Microbiome network remodeling drives soil lipid metabolism under safflower cropping systems at different sites: An omics-based dissection

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of three planting pattern–location combinations (PLMEs) on safflower rhizosphere soil microbiota and metabolic functions: soybean-safflower rotation at Chenghai (CH), tobacco–safflower rotation at Longpan (ZYHY), and apple orchard intercropping at Lijiang(LJ). Each PLME is set up with 6 plots. Bacterial α-diversity was significantly higher in the CH group, whereas fungal α-diversity peaked under the ZYHY pattern. Correlation analysis showed that bacterial α-diversity was negatively correlated with available potassium, while fungal α-diversity was negatively correlated with catalase activity. Microbial community structures significantly varied under the different planting patterns, with redundancy analysis indicating that bacterial variation was mainly driven by electrical conductivity, while fungal variation was mainly driven by available phosphorus. Co occurrence network analysis showed that the bacterial network under CH exhibited greater topological complexity and stability, while the fungal network under ZYHY was more complex than the others, although no significant differences in fungal network stability were detected among treatments. Although dominant microbial taxa were unchanged, their relative abundances varied notably. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis identified significant shifts in glycerophospholipid metabolism, with five key metabolites, including L-serine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and lecithin, serving as biomarkers strongly correlated with genera such as Gaiella, Microlunatus, and Mortierella. Structural equation modeling suggested that PLME indirectly influenced glycerophospholipid metabolism by regulating rhizosphere microbes. Bacterial α-diversity and network complexity had significant positive effects, while fungal network complexity had a negative effect. Overall, the CH optimized the rhizosphere microenvironment by enhancing bacterial diversity, stabilizing microbial networks, and positively regulating key metabolic pathways, thereby providing more favorable soil conditions for safflower growth.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - reverse-phase, Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - reverse-phase

PROVIDER: MTBLS15129 | MetaboLights | 2026-07-22

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights