PERSEPHONE: Nitrogen fertilizer impact on soil bacterial and fungal communities
The study explored and compared the effect of repeated application of different nitrogen fertilizers, including chemical fertilizers, manure and biogas residues, on the bacterial and fungal diversity in one temporary and two permanent grasslands in the Greater Region over a period of two years, 2018 and 2019. One of the permanent grasslands is located in the commune of Attert, Belgium and is adjacent a biogas plant. The two other grasslands are located in Champenoux, France and are adjacent to the biogas plant. Seventeen different fertilization treatments were tested in the grassland located in Attert, Belgium and nine different treatments in each grassland located in Champenoux, France. The ultimate aim of the study is to provide evidence on the environmental benefits of biogas residues over chemical fertilizers and underline their suitability as biofertilizers and substitutes for chemical fertilizers in similar agricultural systems.