Overfertilization reduces tomato yield under long-term continuous cropping system via regulation of soil microbial community composition

Abstract

Long-term monoculture cropping and overfertilization degrade soil fertility, which reduces crop growth and promotes the development of soil-borne diseases. However, it remains unclear what the temporal effects of the above factors are on the tomato yield and microbial community structure. Thus, a greenhouse experiment with different amounts of fertilization [2,196 kg ha−1 (control) and 6,588 kg ha−1 (overfertilization) of inorganic fertilizers (NPK)] was carried out with the soils used previously for 1, 2, and 12 years under monoculture of tomato. A 12-year overfertilization decreased soil pH by 1.37 units. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) and concentrations of soil nutrients are enhanced with the increase in tomato cropping duration. Higher content of soil nutrients was found under overfertilization compared to the control in the 12-year soil. Overfertilization decreased the activity of β-1,4-glucosidase (BG) and oxidase compared to the control in the 12-year soil. Bacterial diversity and richness decreased by 6 and 31%, respectively, under overfertilization in 12-year soil compared to the control. The relative abundance of Gemmatimonas and Gp6 in 12-year soil under overfertilization was 17 and 78%, respectively, lower than in control soil. Soil pH and total carbon (TC) were the major factors explaining changes in microbial composition. A 38% decrease in yield was caused by overfertilization in 12-year soil compared to the control. Microbial community composition was the main factor that moderated tomato yield. In addition, fertilization rather than cropping duration had a greater impact on tomato yield. Therefore, our results suggest that long-term overfertilization influenced soil pH, soil TC, and soil microbial community composition to regulate tomato yield.

Evaluation of farmland soil health and optimization of evaluation system under different green manure applications in a semi‐arid irrigation area

“…Long‐term continuous cropping destroys the soil structure and microenvironment and results in nutrient loss, thereby negatively affecting crop yields and soil health (Song et al, 2022). Diversified conservation tillage can loosen and infiltrate the soil, store water, and retain fertilizer, thus increasing crop yield and water and N use efficiency (Iheshiulo et al, 2023).…”

“…Cumulative frequencies ≤25% are 1, cumulative frequencies ≥75% are 10, and 25% < cumulative frequency. Establishing a comprehensive evaluation system that accurately reflects soil health status based on different spatial scales and soil management systems is currently a hotspot for sustainable soil utilization (Song et al, 2022). Internationally developed soil health assessment methods have different application scopes; therefore, the consideration and analysis principles of the indicators differ (Adhikari et al, 2021).…”

Zonificación por aptitud de suelo y diagnóstico de la fertilidad actual de la sabana de Bogotá para el cultivo de lechuga

“…En el cultivo de tomate, la práctica continuada de fertilización en exceso por largos periodos, hasta de 12 años, conlleva a una reducción en el rendimiento del cultivo en 38%, lo cual se asocia a cambios en el suelo, como son la reducción del pH, el aumento de la conductividad eléctrica, la mayor concentración de nutrientes y la reducción de la diversidad y riqueza bacterial (Song et al, 2022). Además, el exceso de algunos nutrientes por la aplicación desbalanceada de fertilizantes puede alterar la disponibilidad de otros.…”

Estimating Yield Response Functions to Nitrogen for Annual Crops in Iran

“…It allows the adjustment of nitrogen application rates to change in an economic context (i.e., changes in input and output prices), in terms of climate change (the mitigation of CO 2 emissions and greenhouse gases), and under different policy options [4]. It also enables precision farming [16], allowing targeted nitrogen applications based on soil variations and crop requirements, preventing both over-fertilization and under-fertilization [17]. As climate and soil conditions evolve, re-estimating the yield response function empowers farmers to make informed decisions, adapting nitrogen management practices to the dynamic agricultural landscape [18].…”