The Impacts of Field Management on Soil and Tea Root Microbiomes

Guan-Ying Lin,Wei-Yi Lin,Bo-Jhen Chen,Chih-Yi Hu

doi:10.3390/applmicrobiol1020025

Guan-Ying Lin, Wei-Yi Lin + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol1020025

Copy DOI

Abstract

Due to the importance of microbes in soil health and crop production, manipulation of microbiomes provides a new strategy for improving crop growth and agricultural ecosystems. Current understanding is limited regarding the responses of soil and crop endophytic microbiomes to field management and microbiome programming. In this study, we investigated soil and tea root bacterial communities under conventional and organic cropping systems using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A significant difference in soil and root bacterial community structure was observed under different field managements, leading to 43% and 35% variance, respectively. We also identified field management-sensitive species both in soils and tea roots that have great potential as bioindicators for bacterial microbiome manipulation. Moreover, through functional profile predictions of microbiomes, xenobiotics degradation in soil bacterial communities is enriched in organic farms, suggesting that biodegradation capabilities are enhanced under organic cropping systems. Our results demonstrate the effects of field management on both soil and tea root bacterial microbiomes and provide new insights into the reprogramming of microbial structures.

Highlights

Conventional cropping systems, which rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and control agents, have been utilized for decades, leading to a doubling of crop production and increasing food demand among the global population [1]
Cover crop management increased soil organic carbon and enhanced bacterial diversity compared to conventional tillage
We investigated soil and root bacterial microbiomes and evaluated the effects of cropping systems on microbiomes with the use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Summary

Introduction

Conventional cropping systems, which rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and control agents, have been utilized for decades, leading to a doubling of crop production and increasing food demand among the global population [1]. This agricultural practice has many negative effects on ecological diversity, soil structure and human health [1,2,3]. Cover crop management increased soil organic carbon and enhanced bacterial diversity compared to conventional tillage.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion