Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of integrated (INT), organic (ORG) and biodynamic (BD) management systems with similar C- and N-inputs on soil microbiology in a viticultural long-term field trial.Methods and results: Within the systems comparison, soil samples were taken 10 years after conversion, throughout the growing season. To gather information about microbial community structure, the activity of five soil enzymes was measured, and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and neutral lipids fatty acids (NLFA) profiles were analysed accompanied by comprehensive soil analysis. pH associated with BD was significantly higher compared to INT soil. Copper and N-min values in INT were significantly lower compared to the organic systems. BD and ORG were characterised by a higher b-D-glucosidase and urease activity and a higher abundance of fungi and bacteria. INT had larger quantities of mycorrhizae indicator NLFAs.Significance and impact: Results from this study contribute to a better understanding of the microbial community structure and nutrient cycling under organic and biodynamic viticulture.
Highlights
The loss of agricultural soil due to erosion and loss of soil fertility is one of the most drastic challenges for global agriculture in the 21st century (Brundtland et al, 1987; Forster et al, 2013)
To gather information about microbial community structure, the activity of five soil enzymes was measured, and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and neutral lipids fatty acids (NLFA) profiles were analysed accompanied by comprehensive soil analysis. pH associated with BD was significantly higher compared to INT soil
The sustainable management of soil in agriculture is strongly promoted by European policies (García-Ruiz et al, 2008) and aims at preserving and/or improving soil quality (Widmer et al, 2006) Microorganisms are involved in soil nutrient cycling and soil aggregate formation, as well as plant pathology and plant growth promotion (Widmer et al, 2006)
Summary
The loss of agricultural soil due to erosion and loss of soil fertility is one of the most drastic challenges for global agriculture in the 21st century (Brundtland et al, 1987; Forster et al, 2013). Weed and pest control strategies, tillage and fertiliser applications associated with agricultural management systems can affect composition, abundance and activity of the soil microbial community, e.g. Organic agriculture is a holistic approach that supports agro-ecosystem health, including soil biological activity. Organic management in Europe follows European Union Regulation (EEC) No 834/2007, which excludes synthetic pesticides and inorganic fertilisers and highlights the preservation of soil fertility and biodiversity. Organic vineyard management often includes the application of multi-species cover crops, organic fertilisers, green manure and mechanical weed control rather than herbicide use. The preservation of soil fertility by supporting the soil microorganisms has been at the core of organic and biodynamic agriculture movements since they began, and has been a focus of many studies comparing agricultural management systems
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