Changes in Soil Microbial Community along a Chronosequence of Perennial Mugwort Cropping in Northern China Plain

Perennial cropping plays a vital role in regulating soil carbon sequestration and thus mitigating climate change. However, how perennial affects the microbial community remains elusive. Using field investigation, this study was conducted to examine effects of mugwort along chronosequence (that is, wheat–maize rotation, 3-year, 6-year, 20-year cropping) on temperate regions Northern China. The results showed that highest total, actinomycete, fungi phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) were found 3-year soils. By contrast, all PLFAs groups lowest Network complexity under each three durations greater than rotation. Changes total nitrogen phosphorus content as well ratio ammonium nitrate primarily explained variations chronosequence. Our observations highlight contrasting responses short-term long-term compared with conventional rotations would have critical implications for sustainable agricultural management regions.