Varying effects of Vicia sativa and Vicia villosa on bacterial composition and enzyme activities in nutrient-deficient sugarcane soils under greenhouse conditions.

ABSTRACT: Declining soil health and productivity are key challenges faced by sugarcane small-scale growers in South Africa. Incorporating Vicia sativa and Vicia villosa as cover crops can improve soil health by enhancing nutrient-cycling enzyme activities and nitrogen (N) contributions while promoting the presence of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the chemical and biological inputs of V. sativa and V. villosa in nutrient-deficient, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) sugarcane plantation soils. The nutrient concentrations, N and phosphorus (P) cycling bacteria, and extracellular enzyme activities of 5 soils were determined pre-planting and post-V. sativa and V. villosa harvest. Post-harvesting soils had higher pH levels than pre-planting soils. The number o

SUBMITTER: Ngonini E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11770188 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature