Soil fertility can be further improved by incorporating cover crops that add organic matter to the soil, which leads to improved soil structure and promotes a healthy, fertile soil; by using green manure or growing legumes to fix nitrogen from the air through the process of biological nitrogen fixation; by micro-dose. Ploughing: Breaking and turning over the soil to bury crop residues, control weeds, and create a better seedbed. Harrowing: Breaking up clods of soil, smoothing the surface, and incorporating organic matter to prepare a finer seedbed. Rotate Crops. Plant Cover Crops. Create Greater Biodiversity. Incorporate Livestock with Crops.Fertilization can change soil properties, which can impact the structure of the bacterial community. For example, one study found that different nitrogen fertilizer dosages and irrigation regimes significantly affected the bacterial community's richness and diversity. Irrigation Optimized irrigation can improve potato water and nitrogen use efficiency by regulating soil chemical properties. Proper amount and type of tillage, maintenance of soil organic matter, maintenance of a proper nutrient supply for plants, avoidance of soil contamination, maintenance of the correct soil acidity, and control of soil loss (erosion). In Illinois, the greatest concern for soil degradation is erosion caused by water. All of these practices depend on soil type, soil texture, and slope as well as on the crops that are grown.

Soil microflora are highly sensitive to various soil management practices, and their response can significantly impact soil health and fertility. Here's how different practices such as tillage, fertilization, and irrigation affect soil microflora:

Soil tillage can have both positive and negative effects on microflora. On one hand, it can aerate the soil, making it more conducive to microbial activity. On the other hand, excessive tillage can disrupt soil structure, exposing microorganisms to harsh environmental conditions and increasing their vulnerability to predators. Conservation tillage practices, such as no-till or reduced tillage, aim to minimize these negative impacts by maintaining a protective soil cover and reducing soil disturbance.

The application of fertilizers can influence microbial communities in several ways. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, provide a rich source of nutrients and organic matter, which can stimulate microbial growth and diversity. In contrast, the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers can lead to nutrient imbalances and potentially toxic conditions for microorganisms. For instance, high levels of nitrogen can favor certain bacterial groups while suppressing others, leading to a less diverse microbial community.

Soil moisture is a critical factor for microbial activity. Adequate irrigation can maintain optimal soil moisture levels, promoting microbial growth and activity. However, over-irrigation can lead to waterlogged conditions, reducing oxygen availability and favoring anaerobic microorganisms. This can result in the production of harmful gases like methane and nitrous oxide, and it can also lead to the leaching of nutrients away from the root zone.

One review paper that summarized the ecological impact of different agricultural management practices on the soil ecosystem is the paper by Dr. Azarbad. I personally truly enjoyed reading it and recommend it as well.

Access it here: Article Conventional vs. Organic Agriculture–Which One Promotes Bett...

Agricultural soil management practices definitely affect the soil microbiota that plays important role in soil ecosystem by determining the rate of mineralization and humification of OM. (1) There may occur increase in plant growth promoting bacteria (2) Increase in no. of bacteria antagonistic to bacterial and fungal phytopathogens (3) crop rotation with legumes may increase the no. of nitrifying bacteria. (4) increase in mycorrhization, suppression of phytopathogens. Irrigation prevents the soil drying and results in better soil physical,chemical and biological health. Organic fertilization with compost or biofertilizer add specific microbial flora to soil for better nutrients cycling.

Kamyar Amirhosseini Thank you for the insightful explanation of how various soil management practices impact soil microflora. It's fascinating to learn about the delicate balance between beneficial and harmful effects of tillage, fertilization, and irrigation on microbial communities. The distinction between organic and synthetic fertilizers is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices for soil health. I'll definitely check out Dr. Azarbad's review paper for further reading on this critical topic.

Sunita Gaind You've highlighted the significant impact of agricultural soil management practices on soil microbiota, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem. The benefits of these practices, including increased plant growth-promoting bacteria and antagonistic bacteria, are truly remarkable. Crop rotation with legumes and organic fertilization with compost or biofertilizers can also enhance soil health by introducing beneficial microbial flora. Irrigation, when managed properly, can further support soil health by preventing drying and promoting optimal physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Overall, adopting these sustainable practices can lead to improved soil fertility and reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers.