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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lubbock, Texas » Cropping Systems Research Laboratory » Wind Erosion and Water Conservation Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #216524
Title: Microbial community structure and functionality under peanut based cropping systems in a sandy soil

Author
item Acosta-Martinez, Veronica
item Rowland, Diane
item Sorensen, Ronald - Ron
item Yeater, Kathleen

Submitted to: International Soil Conservation Organization Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/18/2008
Publication Date: 5/23/2008
Citation: Acosta Martinez, V., Rowland, D., Sorensen, R.B., Yeater, K.M. 2008. Microbial community structure and functionality under peanut based cropping systems in a sandy soil[abstract]. International Soil Conservation Organization Conference. Budapest, Hungary. May 18-23, 2008.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Little information is available on soil microbial and biochemical properties, important for understanding nutrient cycling and organic matter (OM) dynamics, as affected by different peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping systems and how they relate to soil functioning. Peanut is typically produced in sandy soils, which have lower numbers and diversity of microbial populations and nutrient availability compared to soils with higher clay and OM contents. Thus, we investigated the properties of a loamy sand (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults) in Georgia, which is first in peanut production in U.S., after 5 and 8 years under continuous cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L) (CtCtCt), cotton-cotton-peanut (CtCtPt), corn (Zea mays L.)-peanut-cotton (CrPtCt), peanut-peanut-cotton (PtPtCt), and continuous peanut (PtPtPt). Soil organic carbon, phosphatases activities, and fungal and bacterial populations were higher under peanut-based cropping systems (PtPtPt, PtPtCt and CrPtCt) than under cotton-based cropping systems (CtCtCt and CtCtPt). The activities of glycosidases involved in C cycling were more sensitive to the cropping systems than phosphastases, and showed a distinctive cropping system separation: PtPtPt=CrPtCt>PtPtCt>CtCtPt>CtCtCt. This study demonstrated distinctive positive effects of peanut based crop rotations (i.e., CrPtCt and PtPtCt) on organic matter and the microbial component of this sandy soil that should be considered in management decisions targeting the selection of cropping systems for peanut production to maintain and/or improve soil quality, functionality, and sustainability of agricultural production.