Effects of Straw Mulching on Microbial Quantity in Maize and Broccoli Soil in Dianchi Lake Basin

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in Dianchi basin to study the effects of straw mulching on the quantity of ammoniated bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi in maize and broccoli soil, using dilution plate counting method. The results showed that: (1) Compared with bare soil and uncovered soil, plastic mulching and straw mulching could increase the number of microorganisms in Maize soil. Straw mulching could significantly increase the number of fungi in maize soil, reaching 6.5×104 CFU·g−1 dry soil, which was 2.0, 1.4 and 2.7 times as much as that of plastic mulching, uncovered and bare soil respectively. The effects of straw mulching and plastic mulching on the number of other types of microorganisms in maize soils were not significantly different. (2) Compared with bare soil, straw mulching could increase the number of fungi in broccoli soil by 83%, and plastic mulching could increase the number of actinomycetes and fungi. Straw mulching could increase the number of microorganisms in soils, which is of great significance to clarify the microbial mechanism of straw mulching to reduce non-point source pollution.