Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 199-213 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 2 04 introduction of crop rotation and mulching can accumulate organic matter and cycling nutrients (Zhang et al., 2022b; Mukhametov et al., 2024). 6 Impact on Soil Biological Properties 6.1 Changes in microbial diversity and community structure Diversified management measures such as intercropping corn and green manure can enhance soil microbial diversity and community complexity, promote the enrichment of beneficial microbial communities (such as root promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), and inhibit the spread of pathogens (Tao et al., 2017; Ablimit et al., 2022). Physical and chemical factors such as soil pH, nutrient status, and organic matter content can indirectly affect maize yield and soil health by regulating microbial community structure (Tao et al., 2017; Chukwuneme et al., 2021). The soil microbial diversity and metabolic function of corn fields, which were originally grasslands, were significantly higher than those of corn fields under long-term intensive cultivation, and soil pH was the main factor determining microbial distribution (Chukwuneme et al., 2021). The application of biofertilizers, crop cover, and organic matter during corn cultivation can promote microbial diversity and enrichment of functional groups (Ascari et al., 2019; Ablimit et al., 2022). 6.2 Changes in soil animal abundance (such as nematodes and earthworms) Corn cultivation also has a significant impact on the abundance and diversity of soil animal communities, especially nematodes and earthworms. Long term monoculture corn cultivation and high-intensity tillage often lead to soil structure damage and organic matter decline, thereby inhibiting the survival and reproduction of large soil animals such as earthworms, reducing soil animal diversity and ecological functions (Furtak et al., 2017; Ablimit et al., 2022). Adopting measures such as conservation tillage, straw returning, and organic fertilizer management can help improve the soil environment, promote the reproduction of earthworms and beneficial nematodes, enhance soil biological activity and nutrient cycling capacity. The abundance of soil animals is closely related to soil microbial communities and enzyme activity. Large soil animals such as earthworms enhance the physical structure and biological functions of soil by decomposing organic residues, promoting aggregate formation, and microbial reproduction. Under diversified planting and organic management systems, the number and diversity of soil animals have significantly increased, and the stability and stress resistance of soil ecosystems have been enhanced. 6.3 Enzyme activity changes related to nutrient cycling In the corn planting system, enzyme activity is jointly influenced by management measures, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial community structure. Measures such as intercropping corn with green manure, applying biological fertilizers, and organic matter can significantly enhance the activity of key enzymes such as soil dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase, promote organic matter decomposition and nutrient release, and enhance soil nutrient supply capacity (Furtak et al., 2017; Hafez et al., 2021; Ablimit et al., 2022). Under water stress and salinization conditions, measures such as inoculation with root promoting bacteria (PGPR) and application of nano silicon can also enhance soil enzyme activity and alleviate the negative effects of adversity on soil and crops (Hafez et al., 2021). 6.4 Effects of genetically modified (GM) maize on soil microorganisms The planting of genetically modified corn has limited impact on soil microbial community structure, and changes in microbial diversity and major functional groups are mainly influenced by soil type, management measures, and environmental factors, rather than the genetically modified traits themselves (Afandor Barajas et al., 2021). In greenhouse and field experiments, there was no significant difference in the impact of genetically modified maize on soil bacterial communities compared to non genetically modified maize. The main changes in microbial diversity and community structure were still dominated by management measures such as tillage, fertilization, and crop rotation.
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