This study investigates temporal and management-driven changes in soil bacterial and fungal microbiomes during a four-year (2022–2025) regenerative pasture transition in New Zealand pastoral systems. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics, it compares microbial diversity and community structure under contrasting pasture diversity (standard vs diverse) and management systems (contemporary vs regenerative) across dairy and sheep farmlets.
Soil microbiomes are central to nutrient cycling and ecosystem function, yet their long-term responses to regenerative agricultural practices remain unclear. This study examines soil bacterial and fungal community dynamics over four years (2022–2025) across pasture systems differing in plant diversity and management intensity in New Zealand. High-throughput sequencing (16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics) was used to assess taxonomic composition, diversity patterns, and bacteria-to-fungi ratios. Results indicate that temporal environmental filtering is the dominant driver of microbial community structure, with strong convergence of bacterial and fungal taxa over time. While treatment effects were comparatively small, regenerative and diverse pastures showed subtle increases in microbial diversity and shifts in community composition. These findings highlight the strong influence of temporal dynamics on soil microbiomes and suggest that longer-term monitoring is required to detect sustained impacts of regenerative management on soil microbial functioning.
Soil microbiomes are central to nutrient cycling and ecosystem function, yet their long-term responses to regenerative agricultural practices remain unclear. This study examines soil bacterial and fungal community dynamics over four years (2022–2025) across pasture systems differing in plant diversity and management intensity in New Zealand. High-throughput sequencing (16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics) was used to assess taxonomic composition, diversity patterns, and bacteria-to-fungi ratios. Results indicate that temporal environmental filtering is the dominant driver of microbial community structure, with strong convergence of bacterial and fungal taxa over time. While treatment effects were comparatively small, regenerative and diverse pastures showed subtle increases in microbial diversity and shifts in community composition. These findings highlight the strong influence of temporal dynamics on soil microbiomes and suggest that longer-term monitoring is required to detect sustained impacts of regenerative management on soil microbial functioning.
Massey University