Effects of simulated drought on biological soil quality, microbial diversity and yields under long-term conventional and organic agriculture.

ABSTRACT: Drought and agricultural management influence soil microorganisms with unknown consequences for the functioning of agroecosystems. We simulated drought periods in organic (biodynamic) and conventional wheat fields and monitored effects on soil water content, microorganisms and crops. Above the wilting point, water content and microbial respiration were higher under biodynamic than conventional farming. Highest bacterial and fungal abundances were found in biodynamically managed soils, and distinct microbial communities characterised the farming systems. Most biological soil quality parameters and crop yields were only marginally affected by the experimental drought, except for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which increased in abundance under the experimental drought in both farming sy

SUBMITTER: Kundel D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7705324 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature