Interactions between cover crops and soil microorganisms increase phosphorus availability in conservation agriculture

Abstract Aims An essential task of agricultural systems is to improve internal phosphorus (P) recycling. Cover crops and tillage reduction can increase sustainability, but it not known whether stimulation the soil microbial community availability organic P pools. Methods In a field experiment in southwest Germany, effects winter cover crop mixture (vs. bare fallow) no-till non-inversion tillage) on P-cycling were assessed with soybean as main crop. Microbial biomass, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), cycling enzymes, carbon-substrate use capacity linked for first time lability pools measured by enzyme addition assays (using phosphodiesterase, non-phytase-phosphomonoesterase fungal phytase). Results phosphorus, phosphatase, increased under crops, indicating an enhanced potential cycling. Enzyme-stable shifted towards enzyme-labile Effects weaker, synergy was evident. Conclusions this experiment, able microbially mediated non-P-limited, temperate agroecosystems.