Evaluation of the Impacts of Long Term Cotton Rotation on Soil Enzyme Activities and Microbial Diversity.

An increased interest in agronomic practices and their affect on soil degradation has captured attention worldwide. Many agricultural scientists have been focusing on the most efficient farming method that would enhance crop yield. Because of the focus on intensive agronomic techniques to increase crop yield, soil ecosystems have historically been degraded all over the United States. As researchers look for sustainable alternatives, it is important to find biological and biochemical assessments that can direct the researcher to the quality of the soil ecosystem. “The “Old Rotation” is the longest continuous cotton experiment testing agronomic treatments to assess impacts on soil degradation and sustainability. Soil samples were collected from the “Old Rotation” (Auburn University, Auburn, Al), and were assessed for soil biochemical, chemical and biological characteristics related to soil quality. Out of the  13 plots that constituted the experiment, soil samples were taken from  3 treatments of the experimental site; which  were winter legumes, inorganic Nitrogen (N), and a 3-yr cotton-corn-soybean rotation with wheat and winter legumes in addition to a control with no legumes or N fertilizer. Assays were performed measuring phosphomonoesterases activities, soil organic matter, soil nutrients, and microbial diversity. The differences in microbial communities’ structure, membership as well as chemical and biochemical activity will be reported.