Revealing the impact of cover crops on soil functionality and biodiversity in apple orchards

R.R.T. NOTO, R. TIZIANI, E. TASKIN, S. CESCO, L. BORRUSO Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, ITALY
M. MAVER Competence Centre for Plant Health, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, ITALY

T. MIMMO Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Bolzano- Bozen, ITALY, Competence Centre for Plant Health, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Bolzano-Bozen, ITALY

ABSTRACT

Cover crops are a valuable food source for microorganisms and soil fauna, shaping key biogeochemical cycles in agricultural ecosystems and carbon (C) sequestration. The study aims to evaluate the impact on soil microbial functionality and biodiversity of two distinct cover crop mixtures (Hühnerauslauf, a mixture of low- growing grasses, and Südtirolmischung, which contains predominantly Leguminosae). In close cooperation with regional farmers, the study is carried out in six different apple orchards in South Tyrol, Italy, each characterized by differing agronomic practices. Soil samples are collected at two depths (topsoil: 0-30 cm, subsoil: 30-60 cm) three times a year (spring, summer, and fall). Soil microbial functionality is examined by measuring soil respiration and specific enzyme activity linked to the C cycle. As expected, the topsoil has higher respiration rates than the subsoil. Furthermore, results indicate that the time of sampling significantly affects soil respiration, implying that climatic or meteorological factors play a key role in influencing respiratory dynamics. The selected enzymes are currently being studied. This study can help us understand how cover crops affect soil biological functions and processes, which are essential to laying the foundation of agroecological strategies that promote C sequestration.

Keywords: Cover crops,soil biodiversity,soil respiration,enzyme activity,Soil microbial functionality