Straw Soil Conditioner Modulates Key Soil Microbes and Nutrient Dynamics across Different Maize Developmental Stages

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Soil Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Soil amendments improve crop yield and quality by enhancing nutrient levels and absorption.
• Beneficial microbial interactions play a key role in soil amendment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of straw-based carbon substrate (SCS) with conventional straw on soil nutrients, microbial communities, and maize yield.
• To identify key microbial taxa responding to SCS amendment and their correlation with soil nutrients.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment comparing SCS and conventional straw soil amendments.
• Analysis of soil nutrients, bacterial and fungal community diversity and abundance.
• Regression analysis to correlate microbial community variations with soil nutrient content.

Main Results:

• Both maize growth stage and soil amendment type significantly influenced soil microbial communities.
• Rhizobiales, Saccharimonadales, and Eurotiales showed positive responses to SCS amendment.
• Specific microbial taxa correlated positively with soil nitrogen and phosphorus at different maize growth stages.

Conclusions:

• SCS amendment enhances soil nutrient content and maize yield compared to conventional straw.
• Targeted recruitment of beneficial microorganisms at different growth stages optimizes nutrient supply.
• Identified key microbes provide a basis for improving crop yield and soil quality through targeted amendments.