soil study from melon-cowpea intercropping

A greater understanding of the relationship between soil microorganisms and cropping systems could contribute to the optimization of the land use fostering sustainable and efficient agriculture. A comparative intercropping assay using cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and melon (Cucumis melo) under organic management with different distribution: i) melon and cowpea mixed in the same row (MC1), ii) one row of melon intercropped with one row of cowpea (MC2); iii) two melon rows intercropped with one of cowpea (MC3)) and both monocrops. Intercropped systems received 30% less of fertilization compared to monocultures. Intercropping systems significantly increased melon yield, soil total N and available P and change bacterial community structure compared to monocrop. More abundance of Proteobacterias, with genus related to diazotrophic and denitrification communities (Pseudomonas, Skermanella and Thauera) were observed joined to beneficial microorganisms that are shown in all soils. Lefse analysis also revealed different soil bacteria that could be considered specific of these crop systems and are associated with melon yield.