The stress history of soil bacteria under organic farming enhances the growth of wheat seedlings

Abstract

AbstractThe effects of stress factors associated with climate change and agricultural management practices on microorganisms are often studied separately, and it remains to be determined how these factors impact the soil microbiome and, subsequently, plant growth characteristics. The aim of this study was to understand how the historical climate and agriculture to which soil microbes have been exposed can influence the growth characteristics of wheat seedlings and their associated bacterial communities. We collected soil from organic and conventional fields with different histories of climate conditions to extract microbes to inoculate wheat seeds. The results showed a positive interaction between conventional farming practices and an ambient climate for faster and higher germination rates. We demonstrate that soil microbial extracts from organic farming with experience of the future climate significantly enhanced above-ground biomass along with bacterial diversity in the seedlings compared to the soil from conventional farming. Our data suggest that soil microbiomes selected by organic farming with a history of future climates can positively impact the aboveground biomass of wheat seedlings and their bacterial assemblages, emphasizing the potential benefits of organic farming practices under changing climate conditions.