Xiashan Conference is an academic event in modern agriculture and technological innovation initiated and founded by Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences / Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agricultural Sciences in Weifang (PKU-IAAS/SLAAS), with support from the Shandong Provincial Department of Science and Technology. The conference theme, invited experts, and academic agenda are determined by a group of co-chairs, with PKU-IAAS/SLAAS serving as the secretariat to assist in organizing the conference. The co-chairs for the 2024 Xiashan Conference are Professor Hong Liao from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Professor Jianfeng Ma from Okayama University in Japan, and Academician Yongguan Zhu from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The conference's theme is "Plant Nutrition and Efficient Nutrient Utilization: Promoting High-Quality Agricultural Development."

 

This conference, held from May 24th to 26th, took place by the picturesque Xiashan Lake at the Xiashan Campus of PKU-IAAS. A gathering of 105 researchers from 15 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as efficient genetic improvement of crop nutrient utilization, the microbial community and function in the soil-plant system, plant nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Co-chairs Professor Hong Liao and Professor Jianfeng Ma actively participated and coordinated the conference.

 

On the morning of May 25th, Professor Liao presided over the opening ceremony, while Professor Ma and Academician Xing Wang Deng, the Director of PKU-IAAS/SLAAS, delivered speeches at the ceremony.

The conference invited 15 experts from universities and research institutions to deliver presentations on plant nutrition and efficient nutrient utilization. The presentations included: "Plant Nutrition Facilitating Green and High-Quality Agricultural Development" (Professor Hong Liao, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), "Phosphorus Nutrient Management in Chinese Agriculture" (Professor Xinping Chen, Southwest University), "Genetic Basis and Application of Crop Nitrogen Efficiency" (Professor Bin Hu, South China Agricultural University), "Molecular Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNA in Maize Adaptation to Phosphorus Stress" (Research Professor Wenxue Li, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences), "How Crops Adapt to Soil Environments: Issues and Challenges" (Professor Guohua Xu, Nanjing Agricultural University), "Mechanisms and Applications of Plant-Microbe Symbiosis" (Research Professor Ertao Wang, Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences), "Plant Cell Aluminum Ion Receptors and Signaling Pathways" (Professor Shaojian Zheng, Zhejiang University), "Plant Nutrition for Sustainable Agriculture: A Lesson from History" (Professor Jianfeng Ma, Okayama University, Japan), "Regulatory Mechanisms of Efficient Nitrogen and Potassium Distribution and Utilization in Plants" (Professor Yi Wang, China Agricultural University), "Phosphorus Turnover and Utilization" (Research Professor Keko Yi, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences), "Microbial Siderophore-Mediated Strategy III: A Non-Ignorable Plant Iron Uptake Pathway" (Professor Zhong Wei, Nanjing Agricultural University), "Molecular Mechanisms and Genetic Improvement of Efficient Root Architecture in Rice" (Professor Chuanzao Mao, Zhejiang University), "Genetic Engineering and Pollution Reduction in Rice Cultivation" (Professor Fangjie Zhao, Nanjing Agricultural University), "Research on the Ideal Root Architecture for High-Yield and Efficient Maize" (Professor Lixing Yan, China Agricultural University), and "Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Plant Leaves" (Research Professor Limei Zhang, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences).

 

The invited experts are all at the forefront of scientific research, including new tenure-track professors, nationally recruited experts, recipients of the National Outstanding Youth Fund, and leaders of the "Ten Thousand Talents Program" and other national-level talents. Their presentations covered various important areas of plant nutrition and efficient nutrient utilization, ranging from fundamental research focusing on major theoretical questions to applied achievements addressing practical agricultural production issues. The conference can be described as a rare "academic feast."

 

 

Professors Fangjie Zhao and Guohua Xu from Nanjing Agricultural University, Professor Jianfeng Ma from Okayama University in Japan, and Professor Yi Wang from China Agricultural University served as the moderators of the conference. Their witty, humorous, and wise hosting styles infused the academic conference with laughter and joy, which would otherwise have been tense and serious.

 

The "Xiashan Conference" aims to create a high-level scientific forum with broad international influence, drawing inspiration from the Gordon Research Conferences and the "Xiangshan Science Conferences." The conference requires all invited guests and delegates to attend the entire event. It emphasizes the gathering of key issues in relevant research fields, where formal presentations are to be completed within 20-25 minutes, allowing ample time for interactive discussions. Scholars attending the conference eagerly engage in lively and enthusiastic exchanges, with everyone being eager to ask questions and actively participate in the discussions.

 

 

In accordance with the founding principles of the Xiashan Conference, the emphasis is placed on exploring scientific frontiers, envisioning future trends, discussing groundbreaking advancements, and exchanging the latest academic ideas and methodologies, in order to uncover new growth points in disciplines. Professor Jianfeng Ma from Okayama University in Japan led the special discussion on "Plant Nutrition and Efficient Nutrient Utilization for the Promotion of High-Quality Agricultural Development." In a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, participants continuously sparked sparks of wisdom.

 

The thematic discussion primarily covered the following aspects:

 

1. Finding research topics and determining research directions through production practices. Future research on molecular mechanisms and scientific issues, such as the nitrogen fixation of Poaceae, should be practical and production-oriented, focusing on critical stages of plant production.

2. In order to meet the increasing demands of people's livelihoods, research on plant nutrition should consider both crop yield and quality. The impact of plant nutrition on crop flavor, nutritional quality, and human health, including excessive fertilization and heavy metal pollution, should be regarded as important issues for research.

3. It is recommended to address the shortage of feed grain in China by improving saline-alkali land and cultivating grass feeds.

4. Considering the imbalance between ecological diversity and agricultural production development, future research needs to simultaneously consider the issues of both nutrient deficiency and nutrient surplus.

5. Integrate nutrient management, plant nutrition, and efficient nutrient utilization with molecular biology, such as exploring the role of nutrient ion perception and signal transduction in these processes.

6. The research on plant nutrition issues should shift the focus from underground to a balanced consideration of aboveground and underground factors.

7. In addition to the three key elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, research on plant nutrition should also pay attention to the impact of trace elements on crop yield, quality, and adaptability.

8. Considering the environmental pollution caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers, future efforts should focus on studying the impact of plant nutrition on the environment.

9. In terms of water and fertilizer management, organic and inorganic approaches should be combined. Soil improvement and organic fertilizer application should be coordinated with the construction of high-standard farmland and fields with high yields.

10. Utilize the genetic loci and nutrient genes associated with plant nutrient, combined with molecular breeding technologies, to develop new varieties with efficient nutrient utilization.

11. The influence of big data and artificial intelligence on the future of plant nutrition and efficient nutrient utilization will continue to increase. Intelligent decision-making and supportive intelligent equipment will be crucial for future research on plant nutrition and efficient nutrient utilization.

 

 

 

During the closing ceremony, Professor Hong Liao from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, on behalf of the organizing committee, delivered a concluding speech. She expressed gratitude to the experts and conference organizers for providing a platform for learning and exchange in the field of plant nutrition. Professor Liao acknowledged the importance of in-depth discussions during this conference and encouraged scholars in attendance to express their thoughts freely. She proposed that this conference should serve as a starting point, suggesting the annual organization of similar specialized seminars in the field of plant nutrition.

 

 

 

Lastly, Professor Xingping Zhang, Deputy Director of PUK-IAAS, delivered a speech on behalf of the conference organizers. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the presence of all the experts, stating that this conference, focusing on "Plant Nutrition and Efficient Nutrient Utilization," marks a promising beginning for continuous strengthening of collaboration and communication among scholars in the field of plant nutrition. Additionally, he encouraged continued attention and support for the "Xiashan Conference," and called upon everyone to contribute their ideas and suggestions to make the conference even better. Professor Zhang urged collective efforts towards contributing greater strength to the high-quality development of modern agricultural science.