Pedosphere 36(4): 837--849, 2026
ISSN 1002-0160/CN 32-1315/P
©2026 Soil Science Society of China
Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press
| Modulation of sulfur-cycling microbial community and functional gene network by vermicompost amendment in saline-alkali soils |
He HU, Siping LI, Chong WANG |
| State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193 (China) |
| ABSTRACT |
| Soil microorganisms drive sulfur (S) biogeochemical cycle, a critical process supporting plant growth and soil fertility. In saline-alkali soils, microbial survival is challenged by harsh conditions, requiring adaptations such as antioxidant enzyme production. Soil amendments, particularly vermicompost, may enhance microbial resilience. This study used metagenomic techniques to investigate the effects of saline-alkali stress on the structure and functional roles of soil S-cycling microbial communities. Three treatments were analyzed: saline-alkali soil (SA), non-saline soil (control, CK), and vermicompost-amended saline-alkali soil (SV). Significant differences were observed in S-cycling microbial communities between SA and CK. In SA, the relative abundance of S reduction functional genes significantly increased by 67.7% compared to CK (P < 0.05). Conversely, SV reduced these genes by 42% relative to SA (P < 0.05), aligning their abundance with CK. Furthermore, genes involved in assimilatory sulfate reduction were significantly upregulated in SV compared to both SA and CK (P < 0.05), showing a 10% increase over SA (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that vermicompost modulates S-cycling functional gene expression, suppressing dissimilatory sulfur reduction while enhancing sulfate assimilation, thereby improving S bioavailability. This study provides microbiological evidence for vermicompost-driven restoration of the S cycle in saline-alkali soils, offering a sustainable strategy for ecological rehabilitation and soil management. |
| Key Words: assimilatory sulfate reduction,bacterial community composition,bioinformatic analyses,metagenomic sequencing,S cycle,salt stress,soil amendment |
| Citation: Hu H, Li S P, Wang C. 2026. Modulation of sulfur-cycling microbial community and functional gene network by vermicompost amendment in saline-alkali soils. Pedosphere. 36(4): 837-849. |
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