Biodynamic compost effects on soil parameters in a 27-year long-term field experiment

Abstract Background Soil samples were taken after 27 years from a long-term field experiment to study the effects of composted pure cattle farmyard manure (FYM) and two FYM treatments with biodynamic preparations on soil chemical microbiological properties. Methods organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, basal respiration, fungal ergosterol, microbial biomass C (MBC) nitrogen (MBN) analyzed in 6-field crop rotation system, conducted as randomized block design six replicates. The multi-substrate-induced respiration (multi-SIR) approach was used assess functional diversity by respiratory response 17 low molecular weight substances. Results All revealed generally positive SOC, N, MBC, MBN contrast control without FYM. Only ergosterol not increased application. After experimental years, discriminant function analysis multi-SIR data only significant general preparations, but also able differentiate between sole application Achillea millefolium preparation standard all 6 compost preparations. Conclusions specifically improve N status community indicated higher catabolic use D-glucosamine well amino acids ?-aminobutyric acid, L-cysteine, L-leucine. reason for different cannot be explained current study. Graphical