Investigating the Impact of Agricultural Practices on Soil Microbial Diversity

Abstract

The global demand for food production has led to the widespread adoption of various agricultural practices to enhance crop yield. However, the unintended consequences of these practices on soil health, particularly microbial diversity, have become a growing concern. This study aims to investigate the impact of different agricultural practices on soil microbial diversity and assess the potential implications for ecosystem functioning and sustainability. The research involves the implementation of a comprehensive field study in diverse agricultural settings, encompassing conventional farming, organic farming, and agroecological approaches. Soil samples will be collected at various depths and locations, and state-of-the-art molecular techniques, such as high-throughput DNA sequencing, will be employed to analyze microbial community composition. The study aims to elucidate how common agricultural practices, including the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and tillage, influence the abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms. Special attention will be given to key microbial indicators of soil health, such as mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and microbial biomass.