Soil metagenome Genome sequencing. Soil metagenome

In this study, the soil bacterial community composition under N fertilizers and different cover crop management strategies were explored. The objective was to assess whether mixed cover crops containing two different plant species in N fertilizer amended soil would be beneficial for soil health and foster a different soil bacterial community compared to nil- and mono- cover cropped soil with and without fertilizer treatments. We hypothesized that (1) N fertilization and cover crop applications would affect bacterial richness and diversity; (2) soil bacterial community structure would vary under different winter cover crop treatments; and (3) cover crop application, especially mixed cover crops, would cause a shift in soil bacterial community and improve soil health.