Earthworms With Low Dose n‐ MoS ₂ Improve Soybean Yield and Quality by Reconfiguring Rhizosphere Chemistry and Strengtheni

ABSTRACT

Nano‐enabled fertilizers can enhance biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and yield in legumes; yet, their interactions with earthworms remain poorly understood. Herein, we performed a 120‐day greenhouse experiment applying low‐dose n‐MoS ₂ at 10 mg kg ⁻¹ with earthworms to evaluate interactive effects on soybean yield and underlying mechanisms. Earthworms combined with n‐MoS ₂ treatment promoted Mo release and transport, with translocation and bioaccumulation increased by 44% and 26%, respectively. Furthermore, the rhizosphere soil shifted towards NO ₃ ⁻ dominance while pH remained stable and consistent with sustained nitrification. Belowground, root system architecture expanded by 33%–82% and nodulation upregulated by 51%–61% relative to control. Similarly, leaf photosynthetic capacity was maximized by 23%–32% and gas exchange efficiency by 23%–27% under the n‐MoS ₂ with earthworm treatment. Additionally, NR, NiR, GS, GOGAT, and urease increased 30%–46% in shoots and 23%–43% in roots. Moreover, shoot and root N contents increased by 56%–68%, while nitrogenase activity and BNF increased by 40%–51%, respectively. Consequently, pods, seeds, and grain yield per plant increased by 90, 64% and 41%, respectively. Accordingly, seed protein and soluble sugars improved by 44% and 98%, respectively. Collectively, our findings show that earthworms amplify the efficacy of n‐MoS ₂ , mobilizing Mo and strengthening BNF to deliver higher soybean yield and improved seed quality, supporting a practical, low‐input strategy for sustainable production.