Trichoderma Biofertilizer Links to Altered Soil Chemistry, Altered Microbial Communities, and Improved Grassland Biomass

Abstract

In grasslands, forage and livestock production results in soil nutrient deficits as grasslands typically receive no nutrient inputs, leading to a loss of grassland biomass. The application of mature compost has been shown to effectively increase grassland nutrient availability. However, research on fertilization regime influence and potential microbial ecological regulation mechanisms are rarely conducted in grassland soil. We conducted a two-year experiment in meadow steppe grasslands, focusing on above- and belowground consequences of organic or Trichoderma biofertilizer applications and potential soil microbial ecological mechanisms underlying soil chemistry and microbial community responses. Grassland biomass significantly (p = 0.019) increased following amendment with 9,000 kg ha−1 of Trichoderma biofertilizer (composted cattle manure + inoculum) compared with other assessed organic or biofertilizer rates, except for BOF3000 (fertilized with 3,000 kg ha−1 biofertilizer). This rate of Trichoderma biofertilizer treatment increased soil antifungal compounds that may suppress pathogenic fungi, potentially partially responsible for improved grassland biomass. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed soil chemistry and fungal communities were all separated by different fertilization regime. Trichoderma biofertilizer (9,000 kg ha−1) increased relative abundances of Archaeorhizomyces and Trichoderma while decreasing Ophiosphaerella. Trichoderma can improve grassland biomass, while Ophiosphaerella has the opposite effect as it may secrete metabolites causing grass necrosis. Correlations between soil properties and microbial genera showed plant-available phosphorus may influence grassland biomass by increasing Archaeorhizomyces and Trichoderma while reducing Ophiosphaerella. According to our structural equation modeling (SEM), Trichoderma abundance was the primary contributor to aboveground grassland biomass. Our results suggest Trichoderma biofertilizer could be an important tool for management of soils and ultimately grassland plant biomass.

Effects of Two Trichoderma Strains on Plant Growth, Rhizosphere Soil Nutrients, and Fungal Community of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Annual Seedlings

“…The results of the alpha and beta diversity analyses showed that Trichoderma spp. inoculation had a significant effect on the community structure of fungi in the rhizosphere soil of seedlings; this is consistent with the research results of Yu [73], Shen [60], Zhang [30]. Trichoderma spp.…”

“…mongolica. The growth of seedlings inoculated with E15 was significantly higher than that of seedlings inoculated with ZT05, and the growth and structure of seedling roots inoculated with ZT05 was higher than that of seedling roots inoculated with E15.Many reports have shown that Trichoderma inoculation has significant promotion effects on plants seedlings and crops yields, such as those of cotton [54], tomato [55], and Leymus chinensis [8,30]. Harman [7] showed that the inoculation of Trichoderma spp.…”

“…Shen [56], Fu [57], and Xiong [58] demonstrated that a Trichoderma agent stimulated banana root growth, promoted plant growth, and increased fruit yield. Hung [59] and Zhang [30] showed that a mixture of organic fertilizer and a Trichoderma agent could significantly improve plant growth and crop yield. Trichoderma could be used as an organic fertilizer as a growth substrate to degrade soil nutrients and improve the ability of plant photosynthesis, thereby improving plant growth.…”

Uncovering fungal community composition in natural habitat of Ophiocordyceps sinensis using high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches

“…Trichoderma spp. are proposed as major plant growth-promoting fungi in soils, signi cantly alter the rhizosphere soil chemistry, regulate microbial communities and improve grassland biomass [34]. Trichoderma species were frequently isolated from external mycelial cortices by culturedependent approach, and also have been identi ed by high-throughput sequencing.…”

Assessing the Influence of Fumigation and Bacillus Subtilis-Based Biofungicide on the Microbiome of Chrysanthemum Rhizosphere

“…Among the fungi, the BF treatments increased the abundance of Trichoderma, Metarhizium, and Mortierella. Trichoderma are plant growth-promoting fungi that enhance plant nutrient uptake, production of growth hormones, and protect plants from pathogen infection [41].…”