Effects of Intercropping of Vernicia Fordii And Polygonati Rhizoma On Soil Microecology

In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of different planting modes of Vernicia fordii and Polygonati rhizoma on soil physicochemical properties and microbial community characteristics to provide a scientific basis for the sustainable use of mountain soils. [Methods] Soil from six modes of intercropping of Polygonati rhizoma at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm (RV1, RV2), Polygonati rhizoma (R1, R2), and Vernicia fordii (V1, V2) were collected from Vernicia fordii forests to measure soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and soil microbial characteristics. The effects of different planting modes on soil physicochemical properties and microbial characteristics were analysed. Soil pH, conductivity, organic matter, total nitrogen, quick-acting nitrogen, total potassium, and quick-acting potassium were higher than that of Vernicia fordii monoculture. Meanwhile, catalase activity was significantly lower and lower than that of Vernicia fordii monoculture (p<0.05). Sucrase was elevated after intercropping, whereas the difference between urease and acid phosphatase was not significant in Vernicia fordii monoculture. The composition and structure of bacterial communities in the intercropped Vernicia fordii soil were higher than those in the Vernicia fordii and Vernicia fordii monocultures. The composition and structure of the soil bacterial and fungal communities changed significantly. The intercropping of Polygonati rhizoma and Vernicia fordii changed the microbial abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Bacteroidota and Chloroflexi in bacteria. After intercropping, the proportions of Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi were significantly reduced compared with those of Vernicia fordii monoculture. The proportions of Methylomirabilota and Actinobacteriota increased significantly. This study revealed the characteristics of soil microecological environment changes in the intercropping of Polygonati rhizoma Vernicia fordii and provided a scientific basis for the three-dimensional space utilization of Vernicia fordii forest. To study the positive interactions and functions of the microbiota of Vernicia fordii and Polygonati rhizoma and to study more deeply which intercropping patterns are most beneficial to farmers.