Long-term maize-Desmodium intercropping shifts structure and composition of soil microbiome with stronger impact on fungal communities

Abstract Purpose Push–pull is an intercropping technology that rapidly spreading among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The intercrops cereals with Desmodium to fight off stem borers, eliminate parasitic weeds, and improve soil fertility yields of cereals. above-ground components push–pull cropping have been well investigated. However, the impact on microbiome subsequent role diverse ecosystem benefits are unknown. Here we describe associated maize— farming comparison long-term maize monoculture. Methods Soil samples were collected from monoculture plots at international centre for insect physiology ecology (ICIPE), Mbita, Kenya. Total DNA was extracted before16S rDNA ITS sequencing analysis QIIME2 R. Results Maize— caused a strong divergence fungal microbiome, which more species rich than plots. Fungal groups enriched linked important services, belonging functional such as mycorrhiza, endophytes, saprophytes, decomposers bioprotective fungi. Fewer genera plots, some plant pathogenesis opportunistic infection humans. In contrast, bacterial communities weak few differences between Conclusion diversifies microbiomes favors taxa services including health, productivity food safety.