Effects of Plastic versus Straw Mulching Systems on Soil Microbial Community Structure and Enzymes in Strawberry Cultivation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate changes in abundance, structure, and enzyme activity of the soil microbiome in response to 4 years of mulching using either black polyethylene plastic film (PM) or wheat straw (SM). Soil samples (depth 0–5 and 5–10 cm) were collected from conventional strawberry plots, in two samplings: 1 week prior (S1) and 7 weeks after straw application (S2). Selected soil properties were monitored in each system and the abundance and structure of microbial communities were characterized via phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. The investigation of soil microbial functions included activities of the enzymes chitinase, leucine aminopeptidase, and acid phosphatase, as well as function genes involved in nitrogen transformation. Each mulch system resulted in distinct physicochemical properties. In particular, a pH value higher by one-unit under PM (7.6 ± 0.3) compared to SM (6.5 ± 0.3) was observed. Values for SOC, DOC, and total-N were 15%, 22%, and 16% higher in PM than in SM. The microbial biomass (total PLFAs) was 1.5-fold higher in SM compared to PM. The abundance of soil fungi (F) and bacteria (B) increased by 37% and 44% after straw incorporation compared to PM (S2). In particular, Gram-negative bacteria (gr–) increased by twofold in SM. Consequently, wider F:B and gr+:gr– ratios were observed in PM. According to the shifts in microbial abundance, the activity of the enzyme chitinase was lower by 27% in PM, while the activity of the acid phosphatase increased by 32%. Denitrification genes were not affected by the mulching systems. In conclusion, the abundance and structure of the investigated microbial groups and the enzyme activities were strongly influenced by the mulching system. In detail, effects on microbiota were primarily attributed to the altered soil pH and probably the input of degradable organic matter with straw mulching in SM. This resulted in higher abundance of soil microorganisms in SM, although measures within this cultivation system such as fungicide application may have exerted adverse effects on the microbiota.

Soil Nutrient Status and Morphometric Responses of Guava under Drip Irrigation and High-Tech Horticultural Techniques for Sustainable Farming

“…Organic carbon content in surface soil was increased significantly due to the application of fertilizers as the application of fertilizer helped in increasing biomass production [37]. The soil enzyme activity, altered under mulchingirrigation modulated conditions, may lead to the alterations in soil properties, especially soil pH, which has a significant impact on investigated enzymes [38]. Soil dehydrogenase is considered an integral part of the intact cells of microorganisms and dehydrogenase activity is thought to reflect the total range of oxidative activities of the soil microflora [24].…”