Application of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) optimizing soil fungal communities to increase peanut yield in Ultisol

Abstract

Long-term continuous peanut monoculture has led to soil degradation, increased soil-borne diseases, and reduced crop productivity in the dryland Ultisols of southern China. The application of green manure has shown promising results in improving soil ecological functions; however, limited information is available regarding the most appropriate green manure type for dryland Ultisols. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of three green manure crops (hairy vetch, ryegrass, and radish) on agricultural ecosystems. Soil fertility and peanut yield were assessed using conventional experimental methods, whereas fungal community structure was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Green manure application maintained higher soil nutrient levels. The radish treatment reduced soil bulk density and significantly increased peanut yield. Green manure application significantly increased fungal abundance, with the highest abundance observed under the radish treatment. Peanut yield was significantly positively correlated with fungal abundance. In addition, green manure application increased the complexity of the soil fungal network. The diversity and relative abundance of plant saprotrophs increased under hairy vetch and radish treatments, with the highest values observed under the radish treatment. Conversely, radish treatment significantly reduced the diversity and relative abundance of plant pathogens. Overall, peanut–radish rotation appears to be an appropriate agricultural practice for maintaining soil fertility, optimizing soil fungal communities, and improving crop yield in dryland Ultisols. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the deve-lopment of sustainable agricultural practices in Ultisols.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

green manure / peanut yield / soil fungal community / Ultisol

Highlight

	● Different green manures triggered asymmetric effects on dryland of Ultisol.
	● Radish rather than hairy vetch and ryegrass significantly increased crop yield.
	● Application of radish enriched plant beneficial taxa and suppressed pathogens.
	● The radish might be an excellent green manure type for rotation with the peanut.

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