Integration of crop and livestock enhanced soil biochemical properties and microbial community structure

Integrated crop-livestock (ICL) system that include livestock grazing of crop residue and/or cover crops is an agricultural practice that manage crops and livestock on a single farm. Integrated crop-livestock system can provide opportunities to restore ecological services and interactions among different land-use systems to enhance agricultural ecosystems' efficiency. These systems help to enhance nutrient cycling, soil health, and protect the environment. This study was conducted at four different locations to understand the synergistic effect of the ICL systems on soil health by keeping native grasslands as a reference. Data showed that ICL system significantly increased the cold-water soluble carbon (CWC) by 44.2, 126.2, and 94.8% than the control (CNT) treatment at sites 1, 2, and 4, respectively. At site 2 and 4, the ICL system significantly increased the hot-water soluble carbon (HWC) by 265, and 104% higher compared to the CNT, respectively. The total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) abundance was 95.4 and 25.5% higher under ICL system compared to the CNT at site 3 and 4, respectively. ICL system significantly increased the dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate, urease, and beta-glucosidase activity compared to CNT at all the locations. The type of carbon (C) input (easily mineralizable organic matter), substrate availability (labile C and nitrogen), enzyme activities, and suitable soil environment or ecology of the system have been found to be the major influencing factors that determine the shifts in bacterial community structure and composition of the soil. This research finds a clear correlation between the ICL systems and the microbial communities, and soil health. It provides a viable option for restoring the natural ecosystem and achieving food security.

Automated summary

Integrated crop-livestock (ICL) system, which integrates crop and livestock management, can enhance ecological services, soil health, and nutrient cycling while protecting the environment. This study found significant increases in carbon content, enzyme activities, and microbial communities under ICL system, demonstrating its potential to improve agricultural ecosystems and food security.