Tillage effect on soil microbiota in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at Ezareni research station

Abstract

The study was carried out at UASMV Iasi Research Station – Ezareni Farm, on a cambic mesocalcaric regraded chernozem. To highlight the influence of tillage (no-tillage, conventional tillage) on soil microbiota in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), soil samples were taken in 3 growth stages (tillering, stem elongation and flowering) in MarchJune 2017, from 7-10 cm depth soil layer. Subsequently, within 24 hours from sampling, the samples were analyzed by dilution method and seeded on four different culture media: PDA, PDA + Streptomycin, PDA + Rose Bengal and ASHBY. The number of bacteria was determined after 24 hours, and filamentous fungi microscopic identification was done 5 days after medium seeding. Results show major differences regarding soil microbiota for both tillage treatments and in all three crop growth stages. At tillering, microbial activity was dominated by Penicillium and Trichoderma fungi found in different proportions; Penicillium fungi also dominated at stem elongation in no-tillage, while in conventional tillage Ulocladium fungi was also present into the seeded medium. At flowering, Penicillium fungi had almost the same proportion both in no-tillage and conventional tillage. Aspergillus fungi registered also almost the same proportion in both tillage treatments but were dominant over Penicillium genus. The number of genera was almost the same in conventional and no-tillage, in all three crop growth stages, but their proportions had a significant variation. In no-till, the main genera of micromycetes were found in smaller proportions in comparison to conventional tillage. Microbiological analysis shows that soil microbiota is directly affected by tillage and crop growth stage in winter wheat.