Metagenomic Analysis of Saline-Alkali Soil Amelioration Using <italic>Oceanobacillus Picturae</italic>

Soil salinization has become a global issue threatening food security. Biological remediation, as one of the most effective methods for saline-alkali soil remediation, has provided new insights for treatment of saline-alkali land. In this study, a halophilic Bacillus strain, named Oceanobacillus picturae N1, was isolated from the saline-alkali soil of Dongying coastal area. Compared with the control group, the experimental group with the application of the strain was more effective in reducing soil salt concentration on the 14th day, and the contents of available phosphorus and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen were increased by 0.56 mg/kg and 1.6 mg/kg, respectively. The results of metagenomic analysis showed that the application of Oceanobacillus picturae N1 could effectively improve the composition and functional gene abundance of soil microbial community, and enhance the functional potential of microbial community related to metabolism and environmental information processing. Meanwhile, the strain could significantly increase the relative abundance of key functional genes involved in nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in the microbial community of saline-alkali soil. This work provided a reference for the potential application of Oceanobacillus picturae N1 in saline-alkali soil amelioration.