Metagenomic Analysis of Sugarcane Rhizosphere Microbiota from Eroded and Productive Soils: Implications for Soil Fertility Restoration
Sugarcane is a vital crop with significant economic, industrial, and social importance. It generally thrives in well-drained loamy soil with optimum nutrients. Urbanization has led to an increased soil demand. Removing topsoil for financial gain as well as to meet increasing infrastructure demand has become more common. The removal of topsoil has a negative impact on soil health and fertility. The sugarcane rhizosphere plays a pivotal role in nutrient acquisition, plant health, and soil fertility. To comprehend the alterations in soil rhizosphere upon topsoil removal, we studied three soil types: ratoon cropping, topsoil layer removed, and soil replenished with cropping. We observed a decrease in the microbial heterogeneity in the removed topsoil. Metagenomic analysis revealed increased abundance of Proteobacteria in disrupted soil and decreased abundance of Bacteroidota. Genus-level insights revealed increased abundance of Sphingomonas. Functional analysis revealed reduced nitrogen fixation in degraded soil. Hence, the microbial enrichment of degraded soil is highly recommended before commencing cropping to ensure high ultimate yield in a short time span.