Abstract
Fertilization is a worldwide agricultural practice used in agronomy to increase crop yields. Fertilizer application influences overall soil characteristics, including soil microbial community composition and metabolic processes mediated by microbial enzymatic activity. Changes in the structure of microbial communities and their metabolic activity after long-term fertilization were studied in this research. We hypothesized that the different types of fertilization regimes affect nutrient levels in the soil which subsequently influence the metabolic processes and microbial diversity and community structure. Manure (MF; 330 kg N/ha), sewage sludge at two application doses (SF; 330 kg N/ha and SF3x; 990 kg N/ha) and chemical (NPK; N-P-K nutrients in concentrations of 330-90-300 kg/ha) fertilizers have been applied regularly to an experimental field since 1996. The microbial diversity increased in all soils amended with both organic (MF, SF, SF3x) and chemical (NPK) fertilizers. The shifts in microbial communities were observed, which were mainly caused by less abundant genera that were mostly associated with one or more fertilization treatment(s). Fertilization also influenced soil chemistry and the activity of β-xylosidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), acid phosphatase and FDA-hydrolases. Specifically, all fertilization treatments were associated with a higher activity of β xylosidase and lower NAG activity. Only the NPK treatment was associated with a higher activity of acid phosphatase.
Highlights
High crop yield has always been the main goal of agriculture, it has become the most important determinant of soil quality [1]
The objective of this study was to align the changes in the microbial community structure that depended on the application of manure, sewage sludge or NPK with enzymatic activity in these fertilized soils
The Vmax values (Table S1) of β-xylosidase, NAG, acid phosphatase and fluorescein diacetate (FDA)-hydrolases were significantly associated with fertilization treatments (ANOVA, padj -value ≤ 0.01), while the Vmax value significantly associated with fertilization treatments (ANOVA, padj-value ≤ 0.01), while the Vmax value of β-glucosidase was not
Summary
High crop yield has always been the main goal of agriculture, it has become the most important determinant of soil quality [1]. Taking into account increased concerns about environmental safety, the concept of soil quality encompasses more factors nowadays. Animal and human health, air and water sustainable quality have been included into the definition of high-quality soil [2]. Tillage and other typical agricultural practices manipulate soil properties, changes in soil quality need to be monitored [3]. Total organic carbon is the most frequently used indicator of soil quality; more sensitive and rapid indicators are needed to assess soil quality [4]. There is a long discussion about which particular biological parameters should
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
