Soil traits regulating salinity-induced decrease in residue-N recovery differ from residue-C recovery

Soil salinization can limit crop productivity and pose a significant threat to sustainable agricultural development. The incorporation of crop residues can effectively alleviate the adverse effects of salt stress. Soil microorganisms are considered to be the most effective decomposers of crop residues incorporated into the soil, however it is currently unclear which microorganisms are primarily responsible for decomposition under different conditions. This study used pot experiments with three salinity gradients of soil (S0, S1, and S2) to track the recovery of C and N from maize residues during the jointing and harvest stages in subsequent winter wheat crops and in soils planted with winter wheat or without controls.