Bio-fertilizer Affects Structural Dynamics, Function, and Network Patterns of the Sugarcane Rhizospheric Microbiota

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Soil Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Sustainable agriculture relies on efficient fertilizers and understanding their impact on soil microbial communities.
• Sugarcane cultivation in China faces challenges requiring sustainable practices, with bio-fertilizers offering a potential solution.
• Limited research exists on bio-fertilizer effects on sugarcane's rhizosphere microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of bio-fertilizer application on sugarcane rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties.
• To analyze changes in microbial community composition, function, and network patterns under different fertilizer treatments.
• To identify key soil factors influencing microbial communities and potential biomarkers for fertilizer efficacy.

Main Methods:

• High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze bacterial and fungal communities in sugarcane rhizosphere soil.
• Experimental treatments included urea (CK), compound fertilizer (CF), and two bio-fertilizer combinations (BF1, BF2).
• Statistical analyses included Variance Partitioning (VPA), Redundancy Analysis (RDA), LEfSe, and co-occurrence network analysis.

Main Results:

• Bio-fertilizers increased sugarcane yield by 3-12% compared to compound fertilizer, reduced soil acidification, and altered microbial diversity.
• Soil physicochemical variables, particularly pH, total nitrogen, and available nutrients, significantly influenced bacterial and fungal community structures.
• Bio-fertilizers promoted beneficial bacteria, reduced pathogens like Leifsonia, and shifted microbial networks towards a healthier soil structure.

Conclusions:

• Bio-fertilizers positively impact sugarcane yield and soil health by modulating the rhizosphere microbiome.
• These findings suggest bio-fertilizers can be a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers for sustainable sugarcane production.
• The study highlights the potential of bio-fertilizers for green soil development and climate improvement in agriculture.