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Soil moisture gradients shape microbial communities and influence cranberry yield: a case study on subirrigation
Adou Kouao Antoine N'guetta1, Thiago Gumiere2, Silvio J Gumiere1
1Department of Soils and Agri-Food Engineering, Laval University, 2480 Hochelaga Boulevard, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
Scientific Reports
|October 1, 2025
Summary
Subirrigation in cranberry farms improves yields and soil health by optimizing water management. This sustainable practice enhances beneficial bacteria and nitrogen cycling, boosting crop production.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Microbiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Effective water management is crucial for cranberry farming, impacting plant health and harvest methods.
- Subirrigation offers a water-saving technique that can potentially increase crop yields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of subirrigation on cranberry yield and soil bacterial communities.
- To understand the relationship between soil moisture, nitrogen cycling bacteria, and crop productivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized natural soil moisture gradients across two fields over four years.
- Analyzed 166,551 observation points for soil moisture differences.
- Employed 16S rRNA sequencing to examine soil bacterial communities and nitrogen cycling genes.
Main Results:
- Subirrigated areas showed lower water table depths and higher cranberry yields (up to 45.67 t/ha).
- Increased abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Burkholderia, Arthrobacter) in subirrigated zones.
- Higher soil moisture correlated negatively with yield but favored genes for nitrogen mineralization, denitrification, and nitrate assimilation; lower moisture favored DNRA and ANRA genes.
Conclusions:
- Subirrigation is a viable sustainable practice for enhancing cranberry yield and soil health.
- Optimized soil moisture levels through subirrigation influence bacterial communities and nitrogen cycling.
- Findings provide insights into managing soil microbiomes for improved agricultural outcomes.
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