Combining organic fertilizer with soil conditioner alleviates continuous cropping obstacles in protected cowpea by improving soil properties and microbiome.

ABSTRACT: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a nutritious vegetable and a key crop in China, encompassing a sizeable cultivation area. However, continuous cropping has led to declines in yield and quality, limiting sustainable development in the protected cowpea industry. This study investigated the effects of combining organic fertilizer with soil conditioner (an amendment containing beneficial microbes and organic components) on protected cowpea production, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial community structure in soils subjected to five consecutive cowpea cropping cycles. The results demonstrated that combined application significantly improved cowpea yield and quality. Specifically, soil pH decreased by 5.4%, while soil organic matter (OM) content increased markedly, especially during the

SUBMITTER: Wang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12657982 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature