Effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on soil bacterial diversity associated with sole crop (Pigeon pea) and crop rotation (Green gram- Sorghum)

Abstract

An idea behind the status of soil microbial structure under organically and inorganically managed cropping systems is necessary for the development of suitable and sustainable crop production systems. We determined the bacterial community structure of the rhizosphere soils under the influence of organically and inorganically managed fields of sole crop and crop rotation using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Shannon diversity index and range weighted richness indicated that the microbial communities are influenced by the management practices whereas there is no much difference between the cropping pattern. Irrespective of the crop or management, the bacterial diversity was higher during the vegetative stage of the crops. Species diversity and richness seen to be higher in organically managed fields as compared to inorganic management. The long term organic management of the fields will be useful in maintenance of soil health as well as the sustainable crop production.