Influence of different agricultural management practices on soil microbiome

Abstract

Microbiomes are the collection of all microbial inhabitants of a given system. At the level of the soil, the microbiome includes four major groups of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protozoa, as they are the main organisms for essential soil processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition of organic matter, and plant growth promotion. A healthy soil microbiome is essential for sustainable agriculture and the overall health of terrestrial ecosystems. Some agricultural management practices, i.e. irrigation, can have a significant impact on the soil microbiome. The quality and quantity of irrigation water can affect the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in the soil. For example, excess irrigation can lead to waterlogging, which can create anaerobic conditions that favour the growth of certain types of bacteria. On the other hand, irrigation water in the right amounts can have a positive impact on the soil microbiome and promote plant growth. To test this hypothesis in the agricultural year 2022, a research was carried out on maize and soybean grown under irrigated conditions, to analyse the variations of microbial density during the vegetation period.