Microbial dynamics in traditional eco-knowledge vis-à-vis chemical-intensive agri-amendment systems of stress prone semi-arid tropics
2020
Sharma, Seema B. | Thivakaran, G.A.
In recent years, agroecosystem management strategies based on Traditional Ecological Knowledge have been receiving significant attention due to their better adaptability and sustainability. The inevitable environmental effects of chemical-based agri-inputs have raised enormous questions on their long-term use. The present study was an attempt to understand the impact of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) (A1) vis-à-vis conventional chemical-intensive integrated (A2) agriculture amendment systems in altering/modifying soil microbial dynamics and hence, their competence to achieve the overall goal of agricultural sustainability. The study explored the diversity of microorganisms with particular reference to Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSM) in these two different agri-management systems. The cropping season, phase, and the type of amendment practices used, affected the TMC (Total Microbial Count) and PSM count of the soil. The TEK amended soil system had a higher PSM count, almost two-fold (3.70 ± 0.11) as compared to chemical-intensive A2 soil (1.54 ± 0.11). Similar trends were also observed for TMC. In order to understand the microbial diversity perspectives in agricultural context, it is essential and useful to arrive at measures that can act as indicators of soil quality and crop productivity. The present study has provided evidence that TEK based organic systems had a bio-culturally rich and even soil environment, as explained by diversity indices. In addition, this dynamic state was explicitly maintained in the crucial mid-phase of flowering and fruiting. Seasonal data advocates that organic systems had stress resilience owing to microbial community composition that helps sustain stressors.
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