Study on the Mechanism of Slow-Release Fertilizer and Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Senescence Characteristics of Quinoa Leaves

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors investigated how nitrogen and slow-release fertilizers affect the traits of leaf senescence and quinoa production, to explore the optimal slow-release fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer ratios suitable for quinoa production, and to provide theoretical references for the planting of quinoa fertilization methods and fertilizer amount. Comprehensive analysis showed that slow-release fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer improved the antioxidant enzyme activity of quinoa leaves, and delayed the purpose of leaf senescence, with a better effect on yield and income. The manuscript holds potential and can bring sound knowledge to the scientific community regarding the antioxidant potential of quinoa leaves. Before publication, a few suggestions are advised to the authors to improve the overall quality of the manuscript.

Comments for authors:

Abstract: Delete (1), (2) and rather write a comprehensive statement.

L39: the scientific name should be in italics.

L48-50: No references.

Introduction: Add more references for the text. Rather than general statements, write text in scientific language.   

L104: What is test quinoa?

L133: Briefly explain the method of estimation of CAT, SOD, POD, and MDA.

L157: Write Flowering Stage, Initial Grouting Stage, and Mature Stage as “flowering stage, initial grouting stage, and mature stage”.

L168-169: Concerning control, what percent increase was observed? Mention the increase or decrease w.r.t control for each parameter analyzed.

Figures: What do the statistical letters indicate? Write in the figure caption.

Table 2: What do the statistical letters indicate? Mention in the footnote.

Discussion: The references are very few to support the text. Add more.

Conclusion: It seems very short and without any conclusive text and recommendations, if any.

Moderate English editing is required.

Author Response

We have completed the response to the review report and have made corresponding amendments. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The introduction fails to address the problem statement and the significance of studying the mechanism behind slow-release fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer. Additionally, the mechanism itself is not discussed in either the introduction or the discussion section.

Methodology:

The exact amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium soil contained should be specified before conducting the experiment.

It is necessary to specify how the enzyme analyses were performed.

It is necessary to indicate the manufacturer and country of the used equipment and to name the equipment itself.

It is necessary to supplement by indicating the formulas of the performed derivative calculations.

The results cannot be compared, because the methodology of the analyzes is not described, and the evaluation depends on them.

The English language is clear but lacks scientific expressions; the word "the best" should be avoided when describing results.

Author Response

We have completed the response to the review report and have made corresponding amendments. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf