Assessing microbial diversity in soil and roots of longan fruit in Son La province, Vietnam

Agricultural productivity is intricately linked to the health and biodiversity of soil, making the study of these components paramount in understanding and enhancing crop production. As the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems, soil health and biodiversity play pivotal roles in nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and overall ecosystem resilience (Berendsen et al., 2012). Recognizing the significance of these factors in sustaining crop yields, the current study focuses on assessing microbial diversity in both soil and root of longan fruit (Dimocarpus longan) plantations in Son La Province. Longan is a tropical and sub-tropical plant. In Vietnam, longan is grown quite popularly in all parts of the country from North to South. Due to its high economic efficiency, in recent years, the cultivated longan area has grown rapidly. The research focuses on different treatments on longan plantation in Son La province, including:

● Longan monocropping and high organic (inorganic fertiliser 0-50 kg/ha, no
pesticides/herbicides). Sample code: SLMoH 1 -> 10
● Longan monocropping and low organic (inorganic/chemical input > 100 kg/ha, and/or
pesticides or herbicide). Sample code: SLMoL 1 -> 10
● Longan intercropping and high organic (inorganic fertiliser 0-50 kg/ha, no
pesticides/herbicides). Sample code: SLInH 1 -> 10
● Longan intercropping and low organic (inorganic/chemical input > 100 kg/ha, and/or pesticides
or herbicide). Sample code: SLInL 1 -> 10

Agricultural practices like monocropping and intercropping shape the soil microbiome and rootassociated microbial communities in longan orchards. Monocropping, where a single crop species is cultivated in an area, is a common approach. In contrast, intercropping involves growing multiple crop species together, offering benefits such as resource efficiency and pest management. These practices can impact microbial diversity, community composition, and ecosystem function in longan agroecosystems. Additionally, organic management, particularly the use of organic versus inorganic fertilizers, might also influence soil microbial communities. High organic practices reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promoting soil health and sustainability. Conversely, low organic practices prioritize synthetic fertilizers, potentially impacting microbial diversity and ecosystem stability negatively.

In the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices, it becomes important to explore and evaluate the microbial diversity within the soil. Bacterial and fungal communities within the soil are pivotal for nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and the overall health of the agroecosystem. Furthermore, the assessment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity in root systems adds a crucial layer to our understanding, as these symbiotic fungi play a fundamental role in nutrient uptake by plants. By comprehensively evaluating soil bacterial and fungal diversity, along with AMF diversity in roots, this study aims to provide insights into the intricate relationships that govern soil health and crop productivity. The outcomes of this research are anticipated to inform sustainable agricultural practices in the unique agricultural landscape of Vietnam.