Effects of straw and plastic film mulching on microbial functional genes involved in soil nitrogen cycling

Introduction Microorganisms regulate soil nitrogen (N) cycling in cropping systems. However, how microbial functional genes involved N respond to mulching practices is not well known. Methods We collected samples from a spring maize field mulched with crop straw (SM) and plastic film (FM) for 10-year no (CK) the Loess Plateau. Microbial were quantified using metagenomic sequencing. Results Compared that CK, total abundance of increased SM but had significant changes FM. Specifically, abundances dissimilatory nitrate reduction ammonium ( nirB , napA nrfA ), while FM decreased ammonification ureC ureA ) comparison CK. Other assimilatory reduction, denitrification, ammonia assimilation, however, significantly changed practices. The derived Proteobacteria (mainly Sorangium was Actinobacteria Streptomyces ). Mental test showed positively correlated contents biomass N, potential mineralization, particulate organic C fractions, related gene pH, mineral contents. Discussion Overall, this study could improve availability promote by increasing DNRA, reduced inhibited cycling.