Peanut monoculture‐induced decline in fertility of Andosols in Nicaragua

Background Andosols are generally characterized by strong resilience to degradation and high soil fertility. This may decline during long-term peanut (Arachis hypogea) monoculture, as indicated chemical biological properties. Aims The study investigated the monoculture-induced changes in environment driver for Methods In this on-farm study, soils from seven sites cropped with monoculture different periods between 1 20 years were analyzed properties (pH, Al Fe oxides, organic matter) well microbial biomass functional diversity, estimated multiple substrate-induced respiration (MSIR). Results Total nitrogen (N), carbon (SOC), C (MBC) declined 57%, 62%, 73%, respectively, over of comparison year cultivation. SOC/total N ratio showed most consistent decrease period. Shannon diversity index, calculated MSIR responses, decreased 2.5 2.1 passing a minimum after 10 years. Discriminant function increasing (r = –0.87) explained 74% variance, separating nearly all each other. main predictors pH, exchangeable Al3+, ratio, but dithionite extractable Ca2+/Mg2+ also made significant contributions. Conclusion Twenty led fertility, strongly microbiological indices.