Cropping System Diversification Influences Soil Microbial Diversity in Subtropical Dryland Farming Systems.

ABSTRACT: Conventional dryland cropping systems are characterised by low crop diversity and frequent fallows. This has significant impacts on soil microbes that underpin soil function. Diversifying crop rotations can potentially counter these effects; however, limited data exists on the impacts of diversified crop rotations on soil microbes in drylands. Using phylogenetic marker gene sequencing, we characterised soil microbial diversity in conventional and diversified dryland crop rotations in subtropical Australia. This included winter and summer dominant rotations. Conventional systems were cereal-dominant with a crop-fallow rotation. Diversified systems included greater crop diversity, double crops, cover crops, and a multi-year ley pasture. In summer rotations with increased crop diversity and c

SUBMITTER: Williams A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10167104 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature