Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Soil Microbial Communities in a Pasture: A Case Study ofBromus inermisPasture in Eastern Nebraska

Abstract

Today’s intensified agricultural production is characterized by crop and pasture monocultures, which have a significant impact on soil microbial diversity and abundance. This chapter provides a case study in which the relative importance of brome grass (Bromus inermis) monoculture pasture versus intra-site microhabitat diversity is explored using fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) assay to delineate the presence and abundance of several classes of soil microbes instrumental in soil nutrient cycling, plant health, plant organic matter decomposition, and soil stabilization. The chapter explores spatio-temporal variability of bacteria, actinomycetes, saprophytes, mycorrhizae, and micro-eukaryotes over two durations (summer and fall) collected using two distinct sampling methods. One of the methods is commonly employed, namely, transect-based, while the other is informed by soil electroconductivity measurements conducted over the entire pasture site from a previous survey.

Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis L.)—A Versatile Grass: A Review

“…This grass species offers a supportive environment for microbial growth, and it benefits from the minerals released by soil-dwelling microorganisms. In smooth brome, root-associated microbial communities include bacteria (63%), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (17%), saprophytic fungi (9%), actinobacteria (8%) and microeukaryotes (3%) [21]. This symbiotic relationship with soil-dwelling microorganisms enables smooth brome to adapt to diverse soil environments and effectively utilize nutrients (Figure 3).…”