Effects of intercropping with legume forage on the rhizosphere microbial community structure of tea plants.

Context: Intercropping in agriculture is crucial for addressing challenges in intensive tea farming. Forage legumes reduce fertilizer dependence and significantly boost productivity. Currently, intercropping with legumes enhances the environmental conditions of tea plantations and improves tea quality. Objective: However, the comprehension of the rhizosphere's impact on the associated microbes and the community structure of tea plants is still somewhat constrained. Methods: Hence, four distinct planting methodologies were examined: Monoculture cultivation of Tieguanyin tea plants (MT), Laredo forage soybean ( Results and conclusion: The rhizospheric influence culminated in a 44.6% increase in total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and a remarkable 100.9% escalation in the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids. This rhizospheric enhancement has significantly potentiated the ecological functionalities within the bacterial community, including xylanolysis, ureolysis, nitrogen respiration, nitrogen fixation, nitrite respiration, nitrite ammonification, and nitrate reduction. Mycorrhizomonas, encompassing both ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular forms, has notably colonized the rhizosphere. The interspecific mutualistic interactions within the rhizosphere have resulted in a significant enhancement of plant growth-promoting bacteria, including Significance: These findings are instrumental in enhancing our comprehension of the pivotal practical implications of rhizosphere intercropping, thereby optimizing the structure of rhizosphere communities and alleviating the impact of greenhouse gases within croplands.