Investigating the effects of Brachiaria (Syn. Urochloa) varieties on soil properties and microbiome

Author(s)

Merloti, Luis Fernando ; Bossolani, Joao William ; Mendes, Lucas William ; Rocha, Gabriel Silvestre ; Rodrigues, Mayara ; Asselta, Fernanda Ometto ; Crusciol, Carlos Alexandre Costa ; Tsai, Siu Mui

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLANT AND SOIL; v. N/A, p. 18-pg., 2023-08-23.

Abstract

Background and aims The Brachiaria sp. (synonymous with Urochloa) is one of Brazil's main grass species used in livestock production and has become the focus of breeding genetic programs to enhance its resistance to drought, flooding, and pests, as well as improving its palatability to animals. However, there is a limited understanding of how genetic breeding can affect the soil microbiome and its potential functions. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of four different Brachiaria varieties on the soil prokaryotic and fungal communities, with focus on the N-cycle.Methods We combined molecular techniques, such as quantitative PCR and amplicon sequencing, to target prokaryotic and fungal communities and traditional soil and plant chemical analyses. The treatments were composed of the varieties of B. brizantha cv. Marandu (BM), B. ruziziensis (BR), Brachiaria spp. cv. Ipypora (BI), B. brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguas (BP) and control without plants.Results Our findings revealed that all varieties improved soil porosity, P content, organic carbon, and potential functions as Chemoheterotroph, Aerobic-Chemoheterotroph, and Pathotroph-Saprotroph groups. Soil acidity, nutrient availability, and porosity were the main drivers of the microbial communities. The study also identified the ability of each variety to recruit microbial nitrogen-fixers and ammonia-oxidizers.Conclusion We highlighted that Brachiaria varieties can favor soil microbial communities related to the release of nutrients, resistance to pathogens, and environmental stress. Also, the BI variety showed a higher potential to improve soil quality by increasing soil porosity and potential AMFs. Besides that, all varieties showed some potential to benefit intercropping and crop rotation systems. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/19000-4 - Applying the biotic soil legacy approach to understand positive-negative biota interactions for direct forest restoration from plant-soil communities feedbacks - BioFor
• Grantee: Tsai Siu Mui
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/11386-3 - Microbiome composition in Urochloa genotypes associated with phosphorus availability in the restoration of degraded pasture soils
• Grantee: Gabriel Silvestre Rocha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 19/19145-5 - Ammonium-oxidizers dynamic in Atlantic Forest soils: impact of forest-to-pasture conversion and nitrogen fertilization
• Grantee: Luis Fernando Merloti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate