Effects of different compost applications on soil metabolomic and metagenomic characteristics and their relation to Pak-Choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) production in the greenhouse
Journal
Scientia Horticulturae
Journal Volume
338
Start Page
113703
ISSN
0304-4238
Date Issued
2024-12
Author(s)
Abstract
Greenhouse farming plays a critical role in consistent vegetable production for urban areas. This study examined the effects of different compost applications on soil metabolomic and metagenomic characteristics and their relation to Pak-Choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) production in the greenhouse. Three different composts, namely cow manure (Cow), pig manure (Pig), and soybean meal (Soy), were used, and Pak-Choi was cultivated at two separate times. The results showed that soils treated with Pig had the highest yield of Pak-Choi, while the lowest was the Cow-treated soils. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the correlation between vegetable yield and basic soil properties, such as soil pH, electrical conductivity, and contents of organic matter, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, was weak (R2 ≤ 0.25), suggesting that a complex relationship between soil microorganisms and metabolite profiles may affect vegetable yield. A consistent trend of metabolomic and metagenomic profiles was noted for two separate batches of Pak-Choi cultivation. The main compounds were long-chain fatty acids, diterpene lactones, gibberellins, indole-3-acetic acid derivatives, and peptides; these compounds may affect plant growth and microbial signaling, and they were different between treatments. A high relative abundance of Gaiella occulta and Vicinamibacter silvestris was observed in all soil samples. Bacillus and Neobacillus were significantly correlated with Soy soils, whereas Gaiella, Conexibacter, and Roseisolibacter were positively associated with control (Ex) and Cow soils. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that different compost-treated soils possessed unique metabolomic and metagenomic characteristics, and they were related to leafy vegetable production in the greenhouse farming system.
SDGs
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
journal article