Effects of Auricularia heimuer Residue Amendment on Soil Quality, Microbial Communities, and Maize Growth in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China

Ying Wang, Jionghua Wang, Keqing Qian, Yuting Feng, Jiangyan Ao, Yinzhen Zhai, Yu Li, Xiao Li, Bo Zhang () and Han Yu ()
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Ying Wang: College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Jionghua Wang: College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Keqing Qian: Engineering Research Center of Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Chinese Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Yuting Feng: College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Jiangyan Ao: College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Yinzhen Zhai: College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Yu Li: Engineering Research Center of Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Chinese Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Xiao Li: Industrial Development Institute for Plants, Animals and Fungi Integration of Biyang County, Zhumadian 463700, China
Bo Zhang: Sanjiang Fungal Industry Collaborative Innovation Center, Changchun 130118, China
Han Yu: College of Agriculture, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-30

Abstract: This study reveals how microbial diversity relates to soil properties in Auricularia heimuer residue–chicken manure composting, presenting sustainable waste recycling solutions. These microbial-straw strategies are adaptable to various agroecological regions, offering flexible residue valorization approaches for local conditions, crops, and resources. This study examined the effects of composting Auricularia heimuer residue and chicken manure at three ratios (6:4, 7:3, 8:2) on soil properties, lignocellulose content, enzyme activity, microbial diversity, and maize growth. The compost was mixed into potting soil at different proportions (0:10 to 10:0). During composting, the temperature remained above 50 °C for more than 14 days, meeting safety and sanitation requirements. The composting process resulted in a pH range of 7–8, a stable moisture content of 60%, a color change from brown to gray-brown, the elimination of unpleasant odors, and the formation of loose aggregates. Lignocellulose content steadily decreased, while lignocellulosic enzyme activity and actinomycete abundance increased, indicating suitability for field application. Compared with the control (CK), total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium in the soil increased by 57.81–77.91%, 4.5–19.28%, and 301.09–577.2%, respectively. Lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose increased 50.6–83.49%, 59.6–340.33%, and 150.86–310.5%, respectively. The activities of lignin peroxidase, cellulase, and hemicellulase increased by 9.05–36.31%, 6.7–36.66%, and 37.39–52.16%, respectively. Maize root weight, plant biomass, and root number increased by 120.87–138.59%, 117.83–152.86%, and 29.03–75.81%, respectively. In addition, composting increased the relative abundance of actinomycetes while decreasing the abundance of ascomycetes and ascomycetes. The relative abundance of Sphingomonas and Gemmatimonas increased, whereas pathogenic fungi such as Cladosporium and Fusarium decreased. Compost application also enhanced bacterial and fungal diversity, with bacterial diversity indices ranging from 6.744 to 9.491 (B1), 5.122 to 9.420 (B2), 8.221 to 9.552 (B3), and 6.970 to 9.273 (CK). Fungal diversity indices ranged from 4.811 to 8.583 (B1), 1.964 to 9.160 (B2), 5.170 to 9.022 (B3), and 5.893 to 7.583 (CK). Correlation analysis of soil physicochemical properties, lignocellulose content, enzymes, microbial community composition, and diversity revealed that total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and lignocellulose content were the primary drivers of rhizosphere microbial community dynamics. These factors exhibited significant correlations with the dominant bacterial and fungal taxa. Additionally, bacterial and fungal diversity increased with the incorporation of Auricularia heimuer residue. In conclusion, this study elucidates the relationships between microbial diversity and soil properties across different proportions of Auricularia heimuer residue and chicken manure composting, offering alternative strategies for waste recycling and sustainable agricultural development. At present, the production of biobiotics using waste culture microorganisms is still in the laboratory research stage, and no expanded experiments have been carried out. Therefore, how to apply waste bacterial bran to the production of biocontrol biotics on a large scale needs further research.

Keywords: corn; chicken manure; soil physical and chemical properties; microorganisms; sustainable agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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