Effects of Continuous Cropping of Dictyophora on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties, Microbial Biomass and Enzyme Activity

Summary

This field experiment examined the effects of continuous cropping of Dictyophora indusiata (bamboo fungus) on soil properties and microbial communities over three years. Continuous cropping progressively decreased soil pH, nutrient availability (alkaline nitrogen −12.25%, available phosphorus −28.91%, available potassium −24.86% by year 3), soil enzyme activities, and bacterial/actinomycete biomass, whilst fungal biomass increased. The results indicate that continuous monoculture of D. indusiata induces soil degradation, microbiological imbalance, and reduced rhizosphere function, suggesting the need for cropping system modifications to sustain productivity.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in China and addresses continuous cropping challenges in Dictyophora indusiata cultivation, a crop not widely grown in the United Kingdom. However, the methodological framework and soil health indicators (microbial biomass, enzyme activity, nutrient cycling) are relevant to UK assessments of monoculture sustainability in horticulture and potential application of similar diagnostic approaches to continuous cropping problems in UK vegetable and specialty crop systems.

Key measures

Crop yield; soil pH; organic matter; total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium; C/N and C/P ratios; alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium; microbial biomass (bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi); soil enzyme activities (urease, catalase, peroxidase, sucrase, phosphatase, protease); bacteria/fungi ratio

Outcomes reported

The study measured yield, soil physical and chemical properties, microbial biomass (bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi), and soil enzyme activities (urease, catalase, peroxidase, sucrase, phosphatase, protease) across four treatments over three years of continuous cropping. Results demonstrated progressive declines in soil pH, nutrient availability, microbial activity, and enzyme function with increasing years of continuous cultivation.

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