Genetic and Metabolic Diversity of Soil Microbiome in Response to Exogenous Organic Matter Amendments

Agata Gryta,Karolina Oszust,Magdalena Frąc

doi:10.3390/agronomy10040546

Abstract

Loss of organic matter content of cultivated soils is observed in many regions of Europe. The possibility of using organic waste as a soil additive that enriches the soil with organic matter and essential components is important in soil quality protection and waste management. This research concerned the influence of six organic wastes—two industrial composts, three digestates and meat bone meal—on soil microbial properties. The study of functional microbial diversity concerns the determination of the catabolic capacity of bacterial, fungal and anaerobic communities in relation to carbon substrates in metabolic profiling plates (Biolog® ECO, FF, AN (Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA, USA)). The assessment of genetic diversity was made on the basis of analysis of the restriction profile of ammonia-oxidizing archaea. Additionally, soil dehydrogenases activity was determined. The research showed that the type of organic waste used had an influence on the microbiological parameters. The application of exogenous organic matter caused increases in functional and genetic microbial diversity. The nature of the noted changes was short term and periodic. The values of the microbiological parameters in soils with organic waste were similar to those of the control samples. This indicates an improved microbiological balance and stability of the soil environment after the application of exogenous organic matter.

Highlights

One of the most important soil components, which is closely related to the activity of microorganisms, is soil organic matter (SOM)
The results presented show that even a complete replacement of mineral fertilization with the addition of appropriately calculated doses of Exogenous organic matter (EOM) did not cause a significant decrease in the activity of microorganisms
We analysed the impact of six sources of EOM on the soil microbiome in comparison with mineral strategies

Summary

Introduction

One of the most important soil components, which is closely related to the activity of microorganisms, is soil organic matter (SOM). The sources of organic matter in soil are mainly the dead parts of plants and animals, microorganisms and metabolites produced during their growth and decomposition, as well as humic compounds [1]. Microorganisms play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter and the global cycle of elements, and they are involved in the breakdown of complex organic compounds into compounds, which are simple and more absorbed by plants. Even a small loss of SOM may result in the deterioration of soil structure and decreases in soil quality. Maintaining resources of OM at an appropriate level is important due to the production function of soils, and due to the role of soil in the sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby contributing to a reduction in the greenhouse effect [2]

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