MSB_2024v15n1

Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 37-45 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 40 (Badenhorst et al., 2018). The combined use of cow dung and biochar has also been reported to enhance soil phosphorus availability and improve the growth of plants such as Populus euphratica by increasing the abundance of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Fan et al., 2023). 4.2 Soil structure and aeration improvement Dung decomposers significantly improve soil structure and aeration, which are critical for plant growth. Dung beetles, for example, create tunnels under dung pats, which enhance water infiltration rates, reduce soil compaction, and improve soil aeration. This bioturbation activity not only facilitates better root penetration but also enhances the overall soil structure, making it more conducive for plant growth. In reclaimed mined lands, the presence of dung beetles has been shown to reduce soil strength and increase water infiltration rates, leading to improved soil physical properties and higher plant biomass (Badenhorst et al., 2018). These improvements in soil structure and aeration are essential for maintaining healthy soil ecosystems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 4.3 Effects on soil microbial communities The activity of dung decomposers also has profound effects on soil microbial communities. The introduction of dung and dung beetles into the soil has been shown to increase microbial diversity and alter the composition of soil microbial communities. For instance, the application of cow dung and its biochar has been found to enhance the diversity of bacterial communities and increase the abundance of functional genes related to phosphorus conversion (Fan et al., 2023). Similarly, the use of composted dung in combination with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has been reported to improve the growth and nutrient uptake of mung bean plants by enhancing the colonization of plant roots by beneficial fungi (Wahid et al., 2019). These changes in microbial communities are crucial for maintaining soil health and fertility, as they play a key role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. 5 Impact on Plant Growth 5.1 Influence of decomposer activity on plant nutrient uptake Decomposers, particularly dung beetles and vermi-compost, play a significant role in enhancing plant nutrient uptake. Studies have shown that the incorporation of dung beetles into soil can significantly improve the nutrient status, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for plant growth. For instance, the application of dung beetles along with cow dung has been found to increase the nutrient uptake in bok choy, leading to improved growth and physiological processes (Kaleri et al., 2020). Similarly, the use of vermi-compost has been shown to enhance the nutrient uptake in marigold plants, resulting in better vegetative growth and flowering parameters (Shafique et al., 2021) (Figure 2). The combined application of cattle dung and NPK fertilizer also significantly increased the uptake of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in fluted pumpkin, demonstrating the synergistic effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on nutrient uptake (Franko et al., 2019). 5.2 Role in seed germination and early plant development Decomposers also play a crucial role in seed germination and early plant development. Vermi-compost, for example, has been shown to be highly effective in promoting seed germination and early seedling growth in marigold plants. The optimal concentration of vermi-compost (20%) resulted in the highest germination percentage and early initiation of seed germination (Shafique et al., 2021). Additionally, the activity of dung beetles has been linked to improved seed germination and early plant development by enhancing soil conditions and nutrient availability. In tropical forests, dung beetles contribute to the secondary dispersal of seeds, which can positively affect seed bank structure and dynamics, although the direct impact on seedling performance may vary (Andresen and Urrea-Galeano, 2022). 5.3 Long-term effects on plant health and productivity The long-term effects of decomposer activity on plant health and productivity are profound. The continuous application of decomposers such as dung beetles and vermi-compost can lead to sustained improvements in soil

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