Microbial Dynamics in Cotton Soils under Profas Application

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is one of the world’s most important crops, both economically and agriculturally. While fertilizers and supplements such as Profas are widely used to improve crop productivity, their impact on soil health and microbial communities is not fully understood. This study examined how Profas influences soil microbial diversity and composition in cotton fields. Using V3-V4 amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on the Illumina MiSeq platform, microbial communities from soils treated with Profas at 10 ppm and 20 ppm were compared with untreated controls.

The analysis revealed that Profas application led to marked shifts in microbial populations. Proteobacteria, especially Gammaproteobacteria and members of the Pseudomonadaceae, increased in abundance, whereas overall microbial diversity declined. These patterns were linked to changes in soil nutrient dynamics, pH and the inherent antibacterial properties of Profas. To further explore its impact, nine bacterial strains were isolated and screened for their ability to degrade Profas in vitro. Among these, Prestia flexus emerged as the most efficient degrader.

The results indicate that Profas not only reshapes soil microbial communities but may also pose ecological risks by reducing biodiversity. At the same time, the identification of microbial strains capable of breaking down Profas highlights a promising approach for the bioremediation of its residues. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the interactions between synthetic inputs and soil microbes, emphasizing the need for balanced fertilizer practices that support both crop productivity and long-term soil sustainability.