#11 - Soil microorganisms as hidden miners of phosphorus in agricultural soil with cover crops
The Institute of Aquatic Ecology organized the IEA Seminar #1 Soil microorganisms as hidden miners of phosphorus in agricultural soils with cover crops by Moritz Hallama (18-03/2022). Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is one of the most limiting plant nutrients for agricultural production. The soil microbial community plays a key role in nutrient cycling, affecting access of roots to P, as well as mobilization and mineralization of organic P (Porg). My studies aimed to better understand the potential of cover crops to enhance plant-soil-microbe interactions to improve the availability of P. A meta-analysis allowed us to articulate a comprehensive framework of cover crop-derived P benefits, while two field experiments added to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving P availability, with special emphasis on the role of microbes. Cover crops increased the abundance and activity of microbes, especially fungi, as well as microbial biomass P. This enhancement in P-cycling potential shifted Porg toward pools of greater availability to added enzymes. The interactions of cover cropping and tillage indicate that P benefit can be optimized by management decisions. Finally, these new insights into soil phosphorus cycling in agroecosystems have the potential to support further development of more sustainable agricultural systems.
The Institute of Aquatic Ecology organized the IEA Seminar #1 Soil microorganisms as hidden miners of phosphorus in agricultural soils with cover crops by Moritz Hallama (18-03/2022). Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is one of the most limiting plant nutrients for agricultural production. The soil microbial community plays a key role in nutrient cycling, affecting access of roots to P, as well as mobilization and mineralization of organic P (Porg). My studies aimed to better understand the potential of cover crops to enhance plant-soil-microbe interactions to improve the availability of P. A meta-analysis allowed us to articulate a comprehensive framework of cover crop-derived P benefits, while two field experiments added to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving P availability, with special emphasis on the role of microbes. Cover crops increased the abundance and activity of microbes, especially fungi, as well as microbial biomass P. This enhancement in P-cycling potential shifted Porg toward pools of greater availability to added enzymes. The interactions of cover cropping and tillage indicate that P benefit can be optimized by management decisions. Finally, these new insights into soil phosphorus cycling in agroecosystems have the potential to support further development of more sustainable agricultural systems.