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Soil selenium activator mediates selenium form transformation and affects soil properties and microbial communities
Xiangmei Zhao1, Zhizong Liu2, Yonglin Wu1
1College of Resources and Environment, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|May 1, 2026
Summary
This study developed an organic-inorganic activator using wood vinegar, fulvic acid, alginic acid, and phosphorus tailings to boost soil selenium and phosphorus. This sustainable approach enhances crop nutrient bioavailability and utilizes industrial waste.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Global crop selenium deficiency is a significant nutritional challenge.
- Existing strategies for selenium enrichment often involve external inputs, posing environmental risks.
- Novel methods are needed to enhance native soil selenium bioavailability sustainably.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel organic-inorganic composite activator to enhance soil selenium bioavailability.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of the activator on soil properties and microbial communities.
- To explore the resource utilization of phosphorus tailings in soil amendment.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a composite activator using wood vinegar, biochemical fulvic acid, alginic acid, and phosphorus tailings.
- Application of orthogonal experimental design for optimization.
- Utilized high-throughput sequencing, correlation analysis, co-occurrence network modeling, and functional prediction to analyze soil and microbial changes.
Main Results:
- The optimized Z8 formulation significantly increased bioavailable selenium by 56% compared to the control.
- Soil available phosphorus increased by 21.2% after 60 days with the co-application of phosphorus tailings and organic acids.
- The composite activator demonstrated synergistic regulation of selenium speciation, soil properties, and microbial community structure.
Conclusions:
- A sustainable strategy using organic acid-activated phosphorus tailings improves soil selenium and phosphorus fertility.
- This approach offers a novel pathway for the resource utilization of industrial waste.
- The study provides a promising method for addressing crop selenium deficiency and enhancing soil fertility.
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