Bacteriophage-Bacteria Interactions Promote Ecological Multifunctionality in Compost-Applied Soils.

Area of Science:

• Soil ecology
• Microbial ecology
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Bacteriophages (phages) mediate bacterial metabolism, impacting soil biogeochemical cycles.
• The role of phages in soil multifunctionality remains largely unexplored.
• Understanding phage-bacterial interactions is key to soil health.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate how phages and bacterial communities influence the multifunctionality of compost-amended soils.
• Determine the impact of different compost types (cow compost, vermicompost) on soil functions.
• Elucidate the mechanisms by which phages affect soil multifunctionality.

Main Methods:

• Applied cow compost and vermicompost to soil.
• Analyzed bacterial and phage community composition and diversity.
• Quantified functional genes related to nutrient metabolism (C, N, P, S).
• Utilized structural equation modeling to assess relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Both compost types enhanced soil multifunctionality, with vermicompost showing the highest effect (p < 0.05).
• Bacterial and phage communities, along with their functional genes, were significantly altered by compost application.
• Bacterial diversity strongly influenced soil multifunctionality (path coefficient = 0.88, p < 0.01).
• Increased phage diversity and functional gene abundance indirectly boosted soil multifunctionality via host bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Compost application, particularly vermicompost, can significantly improve soil multifunctionality.
• Phage community composition and function are critical targets for enhancing soil ecological services.
• Manipulating phage communities offers a novel strategy for improving soil functions and environmental benefits.