Effects of Fertiliser Placement on Soil Osmotic Suction and Growth of Pseudostellaria heterophylla

Pseudostellaria heterophylla (P. heterophylla) is a widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine plant for human healthcare due to the enriched bioactive compounds in its tubers. Sustained market demand has led to large-scale artificial cultivation of P. heterophylla, where soil nutrient use efficiency is one of the essential factors affecting plant growth. However, how fertiliser placements influence plant growth by altering soil water potential in the root zone remains mechanistically unclear, particularly with respect to osmotic effects. This study aims to investigate the effects of two fertiliser placements, i.e., broadcast and banded treatments, on the growth of P. heterophylla. Fertiliser-induced soil osmotic suction will be monitored, and soil nutrient use efficiency will be analysed during plant growth. By analysing soil osmotic suction and plant characteristics, this work will elucidate how fertiliser placement affects plant growth by altering soil osmotic suction in the root zone. The outcomes of this study are expected to provide practical guidance on fertiliser placements for the artificial cultivation of medicinal plants and insights into soil–plant interactions governed by soil osmotic conditions.

 

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities (ITC-SKLCRCC26EG01) and the Research Grants Council of HKSAR (C5033-23G).