Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 49-60 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 53 5 Impact of Leguminous Plants on Soil Microbial Communities 5.1 Influence of leguminous plants on the diversity and composition of soil microbial communities Leguminous plants significantly influence the diversity and composition of soil microbial communities. The cultivation of runner beans, for instance, has been shown to differentially shape the soil microbial community structure by recruiting specific bacteria and excluding others, thereby affecting the overall microbial diversity (Stavridou et al., 2022). Similarly, the presence of legumes in plant communities has been found to maintain higher microbial biomass compared to non-leguminous plants, indicating their crucial role in sustaining microbial diversity. In alpine grasslands, leguminous plant coverage, along with soil total nitrogen, explained a substantial portion of the variation in soil microbial communities, highlighting the importance of legumes in shaping microbial diversity (Cui et al., 2016). Furthermore, the diversity of soil bacterial communities under desert leguminous plants was significantly influenced by the type of rhizocompartment, with different bacterial communities being dominant in the root, rhizosphere, and bulk soil (Zhou et al., 2020a). 5.2 Changes in soil microbial activity and function in the presence of leguminous plants The presence of leguminous plants also impacts soil microbial activity and function. For example, the cultivation of Bt maize, a genetically modified leguminous plant, resulted in increased microbial activity and nitrogen mineralization in the rhizosphere, demonstrating the functional changes induced by leguminous plants (Velasco et al., 2013). In experimental grassland ecosystems, the absence of legumes led to a decrease in microbial biomass and slower decomposition of organic material, underscoring the role of legumes in enhancing microbial activity. Additionally, leguminous plants like Hedysarum species in desert environments were found to enrich soil nutrients and support diverse microbial communities, which in turn influenced soil microbial functions such as nitrogen fixation and organic matter decomposition (Zhou et al., 2020a). 5.3 Long-term effects of leguminous plant cultivation on soil health The long-term cultivation of leguminous plants has profound effects on soil health. Studies have shown that leguminous plants contribute to the maintenance of soil organic matter and nutrient cycling, which are critical for long-term soil fertility and health (Stavridou et al., 2022). The interactions between leguminous plants and soil microbes, particularly nitrogen-fixing bacteria, play a vital role in sustaining soil nitrogen levels, thereby enhancing soil fertility over time. Moreover, the hierarchical filtering and enriching effect of leguminous plants on beneficial microbes through their rhizocompartments further supports soil health by promoting a balanced and diverse microbial community (Zhou et al., 2020a). These long-term benefits underscore the importance of leguminous plants in sustainable agricultural practices and soil conservation efforts. 6 Case Study: Effects of Hedysarum Leguminous Plants on Soil Bacterial Communities in the Mu Us Desert, Northwest China 6.1 Study area and methods The Mu Us Desert, located in northwest China, serves as the study area for examining the interactions between leguminous plants and soil microbial communities. This region is characterized by arid conditions and sandy soils, making it an ideal location to study desert leguminous plants such as Hedysarum mongolicum and Hedysarum scoparium. Zhou et al. (2020a) used high-throughput 16S rRNA genome sequencing and conventional soil physicochemical index measurements to analyze bacterial diversity and soil properties in different rhizosphere regions, including roots, rhizosphere soil, rhizosphere soil, and shrub soil (Figure 2). The study revealed the diversity and interaction of bacterial communities in different rhizosphere environments by analyzing the roots and soil samples of two drought tolerant leguminous shrubs in the desert region of Northwest China. The aim was to understand the adaptability of these plants to desert environments and their ecological restoration effects.
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