Distinct soil microbial community composition and structure: evidence from soil inside and outside the cattle farm

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Soil Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Soils within cattle farms differ from external soils due to prolonged manure exposure, affecting properties and microbial structure.
• Comparative studies on cattle farm soil microbial composition and co-occurrence patterns are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare microbial community structures and co-occurrence patterns in soils inside and outside a cattle farm.
• To identify manure-induced environmental factors influencing soil microbial ecology.

Main Methods:

• Illumina MiSeq sequencing for microbial community analysis.
• Co-occurrence network analysis to assess microbial interactions.
• Soil physicochemical characterization (organic carbon, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen).

Main Results:

• Soils inside the farm had higher microbial alpha diversity and distinct taxa abundances (e.g., Devosia higher inside; Paenibacillus, Nitrospira higher outside).
• The fungal network inside the farm was more complex and stable, with greater node/edge counts and superior topological characteristics.
• Soil organic carbon and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen were identified as key drivers of microbial community structure and network stability.

Conclusions:

• Manure application significantly alters soil microbial community structure and fungal network dynamics.
• Soil organic carbon and nitrogen are critical factors mediating the impact of cattle manure on soil microbial ecology.
• Findings offer insights for improving soil health and sustainable agricultural management through targeted manure utilization.