Microbial community diversity and the interaction of soil under maize growth in different cultivation techniques

Abstract

Soil microbial functional diversity under maize grown in different agricultural management practices was determined using the Biolog EcoPlates and other microbial and biochemical methods. Comparisons of substrate utilization and the diversity indices showed differences in community composition of microorganisms related to different cultivation techniques and seasons. The soil samples collected in spring were characterized by statistically significant lower indices of biological activity in comparison to the soil collected from the flowering stage of maize. The soils collected in spring from the plots with full tillage had a similarly high biological activity as the soils obtained from maize flowering season. The principal component of PC analysis, showed the strong correlation between the parameters of soil quality and biodiversity indicators. Selected indicators of soil microbial diversity explained 71.51% of biological variability in soils. Based on the PC analysis, two major groups of soils have been indicated. Management practices and seasons were two important factors affecting soil microbial communities.

Keywords

• zea mays
• monoculture
• community level physiological profiles
• bioindicators
• cultivation practices