Long-term no-till cropping systems with bio-covers for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity and soil phosphorus management
Research evaluating how long-term no-till continuous corn and soybean systems with bio-covers (hairy vetch, winter wheat, poultry litter, and fallow) influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community structure in the rhizosphere, crop yield, and Mehlich-3 extractable soil phosphorus. Based on a 2002-established field experiment at the University of Tennessee.
Overview
This research investigates the relationship between long-term no-till cropping systems and the diversity and structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities in the rhizosphere, alongside soil phosphorus availability and crop performance. The work focuses on continuous corn and continuous soybean rotations combined with four bio-cover treatments: hairy vetch, winter wheat, poultry litter, and a fallow control. AMF form mutualistic relationships with plant roots that improve water and nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus. Understanding how different bio-covers shape indigenous AMF communities and soil P status over time can inform more sustainable nutrient management and cover crop selection strategies for row crop producers.
Technical specifications
Experimental design:
- Continuous corn and continuous soybean systems under long-term no-till management
- Four bio-cover treatments: hairy vetch, winter wheat, poultry litter, and fallow control
- Field experiment established in 2002 at the University of Tennessee Research Center
Measurement and analysis methods:
- Rhizospheric soil sampling for AMF community evaluation
- Total soil DNA extraction, quantification, and storage
- Fungal community composition assessed via Illumina sequencing
- Soil available phosphorus measured using the Mehlich-3 extraction test
- Crop yield monitoring across treatments
Variables of interest:
- AMF diversity and community structure in the rhizosphere
- Mehlich-3 extractable soil phosphorus levels
- Crop yield response across bio-cover treatments
Technology readiness level
This is an active field-based research program built on a long-term experiment established in 2002, providing a robust platform for evaluating cumulative treatment effects on soil biology and nutrient dynamics. The study employs established molecular methods (Illumina sequencing of soil DNA) and standard soil testing protocols (Mehlich-3) to characterize AMF communities and phosphorus availability. The research is positioned to generate findings that can guide cover crop and nutrient management recommendations for no-till corn and soybean production systems.
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