Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 183-192 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 190 10 Concluding Remarks The research on the impact of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) crops on soil microbial communities has yielded mixed results. Several studies have shown that Bt crops do not significantly alter the overall microbial biomass or diversity in the soil. For instance, a study on Bt corn found no significant effects on soil microbial biomass, enzyme activity, or bacterial functional diversity over multiple seasons. Similarly, another study indicated that the bacterial communities in the rhizosphere soil of Bt rice did not show significant differences compared to non-Bt rice over three years. However, some studies have reported specific changes in microbial community composition. For example, Bt rice roots were found to affect soil fungal communities during the initial stages of decomposition. Additionally, a global meta-analysis revealed that certain soil enzymatic activities, such as dehydrogenase and urease, increased under Bt crop cultivation. The findings suggest that Bt crops can be integrated into agricultural systems without causing major disruptions to soil microbial communities, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health. The lack of significant adverse effects on microbial biomass and diversity indicates that Bt crops may be a sustainable option for pest management, reducing the need for chemical insecticides and their associated environmental impacts. However, the observed changes in specific microbial communities and enzymatic activities highlight the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure that long-term cultivation of Bt crops does not lead to unforeseen ecological consequences. Maintaining soil health is essential for sustainable agriculture, and the current evidence suggests that Bt crops can be part of a balanced approach to achieving this goal. Future agricultural practices should continue to incorporate Bt crops as part of integrated pest management strategies, given their potential to reduce chemical pesticide use and associated environmental impacts. However, it is crucial to implement long-term monitoring programs to track any subtle changes in soil microbial communities and functions over time. Research should focus on understanding the mechanisms behind the observed changes in specific microbial groups and enzymatic activities, as well as their potential implications for soil health and crop productivity. Additionally, studies should explore the combined effects of Bt crops with other sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, organic amendments, and reduced tillage, to develop holistic approaches that promote soil health and agricultural sustainability. Acknowledgments We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Professor Z. Wu from Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University for his critical reading and revising suggestions. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Almeida J., Bonatelli M., Batista B., Teixeira-Silva N., Mondin M., Santos R., Bento J., Hayashibara C., Azevedo J., and Quecine M., 2021, Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9, a tropical plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, colonizes maize endophytically and alters the plant's production of volatile organic compounds during co-inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5, Environmental Microbiology Reports, 13(6): 812-821. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-2229.13004 Castaldini M., Turrini A., Sbrana C., Benedetti A., Marchionni M., Mocali S., Fabiani A., Landi S., Santomassimo F., Pietrangeli B., Nuti M., Miclaus N., and Giovannetti M., 2005, Impact of Bt corn on rhizospheric and soil eubacterial communities and on beneficial mycorrhizal symbiosis in experimental microcosms, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 71: 6719-6729. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.71.11.6719-6729.2005 Dai Z., Su W., Chen H., Barberán A., Zhao H., Yu M., Yu L., Brookes P., Schadt C., Chang S., and Xu J., 2018, Long-term nitrogen fertilization decreases bacterial diversity and favors the growth of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in agro-ecosystems across the globe, Global Change Biology, 24: 3452-3461. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14163 Deshoux M., Sadet-Bourgeteau S., Gentil S., and Prévost-Bouré N., 2023, Effects of biochar on soil microbial communities: a meta-analysis, The Science of the Total Environment, 166079. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4399308
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