Integrating perennial bahiagrass into the conventional rotation of cotton and peanut enhances interactions between microbial and nematode communities

Integrating two years of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) into the peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum cropping system improves soil quality crop production as compared to a conventional peanut-cotton-cotton rotation (CR). However, it is unclear if this system, known sod-based (SBR), affects biological communities (e.g., microorganisms nematodes) their trophic interactions. Furthermore, how groups respond agricultural management irrigation) understudied. In April 2017, we collected pre-planting samples (0–30 cm) from plots located in Quincy (Florida, United States) that had been under CR (cotton grown consecutive years) SBR only once) for 17 years. We used amplicon sequencing investigate microbial an inverted microscope technique quantify nematodes. Compared CR, significantly increased nematode alpha diversity (one-way ANOVA; P < 0.05) induced different communities. contrast, there were no significant differences structure bacterial between CR. enriched Nitrospira, while second growth higher relative abundance Alphaproteobacteria 0.05). Plant-parasitic (848 counts per 100 g dry soil) bacterial-feeding nematodes (798 similar SBR, plant-parasitic (7772 predominant (<1000 all other taxa). exhibited greater number paired Pearson correlations (P among functional bacteria systems. Irrigation effect on although some responded irrigation. Overall, these results suggest integrating diversify peanut-cotton sustainable approach enhance biodiversity, with more diverse complex interactions will affect response crops Thus, future rotations should increase plant trait by adding perennial grasses) maximize benefits