Effects of Cropping Practice on Bupleurum Chinense Rhizosphere Microbial Community

Abstract It is of great importance to understand the effects of cropping practices of Bupleurum chinense on the properties of rhizosphere soil. Therefore, the chemical properties of rhizosphere soil and the rhizosphere microbiome were assessed in the field trial with Bupleurum and three cropping practices (continuous monocropping, Bupleurum-corn intercropping and Bupleurum-corn rotation). The results showed cropping practices changed the chemical properties of the rhizosphere soil and composition, structure and diversity of the rhizosphere microbial communities. Continuous monocropping of Bupleurum chinense not only decreased soil pH and the contents of NO3--N and available K, but also decreased the alpha diversity of bacteria and beneficial microorganisms. However, Bupleurum-corn rotation improved soil chemical properties and reduced the abundance of harmful microorganisms. Soil chemical properties, especially the contents of NH4+-N, soil organic matter (SOM) and available K, were the key factors affecting the structure and composition of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil. These findings could provide a new basis for overcoming problems associated with continuous cropping and promote development of B. chinense planting industry by improving soil microbial communities.