Crop rotational diversity increases disease suppressive capacity of soil microbiomes

• DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2235
• Publication Date: 2018-05-31T15:11:09Z
• Authors: Ariane L. Peralta; Yanmei Sun; Marshall D. McDaniel; Jay T. Lennon
• Keywords: Monoculture; Crop Rotation; Crop Diversity

Abstract Microbiomes can aid in the protection of hosts from infection and disease, but mechanisms underpinning these functions complex environmental systems remain unresolved. Soils contain microbiomes that influence plant performance, including their susceptibility to disease. For example, some soil microorganisms produce antimicrobial compounds suppress growth pathogens, which provide benefits for sustainable agricultural management. Evidence shows crop rotations increase fertility tend promote microbial diversity, it has been hypothesized enhance disease suppressive capacity, either through diversity impacting bacterial composition or increased abundance microorganisms. In this study, we used a long‐term field experiment test effects time (i.e., rotations) on capacity. We sampled seven treatments along gradient (from monoculture five species rotation) spring fallow (non‐crop) treatment examine bacteria are capable producing antifungal compounds. Crop significantly influenced community composition, where most diverse cropping with cover crops differed communities 1–3 treatments. While was about 4% lower rotation (corn–soybean–wheat + 2 crops) compared corn, functional group prnD gene more by 9% monocultures. addition, potential diminished The could be important than function our study. Identifying patterns ecosystem relationships insight into microbiome management, will require manipulating nutrients resources mediated diversity.