Soil microbiome during cover crop decomposition

The goal of this study was to determine the impact of cover crop species and residue management practices on the soil microbiome during winter cover crop decomposition over the corn growing season. Soil bacterial communities were characterized using the small subunit (16S) rRNA gene sequences determined using the Illumina MiSeq system. This research is relevant because cover crop adoption in the U.S. Corn Belt region is a rapidly emerging management practice in corn (Zea mays) agroecosystems.