Rhizosphere bacterial community of sugarcane in intercrops

This study evaluated the effects of monocropping and intercropping sugarcane with mung beans, cowpea, and peanuts on crop performance, weed suppression, and the rhizosphere bacterial community under field conditions. Rhizosphere samples were analyzed using culturable microbial methods and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing libraries. Intercropping significantly reduced weed populations, with mung bean and cowpea providing superior ground cover and weed suppression, especially during flowering and later stages. Rhizosphere microbial analysis revealed higher abundance and diversity of bacterial communities in intercropped treatments. Actinobacteriota was the dominant phylum, especially in systems intercropped with cowpea and peanuts. Labile organic carbon levels were also elevated in these treatments. The bacterial community structure differed significantly between monoculture and intercropping, with increased phylogenetic diversity in intercropped systems. Notable bacterial groups included Acidimicrobiales, Rubrobacterales, and Actinomycetia, alongside nitrogen-fixing taxa such as Burkholderiaceae and Rhizobiaceae.