Applying cover crop residues as diverse mixtures increases initial microbial assimilation of crop residue-derived carbon.

ABSTRACT: Increasing the diversity of crops grown in arable soils delivers multiple ecological functions. Whether mixtures of residues from different crops grown in polyculture contribute to microbial assimilation of carbon (C) to a greater extent than would be expected from applying individual residues is currently unknown. In this study, we used ¹³C isotope labelled cover crop residues (buckwheat, clover, radish, and sunflower) to track microbial assimilation of plant residue-derived C using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. We also quantified microbial assimilation of C derived from the soil organic matter (SOM) because fresh residue inputs also prime the decomposition of SOM. To consider the initial stages of residue decomposition, and preclude microbial turnover, we compared a

SUBMITTER: Shu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9311145 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature