Soil moisture gradients shape microbial communities and influence cranberry yield: a case study on subirrigation.

ABSTRACT: Water management is vital in cranberry farming, balancing plant needs and supporting flood-based harvesting. This study examines subirrigation, a technique that reduces water use and enhances yields, by utilizing natural soil moisture gradients in two fields to assess its effects on yield and soil bacteria. Considering 166,551 observation points collected over four years, we confirmed significant differences in soil moisture between the eastern and western sides of the fields, with lower water table depths on the subirrigated sides. Using 16 S rRNA sequencing, we examined soil bacterial communities, focusing on nitrogen cycling. Subirrigated areas, with lower moisture levels, showed higher cranberry yields (up to 45.67 t/ha) and a greater abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Burkholder

SUBMITTER: N'guetta AKA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12489010 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature