Cropping systems modify soil biota effects on wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth and competitive ability

Abstract

Plants alter soil biota which subsequently modifies plant growth, plant-plant interactions and plant community dynamics. While much research has been conducted on the magnitude and importance of soil biota effects (SBEs) in natural systems, little is known in agro-ecosystems. We investigated whether agricultural management systems could affect SBEs impacts on crop growth and crop-weed competition. Utilising soil collected from eight paired farms, we evaluated the extent to which SBEs differed between conventional and organic farming systems. Soils were conditioned by growing two common annual weeds: Amaranthus retroflexus (redroot pigweed) or Avena fatua (wild oat). Soil biota effects were measured in wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth and crop-weed competition, with SBEs calculated as the natural log of plant biomass in pots inoculated with living soil divided by the plant biomass in pots inoculated with sterilised soil. SBEs were generally more positive when soil inoculum was collected from organic farms compared with conventional farms, suggesting that cropping systems modify the relative abundance of mutualistic and pathogenic organisms responsible for the observed SBEs. Also, as feedbacks became more positive, crop-weed competition decreased and facilitation increased. In annual cropping systems, SBEs can alter plant growth and crop-weed competition. By identifying the management practices that promote positive SBEs, producers can minimise the impacts of crop-weed competition and decrease their reliance on off-farm chemical and mechanical inputs to control weeds, enhancing agroecosystem sustainability.