Awards: Second Prize of 2015 State Scientific and Technological Progress Award

Lead researchers: Xu Minggang, Zhang Wenju, Wei Dan, Huang Shaomin, Zhu Ping

Yang Xueyun, Nie Jun, Shi Xiaojun, Xin Jingshu, and Huang Qinghai

The research team conducted network research to explore the limiting factors in and unclear technical approaches to promotion of organic matter in soil in different areas in China in the presence of intensive and high strength cultivation and excessive use of chemical fertilizers.

The network research was based on 42 long-term trials and 362 long-term monitoring stations of local typical farmers from five major grain-producing areas in China (northeast, northern, northwest, south upland and the paddy fields of the Yangtze River basin).

This research reveals the factors of soil organic matter evolution in nearly 30 years in different areas of cropland in China, and constructs a key technology for promoting organic matter growth in soil.

Meanwhile, the relevant comprehensive technology in different regions was also integrated and innovated, and 13 key technical patterns of organic matter promotion with regional uniqueness were put forward to enhance organic matter in soil. They include increasing the application of organic manure and straw as well as reducing limiting factors. 

This research provides a technical template to enhance soil organic matter in Chinese croplands. In addition, it promotes the efficient use of straw and other waste resources and improves the quality of cultivated land, producing significant ecological and environmental benefits.

The project has obtained 33 intellectual property rights, including nine invention patents, four industrial standards, and 11 software copyrights. Researchers have published 371 papers, including 76 SCI journal papers, and nine books, which provide a scientific basis and technical support for a number of national plans.