Impact of advanced soil conservation technologies for growing maize on sloping terrains on soil microbiota
Iliana Ivanova, Gergana Kuncheva
Abstract: Water erosion leads to the loss of soil, nutrients, organic matter, disruption of soil structure, reduction of moisture capacity, loss of biodiversity, and is the most significant soil degradation process when growing agricultural crops on sloping terrain. Soil microorganisms are the basis of the functioning of ecosystems, the circulation of substances, soil-forming processes and the formation of the soil structure. Microbiological indicators, such as numbers, microbial biomass, enzyme activity, etc., are a sensitive indicator of the changes that have occurred in the soil, under the influence of anthropogenic or natural impacts. The present study is on the abundance of major groups of soil microorganisms, when applying different tillage systems in growing maize on sloping terrain. The study was carried out on Carbonate Black Earth, at the Experimental Station for Combating Soil Erosion, at IASSPP “N. Pushkarov”, in the village of Trastenik, Ruse, Agricultural Academy - Sofia. A field experience with corn for grain, applying traditional and anti-erosion technologies (surface and vertical mulching) for growing corn, is presented. The obtained results show a positive influence of the applied soil protection technologies on the number of saprophytic bacteria, mold fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing and cellulose-degrading microorganisms.
Keywords: anti-erosion technologies; microbiological indicators; soil microorganisms; surface mulching; vertical mulching
Date published: 2023-09-28
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