Exogenous Application of Sorbitol-Chelated Calcium Enhances Salt Tolerance in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is grown extensively worldwide, including in areas with saline soils. In this study, sorbitol-chelated calcium was applied to rapeseed plants to investigate its effects on the tolerance of plants and soil quality under salt stress. We conducted a pot experiment to explore the effects of sorbitol-chelated calcium on the physiological parameters, plant nutritional status, soil quality, and rhizosphere bacterial community of rapeseed. Sorbitol-chelated calcium application increased the biomass and soluble sugar content, and decreased the malondialdehyde, proline, and soluble protein contents of rapeseed plants under salt stress. Sorbitol-chelated calcium application increased the calcium concentrations and reduced the sodium concentrations of plants and soil. Additionally, sorbitol-chelated calcium altered the soil enzyme activity and the rhizosphere microbial community composition. The exogenous application of sorbitol-chelated calcium shows promise in improving plant growth and soil properties while alleviating salt stress.