitrogen Credit Systems (NCS) have demonstrated increased nitrogen use efficiency and reduced environmental impacts.
Global Implications: The review calls for stronger international cooperation to integrate nitrogen management into global sustainability frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are now equipped to not only understand but also manage the nitrogen cycle with unprecedented precision,” said Dr. Yan. “The next step is to translate these insights into actionable strategies that balance agricultural productivity with environmental health.”
The study underscores the need to incorporate microbial processes into large-scale models and policies, enabling targeted interventions that reduce nitrogen pollution while enhancing food security.
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Journal Reference: Yan A, Shan J, Wang X, Wang B, Liu SJ, et al. 2025. Uncovering the soil nitrogen cycle from microbial pathways to global sustainability. Nitrogen Cycling 1: e002 https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/nc-0025-0005
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About Nitrogen Cycling:
Nitrogen Cycling is a multidisciplinary platform for communicating advances in fundamental and applied research on the nitrogen cycle. It is dedicated to serving as an innovative, efficient, and professional platform for researchers in the field of nitrogen cycling worldwide to deliver findings from this rapidly expanding field of science.
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Method of Research
Literature review
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Uncovering the soil nitrogen cycle from microbial pathways to global sustainability
Article Publication Date
16-Sep-2025
Biochar boosts black soil health and crop yields, study finds
Optimal application rate enhances microbial stability and organic matter in key agricultural regions
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Improving the stability of black soil microbial communities through long-term application of biochar to optimize the characteristics of DOM components
Credit: Yu Hu, Yan Li, Kangmeng Liu, Chuanqi Shi, Wei Wang, Zhenguo Yang, Kuifeng Xu, Shuo Li, Yuxian Wang, Liang Jin, Dan Wei & Lilong Yan
A long-term field study conducted in Northeast China’s fertile black soil region has demonstrated that biochar can significantly improve soil health, stabilize microbial communities, and increase crop yields—but only when applied at the right rate.
The research, published in Biochar, reveals that a one-time application of biochar at 31.5 metric tons per hectare (t ha⁻¹) led to higher soil organic matter stability, enhanced bacterial diversity, and a 7.11% increase in crop yield. In contrast, higher doses reduced microbial stability and negatively affected soil health.
Black soils are among the world’s most productive agricultural lands, but decades of intensive farming have led to severe degradation, including organic matter loss and soil acidification. Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, has shown promise in restoring soil quality, but its long-term effects on soil microbial communities and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were poorly understood.
Through a six-year experiment, researchers analyzed how different biochar application rates influenced DOM composition and soil bacteria. Using advanced fluorescence spectroscopy and DNA sequencing, they found that the medium application rate promoted the formation of stable humic substances and supported a more complex and resilient microbial network dominated by beneficial bacteria such as Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria.
“These microbes play key roles in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients for crops,” said Dr. Lilong Yan, one of the corresponding authors. “Biochar helps create a favorable environment for these organisms, leading to healthier soil and better yields.”
However, excessive biochar (47.25 t ha⁻¹) disrupted microbial balance and reduced diversity, underscoring the importance of calibrated application.
The study also used structural equation modeling to confirm that biochar indirectly boosts crop yields by altering DOM properties and enriching microbial communities.
“Our findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing biochar use in agriculture,” said Dr. Dan Wei, another senior author. “This is especially relevant for sustaining productivity in degraded soils under climate change.”
The research was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
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Journal Reference: Hu, Y., Li, Y., Liu, K. et al. Improving the stability of black soil microbial communities through long-term application of biochar to optimize the characteristics of DOM components. Biochar 7, 84 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-025-00473-z
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Media Contact:
Wushuang Li
liwushuang@vip.126.com
About Biochar
Biochar is the first journal dedicated exclusively to biochar research, spanning agronomy, environmental science, and materials science. It publishes original studies on biochar production, processing, and applications—such as bioenergy, environmental remediation, soil enhancement, climate mitigation, water treatment, and sustainability analysis. The journal serves as an innovative and professional platform for global researchers to share advances in this rapidly expanding field.
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Journal
Biochar
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Improving the stability of black soil microbial communities through long-term application of biochar to optimize the characteristics of DOM components
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