Abstract
PurposeThe manipulation of soil microbiota can involve changes in microbial diversity and microbial activities, and it is carried out for practical purposes. The microbial diversity can be modified by the inoculation of beneficial microorganisms into soil or by agricultural management practices. This study provides information on the influence of introducing beneficial soil microorganisms on soil indigenous microbiota. The aim of this study was to determine how biocontrol and plant growth promoting agents Trichoderma asperellum and Bacillus subtilis and their consortium affect indigenous soil microbiota without placing emphasis on the plant as a determinant of change.MethodsExperimental soil samples were treated with B. subtilis and T. asperellum and their consortium. The shift of number of bacterial and fungal CFUs in soil was determined. Biolog EcoPlate assay demonstrated the metabolic activity of microorganisms in soil. The concentration of Trichoderma genus, Firmicutes, Gammaproteobacteria and Acidobacteria DNA in soil samples was determined by molecular methods. A correlation analysis was performed between microbiological and molecular data.ResultsSoil treatment with T. asperellum, B. subtilis and the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea changed the number of CFUs and amplified DNA fragments of certain taxa. The study showed that added microorganisms did not significantly affect the metabolic diversity of the community and Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index but change the utilization of carbohydrates, complex carbon compounds and organic phosphorus compounds.ConclusionIntroduced biocontrol and plant growth promoting agents T. asperellum and B. subtilis survive in soil during a 60-day experiment and influence composition and functionality of indigenous populations. Whereas B. subtilis and T. asperellum and their consortium are inhibitors of the pathogenic fungus B. cinerea, this could further positively affect specific crops.
Highlights
Microbiological research is increasingly focusing on the uniqueness of a particular soil microbiota, where the interaction of different groups of microorganisms plays an important role
Soil treatment with T. asperellum, B. subtilis and the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea changed the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) and amplified DNA fragments of certain taxa
Introduced biocontrol and plant growth promoting agents T. asperellum and B. subtilis survive in soil during a 60-day experiment and influence composition and functionality of indigenous populations
Summary
Microbiological research is increasingly focusing on the uniqueness of a particular soil microbiota, where the interaction of different groups of microorganisms plays an important role. Non-consolidated material of minerals and organic matter that provides living organisms with resources for survival (Compant et al 2005). A soil habitat can be defined as a set of living organisms coexisting in it, including plants, animals and microorganisms and the abiotic environment around it. Soil constantly interacts with living organisms (biosphere) with rocks and minerals (geosphere), water (hydrosphere), atmosphere or organic matter (detritosphere). Soil research is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of geochemical, biochemical and biophysical interactions on the Earth’s surface, especially in the context of global climate change (Voroney 2007)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
