Summary
This five-year field trial demonstrated that incorporating pigeon pea into a maize–palisade grass intercropping system under no-till management significantly improved ecosystem multifunctionality through enrichment of nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium spp. and enhanced microbial functional capacity for nitrogen metabolism, biofilm formation, and plant growth promotion. The metagenomics-based analysis revealed that the legume addition shifted the soil microbiota towards functions supporting plant nutrient acquisition and soil fertility, whilst the maize–grass system alone promoted competitive and phytohormone-related pathways, suggesting that legume integration optimises microbial ecosystem services.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Brazil within a soybean-based crop–livestock system, representing tropical/subtropical conditions and agricultural contexts that differ from typical United Kingdom temperate farming systems. However, the underlying principles of legume-mediated microbial enhancement and no-till intercropping practices have transferable relevance to UK regenerative farming and soil health initiatives, particularly where diversified cropping systems and reduced tillage are being adopted.
Key measures
Ecosystem multifunctionality index; soil microbial taxonomy and functional pathways (metagenomics); plant productivity; soil health indicators; lamb meat productivity; climate protection; abundance of Bradyrhizobium spp.; nitrogen metabolism; biofilm formation; exopolysaccharide biosynthesis; plant growth-promoting microbial traits
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil microbial community composition and function using metagenomics after five growing seasons of intercropping treatments, and assessed ecosystem multifunctionality through plant productivity, soil health, livestock productivity, and climate-related outcomes.
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