Foliar fertilization-induced rhizosphere microbial mechanisms for soil health enhancement (PRJCA050810)
The strategic application of foliar fertilizers is recognized for its direct benefits to plant health and crop yield. However, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding its indirect effects on the soil ecosystem of the very foundation of agricultural productivity. This project addresses the critical question of how above-ground foliar fertilization influences below-ground soil health. We hypothesize that foliar fertilization initiates a cascade of effects that alter the soil's physicochemical environment, thereby reshaping the structure and function of the resident microbial community, which in turn enhances nutrient cycling and overall soil health.