Nitrogen-based fertilizers differentially affect protist community composition in paddy field soils, finds study

The soil microbiome has far-reaching significance, particularly for rice production, which can be better explained with a Japanese proverb: "Rice grows with soil fertility, while upland crops depend on fertilization." Therefore, understanding the paddy field microbiome is crucial for sustainable soil fertility and rice production. This would also lead us to overcome the global food shortage problem as rice is the primary food source for nearly half of the world's population.