Varying effects of Vicia sativa and Vicia villosa on bacterial composition and enzyme activities in nutrient-deficient sugarcane soils under greenhouse conditions
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Declining soil health and productivity are key challenges faced by sugarcane small-scale growers in South Africa. Incorporating Vicia sativa and Vicia villosa as cover crops can improve soil health by enhancing nutrient-cycling enzyme activities and nitrogen (N) contributions while promoting the presence of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the chemical and biological inputs of V. sativa and V. villosa in nutrient-deficient, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) sugarcane plantation soils. The nutrient concentrations, N and phosphorus (P) cycling bacteria, and extracellular enzyme activities of 5 soils were determined pre-planting and post- V. sativa and V. villosa harvest. Post-harvesting soils had higher pH levels than pre-planting soils. The number of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria increased post- V. sativa and V. villosa harvest, with Arthrobacter , Burkholderia , Paraburkholderia and Pseudomonas as the dominant genera. Acid phosphatase and glucosidase activities increased, with Mvutshini and Mzinto showing the most significant increases (phosphatase: 18.66 to 84.67 for V. villosa , 90.33 for V. sativa ; glucosidase: 15.33 to 83 for V. villosa and 105 µmolh − 1 g − 1 for V. sativa ). In conclusion, V. sativa and V. villosa increased PGPR, pH and enzyme activities, making them viable cover crops for nutrient-deficient sugarcane soils.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
Funder: Inyuvesi Yakwazulu-Natali
OpenAlex ID: W4406830902