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Intercrops Maintain Orchard Soil Nutrients Accumulation with Variation in Soil Microbiome Composition and Function.
Congyi Zhu1, Yongjing Huang1, Chaochen Tang2
1Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization (MOA), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Science and Technology Research on Fruit Tree, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Intercropping citrus orchards with soybean or sweet potato effectively controlled weeds and improved soil nutrients. These crops altered soil microbial communities, enhancing beneficial bacteria and fungi compared to natural weeds.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intercropping is a strategy for weed management in orchards.
- Careful selection of intercrops is crucial for compatibility with fruit tree row spacing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of soybean and sweet potato intercropping in citrus orchards.
- To compare these effects on weed control, soil properties, and soil microbiome against natural weeds.
Main Methods:
- Citrus (Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis) orchards were intercropped with soybean (Glycine max) or sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas).
- Evaluated weed control efficacy, soil physiochemical properties, and soil microbiome composition and function.
- Compared intercropped plots to plots with natural weeds.
Main Results:
- Both soybean and sweet potato significantly reduced orchard weeds.
- Intercropping improved soil organic matter, available phosphorus and potassium, and beneficial metal elements compared to weeds.
- Intercropping altered soil microbial community structure and function, enriching specific fungal (Talaromyces, Penicillium) and bacterial (Sphingomonas, Knoellia, Nocardioides) genera.
Conclusions:
- Intercropping with soybean or sweet potato offers benefits for weed control and soil health in citrus orchards.
- Distinct impacts on soil nutrient accumulation are linked to differential effects on soil microbiomes, likely influenced by intercrop rhizosphere activities.
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