Soil Microbiological Activity Research Articles

Integral indicators of the ecological and biological state of soils in Jizzakh steppe, Uzbekistan

In the study of soil fertility, biological factors, especially the microbiological activity of soils, have recently attracted increasing attention. Agronomically important groups of microorganisms that participate in the nitrogen and carbon cycle play an important role in soil fertility. By the number of these organisms, it is possible to indicate the state of the soil and characterize the direction of the processes occurring in it. In this regard, it seemed to us necessary to carry out a quantitative account of the main physiological groups of microorganisms involved in the transformations of nitrogen- and carbon-containing substances. The studied area is included in the semi-desert serozem zone with its characteristic geomorphology, climate and vegetation cover. Agrochemical, agrophysical, physical and chemical properties and the sum of integral indicators of the ecological and biological state of soils, it makes it possible to determine the level of impact of their ecological and genetic properties, as well as natural and environmental factors on soil fertility and land degradation.

Primjena pepela iz biomase na travnjacima

Sve veće oslanjanje na proizvodnju energije iz biomase rezultira povećanjem proizvodnje pepela, kao ostataka nakon izgaranja biomase. Primjena pepela u poljoprivredi postaje sve aktualnija kao alternativa odlaganju na odlagališta. Vrijednost pepela kao materijala za kalcizaciju, gnojiva ili poboljšivača tla, kao i mogućnost i količina primjene pepela u proizvodnji na oranicama ili travnjacima, ovise o sadržaju makro- i mikrohraniva, potencijalnoj neutralizacijskoj vrijednosti pepela te sadržaju teških metala (TM) i ostalih potencijalno onečišćujućih tvari. Pepeo iz biomase sadrži značajne količine hraniva (Ca, K, Mg, P, Fe), može se primijeniti kao materijal za kalcizaciju koji utječe na fizikalna i kemijska svojstva tla, mikrobiološku aktivnost tla i razgradnju organske tvari (OT) tla, te u konačnici povećava produktivnost poljoprivrednih kultura. Primjena pepela na travnjacima i proizvodnji voluminozne krme u količini 6-22 t ha-1 rezultira povećanjem produktivnosti krmnih vrsta, povećanjem udjela mahunarki i sijanih trava u tratini i povećanjem hranjive vrijednosti krme.

Diversified production systems in sandy soils of the Brazilian Cerrado: nutrient dynamics and soybean productivity

Increased functional diversity, given by the Integrated Crop-Livestock System (ICLS), is an alternative of quantitative and qualitative technical evolution for soybean (Glycine max) cropping in sandy soils. The objective of the present research was to investigate production systems with different levels of functional diversity in sandy soils of the Brazilian Cerrado regarding their (a) soil microbiological activity, (b) macronutrient accumulation and release, and (c) soybean yield. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications and the treatments corresponded to different levels of functional diversity: very low (Fallow), low (Ruziziensis), medium (Ruziziensis, niger, radish and rattlepod), and high (Ruziziensis, niger, radish and rattlepod with animal entrance). The plants were desiccated and the phytomass contained within a frame was collected at ground level. The evaluation of phytomass decomposition and nutrient release was performed at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after desiccation (DAD) of the plants. Functional diversity levels increase the carbon content of the microbial biomass in the sandy soil, with an emphasis on systems with high plant diversity and the presence of animals. High functional diversity with the presence of the animal results in higher rates of phytomass decomposition and nutrient release with a shorter half-life (t 1/2=85 DAD), mainly with respect to potassium. This functional diversity increases soybean yield by up to 25% in the high diversity system compared to a system with very low diversity. The high functional diversity in ICLS enriches soil microbiological quality and increases soybean productivity in the sandy soil in the short term.

Гумусовое состояние и микробиологическая активность почв избыточного увлажнения

The microbiological activity of soils is one of the factors of soil formation, because it processes a much larger amount of mineral and organic components compared to plants. The paper shows the change in the composition of microflora in different types of soils with their excessive moisture. Under these conditions, the content of fungal microflora, the content of microorganisms developing on the medium of MPA, CAA increased. Keywords: SOIL, ANAEROBIOSIS, EXCESSIVE MOISTURE, MICROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY, HUMUS STATE

Application of Callopian clay to improve the productivity of zinc-contaminated soils in lawn ecosystems

Pollution of lawn soils with heavy metals leads to the suppression of life and activity of living organisms inhabiting these ecosystems. The use of various means of soil detoxification will make it possible to neutralize the effect of technogenic pressure on the functional properties of urban ecosystems. The article presents data on the sorption-fertilizing properties of Callovian clay when used in zinc-contaminated soils of lawn ecosystems. The study used a small-plot field experiment, which simulated artificial contamination of agro-gray soil with zinc. The article discusses 2 methods of tillage and 4 doses of fertilizer-sorbent. It was found that the use of Callovian clay led to an increase in the production of raw and dry phytomass of lawn grasses by 3.7 - 33.2%, microbiological activity of soils by 0.9 - 132.5 times, as well as a decrease in zinc toxicity by 10 - 25%. The sorption-fertilizing effect and the optimal doses of the applied Callovian clay were determined by the time when the Callovian clay was introduced into the soil (autumn or spring).

Effects of Agroecological Practices on Soil Microbiological Activity in Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

Effects of Agroecological Practices on Soil Microbiological Activity in Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

Can soil type interfere in sorption-desorption, mobility, leaching, degradation, and microbial activity of the 14C-tebuthiuron herbicide?

Understanding the behavior in soil of herbicides applied PRE-emergence, such as tebuthiuron, is essential for more accurate weed management and less environmental impact. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the physicochemical attributes of soils in 14C-tebuthiuron behavior. All studies were carried out by radiometric technique. The Kf and Kd values of 14C-tebuthiuron sorption were 30% and 35% higher in clay soil (1.15 mg(1–1/n) L1/n Kg−1 and 1.32 L Kg−1) compared to loamy sand soil (0.80 mg(1-1/n) L1/n Kg−1 and 0.85 L Kg−1, respectively). The desorbed amount was ∼19% higher in loamy sand soil compared to loamy sand soil, and this process was influenced by OC and clay content. The 14C-tebuthiuron leaching in clay soil was up to 10 cm depth, while in loamy sand soil was higher, up to 25 cm, and this difference can be explained by high mobility and low sorption of herbicide in loamy sand soil. 14C-tebuthiuron had a long persistence in both soils (DT90 of ∼385 and 334 d in loamy sand and clay soil, respectively). Although, the microbiological activity in soils differed little in the presence and absence of herbicide. Soil type interfered in 14C-tebuthiuron behavior, and then the application recommendation of this herbicide as a function of the physicochemical attributes of the soil is an alternative to increase efficiency in weed control and reduce the risk of environmental contamination.

Microbiological assessment of sod-medium podzolic soil using various elements of biologisation

To assess the ability of soils to self-repair and self-rehabilitation, it is important to monitor the indicators of soil microbiological activity. In conditions of manure deficiency, the restoration of organic matter of soils is provided by using non-commercial share of the crop and growing green manure crops, which is especially important for zonal soils of Ukrainian Polissia. The purpose of the study was to estimate the number of various physiological groups of microorganisms in sod-medium podzolic soil under the influence of various fertiliser systems. Field, laboratory, and statistical methods were used in the study. Field method: an experiment was conducted in a field of the Chernihiv Institute of Agricultural Microbiology and Agroindustrial Production of the NAAS with an area of sown plots of 102 m2 on sod-medium podzolic light loamy soil with a humus content of 0.9-1.1% in 0-30 cm layer. The number of different groups of microorganisms that transform carbon and nitrogen compounds was determined in soil samples. Statistical methods – system analysis, mathematical and statistical analysis. Sowing of green manure such as lupine and oilseed radish had a positive effect on the number of ammonifiers (4.3-13.2 million CFU), which is 44-180% more than in the control. The mineral fertiliser system for potatoes also increased the number of ammonifiers by 15-50% compared to the option without fertilisers. The mineralisation-immobilisation coefficient was calculated as the ratio of the number of microorganisms that immobilise mineral forms of nitrogen to the number of organotrophs, and the pedotrophicity coefficient by the ratio of the number of microorganisms on soil agar to the number of microorganisms that grew on meat-peptone agar. It was established that the cultivation of green manure on sod-podzolic soil has a positive effect on the development of physiological groups of microorganisms and the microbiological processes tend to accumulate humus. The materials of the study are of practical value for agricultural producers who are engaged in growing potatoes on sod-podzolic soils in the possibility of replacing manure and mineral fertilisers in the fertiliser system of agricultural crops with green manure (lupine, oilseed radish)

Microbiological Activity of Soil Under the Influence of Post–Harvest Siderates

Microbiological Activity of Soil Under the Influence of Post–Harvest Siderates

Manure Maturation with Biochar: Effects on Plant Biomass, Manure Quality and Soil Microbiological Characteristics

Application of biochar and composts prepared from organic wastes as soil amendments has been recognized as a beneficial strategy to enhance soil fertility and crop production. However, the modification of manures with applied organic amendments such as biochar has not been well explained. Therefore, the preliminary study was designed to evaluate the impact of two doses of biochar (low 0.4 kg + 10 kg of manure and high 4 kg + 10 kg of manure) on the modification of resulting co-composted manure properties, and subsequently to evaluate the effect of matured manure amendment on the soil chemical and biological properties and plant yield in the pot experiment with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The following variants were tested: control, manure (M), manure + low biochar dose (M + LB), manure + high biochar dose (M + HB). Results revealed that, the M + HB significantly improved the co-composted manure properties as compared to control and M + LB, respectively. The most pronounced effects of M + HB treatment were observed on pH, NH4-N and humic acid to fulvic acid ratio (used as an index for manure maturity) relative to other treatments. Similarly, significant variations were observed between AOB (ammonium oxidizing bacteria) and nirs genes under M + HB which lowered the AOB and increased the nirs abundance as compared to other treatments. Moreover, when applied to soil, M + HB increased the observed soil chemical parameters with the exception of TN contents as compared to M and M + LB treatments. Similarly, plant biomass was significantly enhanced under the applied M + HB treatment. However, statistically insignificant differences were observed regarding soil enzyme activities and soil respiration values under the applied amendments. Thus, it was concluded that the co-composted manure with high biochar dose can have the potential to enhance the manure properties, soil fertilization value and plant biomass. However, its effects on soil microbiological and enzyme activities were intended be explored under long-term field experiments.

Combined Effect of Microplastics and Cd Alters the Enzymatic Activity of Soil and the Productivity of Strawberry Plants

The synergistic effect between heavy metals and microplastics can affect soil properties as well as plant performance and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of microplastics and cadmium on a soil–plant system. Specifically, we proposed to explore changes in soil microbiological activity, the growth and yield parameters of strawberry plants, and to evaluate the accumulation of these pollutants in the soil and root system. Plants were planted in clay pots under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design, with four treatments (Control; MPs; Cd; and Cd + MPs) and five replicates. The results showed that MPs and/or Cd affected plant growth, plant biomass, the number of fruits, root characteristics, dehydrogenase activity, acid phosphatase, and microbial biomass, and increased the accumulation of Cd in the roots and soil. The increased bioavailability of Cd, due to the presence of microplastics, could explain the observed negative effects on soil properties and the performance of strawberry plants.

Effect of PhytoHelp and MycoHelp biopreparations on the soil microbiotes for soybean growing (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Ukraine ranks the second (out of 123 countries) in the exports of organic products to the EU according to the study of the organic market in 2019 conducted by the Information Center Green Dossier (OrganicInfo.ua), Organic Standard and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL). The official statistical reviews of IFOAM confirm that in 2018 there were about 510 organic farms in Ukraine, and the total area of the agricultural land on which the organic production is carried out was 429,100 hectares. Among the producers of organic products, more than 4.6% are involved in growing of the legumes. It should be noted that one of the main crops of the Fabaceae family grown in Ukraine is soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). In recent years, there has been a significant increase in sown areas and soybean production, and the issue of its organic production is relevant. The aim of our research was to determine the effect of biological products based on bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Azotobacter, Enterobacter and Enterococcus, on the main physiological groups of soil microorganisms in the cultivation of soybean plants. The research was conducted at the Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine in the Department of Agrobioresources and Ecologically Safe Technologies in the laboratory and vegetative conditions. The soybean seeds of the Suzir’ya cultivar (selected by the National Research Center of the Institute of Agriculture of the NAAS) and Kent cultivar (selected by SAATBAULINZ, Austria) were treated with biological products produced by BTU Center: Phytocide (Bacillus subtilis, cell titer 1–4·109 CFU) cm3), PhytoHelp (B. subtilis — cell titer not less than 4·109 CFU) cm3), MycoHelp (B. subtilis, Azotobacter, Enterobacter and Enterococcus) according to the recommended doses. The methods prescribed in State Standard 7847:2015 was used to determine of the soil microorganisms and their associations. Statistical data processing was performed using the Microsoft Excel software package. The peculiarities of the influence of biological products based on bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Azotobacter, Enterobacter and Enterococcus on the main physiological groups of soil microorganisms in the cultivation of soybean plants it has been demonstrate. It has been established that in the soybean and Kent soybean agrocenosis, MycoHelp and PhytoHelp biological products effect on the main ecological and trophic groups of soil microbiome, thereby increasing soil microbiological activity; significantly intensify the development of microorganisms that use mainly organic nitrogen compounds (in the system Kent variety — biological product MycoHelp this figure increased in 3.3 times, and at the variety Constellation — biological product PhytoHelp — in 5.3 — 18.8 times compared to the reference and control options, respectively). Root exometabolites of soybean varieties determine the nature and intensity of the impact of microorganisms on plants and lead to changes in the structure of microbial groups of the rhizosphere. In the system soybean variety Kent — biological product PhytoHelp the number of oligonitrophilic bacteria is significantly reduced (by 48.7%), and in the system — soybean variety Constellation — biological products both PhytoHelp and MycoHelp — remains unchanged. By optimizing the functioning of the system, after treatment of seeds with biological products, in the soil, in the system of soybean plants of the Kent variety, the number of inactive spore forms is reduced by 2.9–5.0 times, compared to the control; the processes of organic matter destruction are weakened and its synthesis is intensified in accordance with the values of the coefficients of oligotrophic, mineralization and immobilization of nitrogen and pedotrophic. It is proved that the use of biological products MycoHelp and PhytoHelp increases the efficiency of the plant system soybean — biological products.

Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks and Microbiological Activity Under Forest-Pasture System and Traditional Pasture in Pernambuco

An adequate amount of soil organic matter is considered essential for long-term sustainable agriculture, ensuring good productivity. Therefore, the present study quantified carbon and nitrogen stocks and microbiological activity in soil of three different areas: Forest-pasture System, Pasture System and preserved Caatinga - used as a reference of the experiment - located in a semi-arid region, in Watershed of Pajeú River, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Eight trenches were opened in each system to collect soil samples at depths of 0 - 10, 20 - 30 and 50 - 60 cm, for chemical and microbiological analysis. In general, attributes of soil showed better results of land use in the following order: preserved Caatinga - Forest-pasture System - Pasture System.

The effect of different doses of pig manure on soil microbiological activity and spring wheat yield

The effect of the application of different norms of liquid pig manure on microflora composition and microbiological activity of leached chernozem, as well as on its sanitary and microbiological indicators, has been studied. It was found that at the maximum application rate, the number of bacteria increased to a greater extent than that of actinomycetes and fungi. At the same time, the genera Pseudomonas, Cellvibrio, and Bacillus predominate among the bacteria. Micromycetes of the genus Mukor and Aspergillus predominate among fungi. The nitrate content remained within acceptable limits, the mineralization coefficient for this variant is quite high. According to sanitary and microbiological indicators, when pig manure is applied in the maximum norm, the samples fall into the group of heavily polluted soil. According to the index of the coli-titer for enterobacteria, all the studied soil samples fall into the group of slightly polluted, the sanitary and epidemiological situation has not worsened. The application of the maximum manure rate had a positive effect on wheat yield.

The role of bacterial fertilizers in the formation of legume crops

The article presents the results of studies of the effect of bacterial fertilizers on the yield formation of grain legumes (soybean and lentil). The effect of root fertilization with Azotovite and Phosphatovite, fertilizers containing live cells and bacterial spores, on the structure of yield and yield capacity of legumes, the quality indicators of soybean and lentil grains were studied. The results obtained indicate that fertilizing with bacterial fertilizer Phosphatovite accelerates the maturation of legumes and increases the safety of plants for harvesting. Fertilizing plants with Azotovite and Phosphatovite contributed to an increase in soil microbiological activity. Bacterial fertilizers make it possible to obtain more seeds from soybean and lentil plants, while the content of crude protein, fat, and nitrogen in the grain increases. On average, over the years of research, fertilizing with bacterial fertilizers significantly increases the yield of legumes. It is noted that the efficiency of Azotovite is lower in conditions of insufficient precipitation during its use. In the conditions of the Chuvash Republic in legumes, fertilizing with Phosphatovite increases the productivity of plants.

Сукцессии микробиотических сообществ песчаных почв в разновозрастных сосновых насаждениях лесостепной зоны

Peculiarities of transformation processes in soils should be taken into account when developing strategies for their rational use and optimization of their functions. The purpose of the work is to study the successions of soil microbiotic coenosis of azonal Al-Fe-humus sandy soils in pine forest stands of different age in the cities of the Kursk region. Traditional and innovative methods of studying the microbiological activity of soils are used in the work. Al-Fe-humus sandy soils of the forest-steppe covered with 100-year-old stands of Scots pine emit 2.1-2.3 times more CO2 than Al-Fe-humus sandy soils under 25 - and 70-year-old stands of pine and 1.5 times more than similar soils under herbaceous phytocenoses. It has been established that stands of Scots pine during 100 years of vegetation lead to significant changes in the basic properties of soils, changes in response, increase in podzolic process, changes in hydrothermal conditions, as well as increase in the biomass of the main groups of soil microorganisms (up to 38.1 times). Keywords: MICROMYCETES, ACTINOMYCETES, SANDY PODZOLS, GRAY HUMUS (TURF) SOILS, CO2 EMISSION, MICROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SOILS

Soil microbial properties as influenced by agri-silvi-horticultural system under semi-arid region of Haryana

The study was carried out at Forestry Research Farm, CCSHAU, Hisar to assess the effect of agri-silvi-horticulturalsystem, i.e. on different soil microbial properties. Surface soil (0–15 cm) samples were collected randomly and thenthese samples were immediately used for analyzing potentially mineralizable nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon,dehydrogenase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity and urease activity under 3 treatments (5 replications), i.e. control(wheat), Kinnow + wheat and Kinnow + Eucalyptus + wheat. Significant improvement in soil biological propertieswas observed under tree-based system as all biological properties were recorded highest in Kinnow + Eucalyptus +wheat system followed by Kinnow + wheat as compared to control. Dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activitywere higher under Kinnow + Eucalyptus + wheat (69.3 and 33.8%) followed by Kinnow + wheat (39.6 and 12.2%)over control. Similarly, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and urease activity were observed to be higher under Kinnow+ Eucalyptus + wheat (50.3 and 31.9%) followed by Kinnow + wheat (28.9 and 12.3%) over control. A linearpositive regression relationship was observed among organic carbon vs. microbial biomass carbon. The coefficientof determination for organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon explained variability of 98.3%. The result of thestudy showed that tree-based agroforestry system can significantly increase the soil biological properties. Based onthe present study, it was suggested that soil microbiological activities can be enhanced by adopting agroforestry ortree-based system.

Influence of stubble biodestructor on soil microbiological activity and grain yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The aim of the work was to improve soil fertility and increase the yield of winter wheat using the stubble biodestructor by activating the microbiological activity of the soil. The experimental studies were on the research field of Mykolayiv National Agrarian University (Ukraine). After harvesting the precursor cultures of spring barley and peas the post-harvest residues of these crops were treated with a stubble biodestructor. After treatment of crop residues of spring barley and pea by the stubble biodestructor in the soil layer of 0 up to 20 cm the quantity of cellulose-destructive microorganisms increased by 27.9·105 up to 36.0·105 cfu/g of soil depending on the predecessor culture and the degree of degradation of these residues increased by 31.4 up to 45.1%. The number of nitrogen fixators in the 0-10 cm soil layer grew under the action of treatment of crop residues of spring barley and peas by stubble biodestructor on 13.4 up to 14.1 ·106 cfu/g of soilor 30.3 up to 35.0%. At the same time, a somewhat large number of bacteria in the soil was determined by the processing of post-harvest residues of peas, which was due to the biological characteristics of this legume culture. The average for years of researches at cultivating of winter wheat after spring barley using the stubble biodestructor the grain yield increased by 0.45 t ha–1, or 20.9%, and after pea it increased by 0.67 t ha–1 or 18.8% compared to the treatment variant of stubble just with water.

Does grass-legume intercropping change soil quality and grain yield in integrated crop-livestock systems?

In sustainable tropical agriculture, grass-legume intercropping can increase productivity, enhance the nutritional quality of the crop and affect soil microbiological activity, leading to higher yields in succession crops. This study evaluated the impact of grass-legume intercropping, during the pasture phase of integrated crop-livestock systems under no-tillage (ICLS–NT), on soil microbiota, pasture quality, and soybean productivity in the Brazilian Cerrado. We evaluated the effect of intercropping on total soil contents of organic carbon and nitrogen, soil microbial activity, animal and soybean productivity (2017 and 2018 crop seasons), and pasture production and quality. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments under grass-legume intercropping in the pasture phase of ICLS–NT. The grasses Urochloa ruziziensis ‘Kennedy’, U. brizantha ‘Paiaguás’, Panicum maximum ‘Tamani’ and U. brizantha ‘Piatã’ were grown in monoculture and intercropped with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) ‘Tumucumaque’ or pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) ‘Mandarin’. A randomized block design, with three repetitions, was used in a split-plot arrangement, considering the grasses as plots and the legumes as subplots. The results showed that ICLS–NT improved the activity of soil microbial biomass when compared to monoculture systems. Grass-legume intercropping during the pasture phase, mainly with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), increased soybean productivity, and grass dry matter. Total organic carbon (TOC), carbon management index (CMI%), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil basal respiration (BR), and metabolic quotient (Qmic) are the most sensitive markers when it comes to the effects of intercropping on soil microbiological activity and soybean productivity in ICLS–NT. Identifying the best grass-legume combinations allows the establishment of more productive crop-livestock integration systems under no-tillage better adapted to the bio-edaphoclimatic conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado.

The Effect of Specific Soil Microorganisms on Soil Quality Parameters and Organic Matter Content for Cereal Production.

Soil chemical, biological and physical properties play important roles in soil quality and are related with increasing organic matter content, soil microbiological activity, plant nutrient content and availability. A new generation of soil amendments, containing specific soil microorganisms, are of great interest worldwide. Field experiments were carried out in 2018–2019 at the Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. The aim was to determine the impact of bio-products containing Trichoderma reesei, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus or Bacillus megaterium, and their mixtures on changes of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil respiration, and microbial biodiversity in loamy Cambisol. Under dry meteorological conditions, Trichoderma reesei, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Bacillus megaterium bio-products resulted an increase in SOC content, C/N ratio, humic to fulvic acid ratio, soil respiration, and microbial biodiversity. It is concluded that the use of a mixture of three microorganisms (Trichoderma reesei + Acinetobacter calcoaceticus + Bacillus megaterium) is the most promising bio-amendment under climate change. Future research is needed on different soil types and textures.