The response of soil and root microbial communities to faba bean-wheat intercropping

The significant interest in the large-scale implementation of legume-cereal intercropping primarily pertains to the enhancement of crop yields per hectare. However, the extent to which soil and root microbial diversity and functionality are influenced by this cropping system remains insufficiently evaluated in realistic field conditions. This study is based on the hypothesis that wheat-faba bean intercropping could substantially enhance soil and root bacterial and fungal biodiversity, as well as their functional potential related to carbon and nutrient cycling. Wheat and faba bean were cultivated under field conditions, both in mono- and co-culture, with two different nitrogen fertilizer doses. Soil (bulk and rhizosphere) and root samples were collected at two phenological stages approaching maturity. The bacterial and fungal communities are being analyzed using a metabarcoding approach. Phylogenetic and functional markers are being quantified through qPCR. The collected data is currently under evaluation. However, it is anticipated that intercropping could positively influence the soil and root microbial community structure and their functional potential, particularly under reduced nitrogen fertilization. The plant phenological stage is expected to influence the microbial assemblage, with a stronger effect closer to maturity. Overall, intercropping is anticipated to positively sustain the soil and root microbial community assemblage and functionality.