Effects of peanut varieties inoculated with rhizobia agent on soil and microbial community

Inoculating with rhizobia is a pivotal strategy to enhance nitrogen fixation and stimulate peanut growth. Nevertheless, this practice also influences both the chemical composition and biological dynamics of the soil, ultimately impacting peanut productivity. This research investigated the consequences of rhizobia inoculation on four distinct peanut varieties, focusing on its impacts on soil chemical attributes, enzymatic activities, and bacterial community structures. Findings revealed that rhizobia inoculation reduced soil pH levels while augmenting the availability of essential nutrients within the soil matrix. Specifically, compared to uninoculated controls, rhizobia application increased ~ 4.9% soil organic carbon, 9.6% organic matter content, 14.7% available nitrogen, 17.9% available phosphorus, and 18.5% available potassium, respectively. Concurrently, an approximate ~2% enhancement in overall soil enzyme activity was attributable to rhizobia inoculation. Furthermore, the intervention significantly changed the soil bacteria community, notably boosting the relative abundance of Acidobacteria. Meanwhile, rhizobia inoculation markedly elevated the abundance of functional groups associated with methane oxidation. This augmentation is advantageous as it contributes to mitigating methane emissions from leguminous crop cultivation in agricultural systems.