Effect of pig manure amendments on microbial biomass and functional diversity in three agricultural soils

Abstract

Understanding the effects of pig manure integrated with chemical fertilizers on soil microbial properties can provide valuable insights into developing more sustainable in agro-ecosystems. This study conducted six combinations of pig manure treatments (6, 12, 24 48, 96 and 192 t hm-2). Fertilization methods include: 30% of conventional chemical fertilizers, conventional fertilization (CF) and an unfertilized control (CK). By using three soils in subtropical China, investigated the impact of different manure applications on microbial activity and functional diversity in a peanut-oilseed rape cropping system. The results indicated that appropriate amounts of pig manure integrated with chemical fertilizer may increase microbial activity and functional diversity compared to the chemical fertilizer treatment in the three soils. For the improvement of soil microbial activities, the pig manure application should be no more than 48 t hm-2 in Ferrosols and 96 t hm-2 in Acrisols and Cambisols.