Summary
This study examined soil microbial diversity and health parameters across five land use types (three turfgrass management intensities, unmanaged prairie, and agriculture) in three Midwestern US metropolitan areas. The interaction between land use and location explained the greatest variance in bacterial and fungal community composition. Unmanaged prairie consistently showed higher fungal α-diversity than managed turfgrass and agricultural sites, whilst soil microbial composition significantly correlated with phosphorus, iron, carbon content, pH, organic matter, and texture.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in the United States and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom urban landscapes, which differ in climate, soil parent material, and horticultural practices. However, the methodological framework for assessing soil health and microbial diversity in urban green spaces could inform UK research on urban soil management and ecosystem service provision in cities.
Key measures
Bacterial and fungal β-diversity and α-diversity; relative abundance of fungal taxa (Glomeromycetes); soil phosphorus, iron, and carbon content; pH; organic matter; sand and clay content; soil health rating; respiration rate; active carbon; protein content
Outcomes reported
The study assessed bacterial and fungal microbial diversity and soil health parameters across turfgrass landscapes with varying management intensity, prairie, and agricultural sites in three Midwestern metropolitan areas. Associations between microbial community composition and soil chemical properties, physical characteristics, and overall soil health ratings were quantified.
Topic tags
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