The influence of ecological and conventional plant production systems on soil microbial quality under hops (Humulus lupulus).

Karolina Oszust,Nina Bilińska,Agata Gryta,Magdalena Frąc

doi:10.3390/ijms15069907

Abstract

The knowledge about microorganisms—activity and diversity under hop production is still limited. We assumed that, different systems of hop production (within the same soil and climatic conditions) significantly influence on the composition of soil microbial populations and its functional activity (metabolic potential). Therefore, we compared a set of soil microbial properties in the field experiment of two hop production systems (a) ecological based on the use of probiotic preparations and organic fertilization (b) conventional—with the use of chemical pesticides and mineral fertilizers. Soil analyses included following microbial properties: The total number microorganisms, a bunch of soil enzyme activities, the catabolic potential was also assessed following Biolog EcoPlates®. Moreover, the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) was characterized by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (T-RFLP) of PCR ammonia monooxygenase α-subunit (amoA) gene products. Conventional and ecological systems of hop production were able to affect soil microbial state in different seasonal manner. Favorable effect on soil microbial activity met under ecological, was more probably due to livestock-based manure and fermented plant extracts application. No negative influence on conventional hopyard soil was revealed. Both type of production fulfilled fertilizing demands. Under ecological production it was due to livestock-based manure fertilizers and fermented plant extracts application.

Highlights

Scientific research in the field of soil microbiology serves inter alia for environment protection and ecological farming, and constitutes an important and fast-growing branch of science in recent years
When non-rhizosphere soils taken under consideration, we observed the same tendency in both treatments, but at much lower average well colour development (AWCD) values in ecological non-rhizosphere soil (ENR)
As Mayer et al [6] suggested, under field conditions in ecological production it might be expected that the inoculated microorganisms establish an indigenous microbial community in the soil after repeated applications and a longer application period and/or stimulate the indigenous microorganisms and processes

Summary

Introduction

Scientific research in the field of soil microbiology serves inter alia for environment protection and ecological farming, and constitutes an important and fast-growing branch of science in recent years. It is expected that these solutions would be a valuable alternative choice for traditional farms as far as the quality and volume of production is concerned, together with its economic profitability. The interest in this subject follows worldwide agriculture development trends, specified by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) policy and European Committee objectives, including environment conservation and protection against degradation, increase in the matter sources and soil productivity improvement. According to European Union Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91

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Discussion

Conclusion