Influence of crop species on soil microbial abundance and diversity

Abstract

Agricultural crop species can influence the soil microbial population through the influence of root exudates, which compounds released by plant roots into the soil. Some crop species exude compounds that are more beneficial for certain groups of microbes, while others exude compounds that inhibit the growth of certain groups. Additionally, different crop species have different root systems, which can affect the physical structure of the soil and the availability of water and nutrients, which in turn can influence the soil microbial population. Moreover, crop species can also influence the soil microbial population by changing the soil pH and the level of organic matter. Crop species that produce large amounts of biomass can increase the amount of organic matter in the soil, which can support a greater diversity of microorganisms. Maize and soybean are some of the most important agricultural crop globally. Both corn and soybean are important crop species for the global food system and also for the economy of many countries, including Romania. A study was conducted to determine the composition of the soil microbial community in the rhizosphere of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill.) at different phenological stages and to determine whether the two crops influence the microbiological abundance and diversity in the soil.