Soil functional diversity in selected rainfed groundnut production systems of India

Soil microorganisms are key drivers of various functions in agroecosystem. Soil dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatase enzymes are regarded as good indicators of microbiological activity of soils. The aim of the study was to assess the status of microbial activity in selected rainfed groundnut growing regions. Soil samples were collected from Bengaluru (Karnataka), Ananthapuramu (Andhra Pradesh), Sardar Krishinagar (Gujarat) and Rajkot (Gujarat) representing semi-arid (hot moist), arid (hot), semi-arid (hot dry), and semi-arid (hot dry) climatic conditions respectively. Microbial activities were estimated in terms of soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase. The differences in microbial parameters across different regions were observed. Significant difference in dehydrogenase activity was observed between Sardar Krishinagar and Ananthapuramu soil samples. Higher soil functional diversity index was observed in Rajkot and Sardar Krishinagar. The results of the study suggest that, application of organic sources of nutrients like farm yard manure is essential to maintain soil microbial activity, functional diversity and soil health in rainfed groundnut production systems.