Considerations regarding some factors that influence the soil microbiome diversity in agroecosystems

Abstract

At the system level, the microbiome plays an integral role in almost all soil processes, so that abundance, composition and microbial activity largely determine the sustainable productivity of agricultural land. Metagenomic methods are an effective tool for rapid analysis of microbial heterogeneity. Ribosomal RNA sequencing allows the identification of most soil microorganisms. Soil microbiome can be influenced by soil management or by natural or anthropogenic disturbances leading to taxonomic and functional changes. Agricultural practices, such as intercalation of forest strips, reduced tillage, organic fertilization; crop rotation, etc. have a positive impact on the abundance and richness of specific groups of soil organisms and on soil microbial diversity. Ecological (organic) agriculture contributes to the increase of the of species richness, heterogeneity and to the modification of the soil microbiocenosis structure compared to the soil for which conventional agricultural practices. This effect is largely ensured by the use of organic fertilizers, which stimulate the development of existing microorganisms, but also bring new species of microorganisms. Fertilized cultivated soils have a higher nutrient mobility and in their microbiome the microorganisms with copiotrophic nutritional strategy are favoured. In uncultivated soils the content of labile, easily accessible nutrients is lower and the development of oligotrophic microorganisms is promoted. Crop rotation, as a management practice for agroecosystems, is beneficial for soil microbial diversity. In conclusion, we mention that the anthropogenic load of the soil, the agricultural management system influences the formation of prokaryotic communities in the soils. Thus, by adapting agricultural management practices, it is possible to encourage the recruitment of specific groups of soil organisms and increase microbial diversity.