View in EDS

Microbial community dynamics in rotational cropping: seasonality vs. crop-specific effects

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Microbial community dynamics in rotational cropping: seasonality vs. crop-specific effects
Authors: Debora Casagrande Pierantoni, Angela Conti, Laura Corte, Giacomo Tosti, Paolo Benincasa, Gianluigi Cardinali, Marcello Guiducci
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology, Vol 16 (2025)
Publisher Information: Frontiers Media S.A., 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Microbiology
Subject Terms: soil microbiome, crop rotation, seasonal variation, soil microbial diversity, microbial community dynamics, Microbiology, QR1-502
Description: IntroductionSoil microbial communities are central to soil health and plant productivity, yet their responses to crop rotation and seasonal changes remain incompletely understood. Understanding how crop identity and phenology shape these communities is essential for optimizing agricultural sustainability.MethodsThis study examined how different crop species and their growth stages influence the diversity, composition, and functional characteristics of soil microbiota in a long-term crop rotation system. We integrated high-throughput DNA sequencing with soil chemical and spectroscopic analyses to assess microbial community dynamics across three key seasonal time points.ResultsOur results indicate that while crop species and their growth stages can influence microbial community structure, these effects were generally modest and variable. In contrast, seasonal factors and soil physicochemical properties—particularly electrical conductivity—exerted stronger and more consistent effects on microbial beta diversity. Despite shifts in taxonomic composition, a core microbiome dominated by Acidobacteriota and Bacillus persisted across crops and seasons. Functional predictions revealed a seasonal peak in nitrification potential during warmer months, suggesting environmental rather than crop-driven control of this process.DiscussionThese findings highlight the resilience of soil microbiomes under rotational systems and underscore the dominant role of seasonal and abiotic factors in shaping microbial community dynamics. A better understanding of these interactions can inform agricultural practices aimed at sustaining microbial functionality and promoting long-term soil health.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1664-302X
Relation: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1675394/full; https://doaj.org/toc/1664-302X
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1675394
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/2a2f6a263d3c4b79bf1eeda6d3c174c8
Accession Number: edsdoj.2a2f6a263d3c4b79bf1eeda6d3c174c8
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:IntroductionSoil microbial communities are central to soil health and plant productivity, yet their responses to crop rotation and seasonal changes remain incompletely understood. Understanding how crop identity and phenology shape these communities is essential for optimizing agricultural sustainability.MethodsThis study examined how different crop species and their growth stages influence the diversity, composition, and functional characteristics of soil microbiota in a long-term crop rotation system. We integrated high-throughput DNA sequencing with soil chemical and spectroscopic analyses to assess microbial community dynamics across three key seasonal time points.ResultsOur results indicate that while crop species and their growth stages can influence microbial community structure, these effects were generally modest and variable. In contrast, seasonal factors and soil physicochemical properties—particularly electrical conductivity—exerted stronger and more consistent effects on microbial beta diversity. Despite shifts in taxonomic composition, a core microbiome dominated by Acidobacteriota and Bacillus persisted across crops and seasons. Functional predictions revealed a seasonal peak in nitrification potential during warmer months, suggesting environmental rather than crop-driven control of this process.DiscussionThese findings highlight the resilience of soil microbiomes under rotational systems and underscore the dominant role of seasonal and abiotic factors in shaping microbial community dynamics. A better understanding of these interactions can inform agricultural practices aimed at sustaining microbial functionality and promoting long-term soil health.
ISSN:1664302X
DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1675394