Abstract
Significant differences in the microbial community and diversity in soil have been observed due to organic farming, but little research has been performed for exploring microbial functionality and the co-occurrence of patterns among microbial taxa. In this work, we study soil 16S rDNA amplicons from two long-term organic farming systems (Org_C and Org_M) and a conventional system (Conv) to decipher the differences in microbial interaction and network organization and to predict functional genes (principally related to the N cycle). In general, the network organizations were different in all cropping systems due to agricultural management. Org_C showed the highest negative interactions and modularity and the most altered bacterial niches and interactions, which led to an increase in generalist species that stabilize the bacterial community and improve the response of the soil to adverse conditions. These changes altered the predicted functionality of the bacterial community; Org_C showed higher referred numbers of nitrogen fixation genes, a decrease in the N2O emission genes and could favor the uptake of environmental CO2. Thus, long-term compost amendment application has significant benefits for the farmer and the environment, since prolonged application can reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides and could create a more stable soil, which could resist the effects of climate change.
Highlights
IntroductionThe concept of sustainable agriculture has been gaining ground. Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system in which plant production practices have a site-specific application that has long-term benefits [1]
In recent decades, the concept of sustainable agriculture has been gaining ground
The objectives of this work were: (i) to explore the effect of farming system on network interactions among different phylogenetic groups by phylogenetic molecular ecological networks; (ii) to study the predicted functions of an organic farming system compared to a conventional system, principally the functional genes associated with nitrogen cycle; and (iii) evaluate the relationships among bacterial modules and physicochemical soil properties
Summary
The concept of sustainable agriculture has been gaining ground. Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system in which plant production practices have a site-specific application that has long-term benefits [1]. Sustainable agriculture satisfies human food and fiber needs, and enhances environmental and natural resource quality [2]. Crop rotation, intercropping and organic fertilizers are common sustainable practices across a diverse array of agroecosystems. These practices can break cycles of disease and pests, improve soil fertility, suppress weeds and improve food and nutritional security [3,4]. Organic farming is perceived to be more environmentally friendly than conventional farming while producing higher quality crops and similar yields [5,6]. Compost is one of the best alternatives for incorporating organic matter and nutrients into the soil; it is considered a cheap organic amendment that is agronomically advantageous and environmentally safe, and which stimulates soil microbial activity and crop growth [5,8]
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