Analysis of Microbial Community Structure and Diversity in Crop Rhizosphere Soil Based on Illumina NovaSeq Sequencing Platform

[Objectives]To make full use of crop rhizosphere microbial resources.[Methods]Illumina NovaSeq sequencing platform was used to analyze the richness and diversity of microbial community structure in rhizosphere soil of rice and maize crops in Baitu Town,Gaoyao District,Zhaoqing City.[Results]A total of 14936 OTUs of bacteria and 1905 OTUs of fungi were obtained from three samples of rice rhizosphere soil,and 13437 OTUs of bacteria and 1413 OTUs of fungi were obtained from three samples of maize rhizosphere soil.The diversity and richness of bacterial communities were higher than those of fungi.There are differences in soil bacterial and fungal communities among different crop samples.The analysis of species with bacteria difference at genus level among crop rhizosphere soil samples showed that 18 genera with significant differences were obtained from 6 samples;species analysis of fungi at the genus level showed that 3 genera with significant differences were obtained from 6 samples.[Conclusions]The research results of this paper have positive significance for the development and utilization of soil resources in Zhaoqing City and the full exploitation of rice and maize rhizosphere microbial resources.

Nutrient coordination mechanism of tiger nut induced by rhizosphere soil nutrient variation in an arid area, China

Tiger nut is a bioenergy crop planted in arid areas of northern China to supply oil and adjust the planting structure.However,in the western region of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China,less water resources have resulted in a scarcity of available farmland,which has posed a huge obstacle to planting tiger nut.Cultivation of tiger nut on marginal land can effectively solve this problem.To fully unlock the production potential of tiger nut on marginal land,it is crucial for managers to have comprehensive information on the adaptive mechanism and nutrient requirement of tiger nut in different growth periods.This study aims to explore these key information from the perspective of nutrient coordination strategy of tiger nut in different growth periods and their relationship with rhizosphere soil nutrients.Three fertilization treatments including no fertilization(N:P(nitrogen:phosphorous)=0:0),traditional fertilization(N:P=15:15),and additional N fertilizer(N:P=60:15)were implemented on marginal land in the Dengkou County.Plant and soil samples were collected in three growth periods,including stolon tillering period,tuber expanding period,and tuber mature period.Under no fertilization,there was a significant correlation between N and P contents of tiger nut roots and tubers and the same nutrients in the rhizosphere soil(P<0.05).Carbon(C),N,and P contents of roots were significantly higher than those of leaves(P<0.05),and the C:N ratio of all organs was higher than those under other treatments before tuber maturity(P<0.05).Under traditional fertilization,there was a significant impact on the P content of tiger nut tubers(P<0.05).Under additional N fertilizer,the accumulation rate of N and P was faster in stolons than in tubers(P<0.05)with lower N:P ratio in stolons during the tuber expansion period(P<0.05),but higher N:P ratio in tubers(P<0.05).The limited availability of nutrients in the rhizosphere soil prompts tiger nut to increase the C:N ratio,improving N utilization efficiency,and maintaining N:P ratio in tubers.Elevated N levels in the rhizosphere soil decrease the C:N ratio of tiger nut organs and N:P ratio in stolons,promoting rapid stolon growth and shoot production.Supplementary P is necessary during tuber expansion,while a higher proportion of N in fertilizers is crucial for the aboveground biomass production of tiger nut.

Effect of slope position on leaf and fine root C,N and P stoichiometry and rhizosphere soil properties in Tectona grandis plantations

Little is known about C-N-P stoichiometries and content in teak(Tectona grandis)plantations in South China,which are mostly sited on hilly areas with lateritic soil,and the effect of slope position on the accumulation of these elements in trees and rhizosphere soils.Here we analyzed the C,N,P content and stoichiometry in leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils of trees on the upper and lower slopes of a 12-year-old teak plantation.The Kraft classification system of tree status was used to sample dominant,subdominant and mean trees at each slope position.The results showed that the C,N and P contents in leaves were higher than in fine roots and rhizosphere soils.The lowest C/N,C/P and N/P ratios were found in rhizosphere soils,and the C/N and C/P ratios in fine roots were higher than in leaves.Nutrient accumulation in leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils were significantly influenced by slope position and tree class with their interaction mainly showing a greater effect on rhizosphere soils.Leaf C content and C/N ratio,fine root C and P contents,and C/N and C/P ratios all increased distinctly with declining slope position.The contents of organic matter(SOM),ammonium(NH4+-N),nitrate-nitrogen(NO3--N)and available potassium(AK)in rhizosphere soils were mainly enriched on upper slopes,but exchange calcium(ECa),available phosphorus(AP),and pH were relatively lower.Variations in the C,N and P stoichiometries in trees were mainly attributed to the differences in rhizosphere soil properties.N and P contents showed significant positive linear relationships between leaf and rhizosphere soil,and C content negative linear correlation among leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils.Chemical properties of rhizosphere soils,particularly C/N and NH4+-N,had significant effects on the leaf nutrients in trees on the upper slope.Correspondingly,rhizosphere soil properties mainly influenced fine root nutrients on the lower slope,and soil AK was the major influencing factor.Overall,these results offer new insights for the sustainability and management of teak plantations in hilly areas.

Rhizosphere Soil Fungal Diversity and Soil Physicochemical Properties of Different Vegetations in Tundra of Changbai Mountain

By studying the diversity and community structure of rhizosphere soil fungi of different plants in the tundra on the northern slope of Changbai Mountain, it provides theoretical support for the restoration of environmental degradation and in-depth study of fungal diversity in the tundra of Changbai Mountain. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to determine the ITS1 region of fungal amplicons, so as to analyze the diversity of fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil of six plants in the tundra of Changbai Mountain, and to analyze the correlation between the environment and the diversity and richness of fungal communities in combination with relevant soil physical and chemical factors. The diversity and richness of fungal community in the rhizosphere soil of six plants in Changbai Mountain tundra were different. The Simpson and Shannon indexes of Saxifraga stolonifera Curt were the highest, and the richness of fungal community in Dryas octopetala was the highest. The analysis of fungal community composition showed that the fungal colonies in plant rhizosphere soil samples mainly belonged to Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, which were the main dominant phyla. Mortierella, Fusarium and Sordariomycetes are common fungal genera in the rhizosphere soil of six plants, but their abundances are different among different plants. Water content was negatively correlated with fungal diversity, and TP was positively correlated with fungal community diversity. There were some differences in the composition and diversity of rhizosphere soil fungal communities of six plants in Changbai Mountain tundra. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the main soil fungal phyla in the rhizosphere of six plants in Changbai Mountain tundra. The results could provide theoretical guidance for ecological protection of Changbai Mountain tundra.

Effects of reduced nitrogen and suitable soil moisture on wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere soil microbiological,biochemical properties and yield in the Huanghuai Plain,China

Soil management practices affect rhizosphere microorganisms and enzyme activities, which in turn influence soil ecosystem processes. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of different nitrogen application rates on wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere soil microorganisms and enzyme activities, and their temporal variations in relation to soil fertility under supplemental irrigation conditions in a fluvo-aquic region. For this, we established a split-plot experiment for two consecutive years(2014–2015 and 2015–2016) in the field with three levels of soil moisture: water deficit to no irrigation(W1), medium irrigation to(70±5)% of soil relative moisture after jointing stage(W2), and adequate irrigation to(80±5)% of soil relative moisture after jointing stage(W3);and three levels of nitrogen: 0 kg ha^–1(N1), 195 kg ha^–1(N2) and 270 kg ha^–1(N3). Results showed that irrigation and nitrogen application significantly increased rhizosphere microorganisms and enzyme activities. Soil microbiological properties showed different trends in response to N level;the highest values of bacteria, protease, catalase and phosphatase appeared in N2, while the highest levels of actinobacteria, fungi and urease were observed in N3. In addition, these items performed best under medium irrigation(W2) relative to W1 and W3;particularly the maximum microorganism(bacteria, actinobacteria and fungi) amounts appeared at W2, 5.37×10^7 and 6.35×10^7 CFUs g^–1 higher than those at W3 in 2014–2015 and 2015–2016, respectively;and these changes were similar in both growing seasons. Microbe-related parameters fluctuated over time but their seasonality did not hamper the irrigation and fertilization-induced effects. Further, the highest grain yields of 13 309.2 and 12 885.7 kg ha^–1 were both obtained at W2 N2 in 2014–2015 and 2015–2016, respectively. The selected properties, soil microorganisms and enzymes, were significantly correlated with wheat yield and proved to be valuable indicators of soil quality. These results clearly demonstrated that the combined treatment(W2 N2) significantly improved soil microbiological properties, soil fertility and wheat yield on the Huanghuai Plain, China.

Comparisons of extraction and purification methods of soil microorganism DNA from rhizosphere soil

Microorganism DNA of rhizosphere soil from Pinus koraiensis and Pinus sylvestriformis were extracted by proteinase K based on SDS method, CTAB method, PVP （polyvinylpolypyrrolidone） method, and freezing and thawing method and the crude DNA from rhizosphere soil were purified by dialysis method, silver beads absorption method, and squeezing DNA gel method. The results of different extracting and purifying methods were compared and evaluated. Results indicated that the best method of extraction for microorganism DNA in rhizosphere soil was proteinse K based on SDS method with high salt concentration of 1.0% （w/v） NaCl, which could effectively eliminate humic acids and other impurities. The dialysis method was suitable to purify DNA from rhizosphere soil because of effectively removing brown matters and humic acids and the purified products were suited to PCR amplification. Squeezing DNA gel method was also a good purification method with the advantage of inexpensive in cost and efficient in use.

Nitrogen application and intercropping change microbial community diversity and physicochemical characteristics in mulberry and alfalfa rhizosphere soil

Intercropping of mulberry(Morus alba L.)and alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.)is a new forestry-grass compound model in China,which can provide high forage yields with high protein.Nitrogen application is one of the important factors determining the production and quality of this system.To elucidate the advantages of intercropping and nitrogen application,we analyzed the changes of physicochemical properties,enzyme activities,and microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil.We used principal components analysis(PCA)and redundancy discriminators analysis to clarify the relationships among treatments and between treatments and environmental factors,respectively.The results showed that nitrogen application significantly increased pH value,available nitrogen content,soil water content(SWC),and urea(URE)activity in rhizosphere soil of monoculture mulberry.In contrast,intercropping and intercropping+N significantly decreased pH and SWC in mulberry treatments.Nitrogen,intercropping and intercropping+N sharply reduced soil organic matter content and SWC in alfalfa treatments.Nitrogen,intercropping,and intercropping+N increased the values of McIntosh diversity(U),Simpson diversity(D),and Shannon-Weaver diversity(H’)in mulberry treatments.However,PC A scatter plots showed clustering of monoculture mulberry with nitrogen(MNE)and intercropping mulberry without nitrogen(M0).Intercropping reduced both H’and D but nitrogen application showed no effect on diversity of microbial communities in alfalfa.There were obvious differences in using the six types of carbon sources between mulberry and alfalfa treatments.Nitrogen and intercropping increased the numbers of sole carbon substrate in mulberry treatments where the relative use rate exceeded 4%.While the numbers declined in alfalfa with nitrogen and intercropping.RDA indicated that URE was positive when intercropping mulberry was treated with nitrogen,but was negative in monoculture alfalfa treated with nitrogen.Soil pH and SWC were positive with mulberry treatments but were negative with alfalfa treatments.Intercropping with alfalfa benefited mulberry in the absence of nitrogen application.Intercropping with alfalfa and nitrogen application could improve the microbial community function and diversity in rhizosphere soil of mulberry.The microbial community in rhizosphere soil of mulberry and alfalfa is strategically complementary in terms of using carbon sources.

Effects of Biological Bacterial Fertilizer on Carbon Metabolism Characteristics of Rhizosphere Soil Bacteria in Rice

The effects of biological bacterial fertilizer and chemical fertilizer on carbon metabolism characteristics of rhizosphere soil bacteria in rice were studied through a plot experiment.The results showed that the number and Mcintosh index of bacteria in rice rhizosphere soil increased significantly with the application of biological bacterial fertilizer.It was found that the AWCD(average well color development)value of the bacteria remarkably increased and the decomposition of carboxylic acids,amines and heterozygotes were accelerated when adding biological bacterial fertilizer at a proper weight percent.All in all,proper addition of biological bacterial fertilizer could increase the number and carbon metabolism of bacteria.The most appropriate application rate was 70%chemical fertilizer nitrogen+30%biological bacterial fertilizer nitrogen for rice production in Northern Jiangsu Province.

Effect of Soil Conditioner on the Microbial Community in the Rhizosphere Soil of Tobacco

The effects of biochar as a soil conditioner on microbial communities were studied. The results showed that, at all the growth stages of tobacco, the quantity of microorganisms in the rhizosphere soil added with the soil conditioner was higher than control （CK）. The results of metagenome detection indicated that the diversity of microbial communities in soil added with the soil conditioner was also higher than the CK, and the rate of tobacco bacterial wilt and the disease index decreased by 27.6% and 34.6%, respectively, compared with the CK. In conclusion, the soil con- ditioner could reduce the soil-borne disease by improving micro-ecological environ- ment and diversity of microbial communities in rhizosphere soil to maintain the soil balance.

Transformation of Fertilizer-N in Rhizosphere Soils of Wheat

INTRODUCTION There is a close relationship between the transformation of fertilizer-N and the statusof nitrogen nutrition in rhizosphere soils.Previously,Harmsen and Jager(1962)made ananalysis of N and C contents in the rhizosphere soils of upland crops and found thatclose to the root zone there was an enrichment of these substances.Recently,Qin and Liu(1984;1989)investigated the distribution of nitrogen in the rhizosphere of crops after ap-

Screening of Actinomycetes from Medicinal Plant Rhizosphere Soils for Industrial Enzymes and Antimicrobial Activity

This study aimed to investigate the production of some metabolites （i.e., antibiotics, amylases and cellulases） of terrestrial actinomycetes isolated from medicinal plant rhizosphere soils. Initially, the soil samples were collected from Camellia sinensis （L） Okuntze., Peuraria mirifca Airy Shaw Suvatabandhua., Ananus comosus Merr., Elephantopus scaber Linn., Orthosiphon grandiforus Bolding., Jatropha multifda Linn. and Senna siamea. To screen and isolate actinomycetes, the soil samples were pretreated by air-drying and subsequent heat incubation. The bacterial isolates exhibiting actinomycetes features were then randomly screened for their production of amylases, cellulases and antibiotics. It was found that 130 isolates （from 136） could produce amylases; 40 （from 107） produced cellulases; and seven （from 45） exhibited antimicrobial activity. The data of this study were preliminary, and yet demonstrated a rich diversity of rhizo-actinomycetes from medicinal plants. Besides, these organisms could be an untapped source for discovering of biotechnologically useful metabolites.

Subsurface aeration alters the fungal composition of rhizosphere soil and tomato plant performance in Northwest China

Rhizosphere hypoxia constrains plant growth,and numerous studies have shown that root zone aeration accelerates plant photosynthesis and growth and increases crop yields.Nevertheless,the mechanism by which soil microorganisms are involved in this process is not clear.The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of aeration and irrigation depth on the composition and structure of rhizosphere soil fungal communities and tomato plant performance.The amount of aeration assayed was equal to 0(CK),0.5(V1),1(V2),and 1.5(V3)times the porosity of the soil.The two depths of subsurface drip irrigation used were 15(D15)and 40 cm(D40).The results demonstrated that soil aeration not only increased tomato plant performance but also influenced fungal diversity and composition.Compared to the no-aeration treatment,the V3 soil aeration treatment increased the total dry weight and fruit yield by 39.9%and 65.6%,respectively.The results also showed that the abundance of the phylum Ascomycota and the family Lasiosphaeriaceae increased with increasing soil aeration,whereas those of members of the phylum Zygomycota and the order Capnodiales decreased with increasing soil aeration.Moreover,the variation in subsurface irrigation depth altered the rhizosphere soil fungal community.In general,the results of this study demonstrate that root zone aeration can ameliorate hypoxic conditions in Lou soils and is beneficial to soil fungal communities and tomato plant performance.

Research Progress on Effects of Continuous Cropping on Soil Microbial Florae and Its Restoration

Continuous cropping has become a common form of agricultural production at present, but with the increase of continuous cropping years, continuous cropping obstacles such as soil-borne diseases and plant growth potential decline are becoming more and more common. At present, the causes of continuous cropping obstacles and continuous cropping restoration have become a hot issue in agricultural research. This paper summarized the effects of continuous cropping obstacles on soil microbial community structure and main technical methods to repair continuous cropping obstacles, such as agricultural measure management, microbial balance adjustment and soil improvement, aiming to provide theoretical reference for protecting the sustainable utilization of soil ecosystem and ensuring the stability of crop production.

Research on Change of Rhizosphere Soil Properties of Chinese fir Plantation

This article emphatically reviews the difference of soil biological activities, biochemical activities and soil chemical properties between the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil of first rotation of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb) Hook) plantation. It also reviews their dynamic patterns during Chinese fir plantation development. The results show that the contents of organic and inorganic nutrients in the rhizosphere soil of young, half-mature and near-mature Chinese fir of first-rotation ...

Rhizosphere and bulk soil enzyme activities in a Nothotsuga longibracteata forest in the Tianbaoyan National Nature Reserve,Fujian Province,China

The rhizosphere, distinct from bulk soil, is defined as the volume of soil around living roots and influenced by root activities. We investigated protease, invertase, cellulase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities in rhizosphere and bulk soils of six Nothotsuga longibracteata forest communities within Tianbaoyan National Nature Reserve, including N. longibracteata ＋ either Phyllostachys pubescens, Schima superba, Rhododendron simiarum, Cunninghamia lanceolata, or Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and N. longibracteata pure forest. Rhizosphere soils possessed higher protease, invertase, cellulase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities than bulk soils. The highest invertase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities were observed in rhizosphere samples of N. longibracteata ＋ S. superba. Protease was highest in the N. longibracteata ＋ R. simiarum rhizosphere, while cellulase was highest in the pure N. longibracteata forest rhizosphere. All samples exhibited obvious rhizosphere effects on enzyme activities with a significant linear correlation between acid phosphatase and cellulase activities （p 〈 0.05） in rhizosphere soils and between protease and acid phosphatase activities （p 〈 0.05） in bulk soils. A principal component analysis, correlating 13 soil chemical properties indices relevant to enzyme activities, showed that protease, invertase, acid phosphatase, total N, and cellulase were the most important variables impacting rhizosphere soil quality.

Structure and function of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil microbial community respond differently to elevated ozone in field-planted wheat

To assess the responses of the soil microbial community to chronic ozone（O3）, wheat seedlings（Triticum aestivum Linn.） were planted in the field and exposed to elevated O3（e O3）concentration. Three treatments were employed：（1） Control treatment（CK）, AOT40 = 0;（2） O3-1, AOT40 = 1.59 ppm·h;（3） O3-2, AOT40 = 9.17 ppm·h. Soil samples were collected for the assessment of microbial biomass C, community-level physiological profiles（CLPPs）, and phospholipid fatty acids（PLFAs）. EO3 concentration significantly reduced soil microbial carbon and changed microbial CLPPs in rhizosphere soil, but not in non-rhizosphere soil.The results of the PLFAs showed that e O3 concentrations had significant effects on soil community structure in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. The relative abundances of fungal and actinomycetous indicator PLFAs decreased in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, while those of bacterial PLFAs increased. Thus the results proved that e O3 concentration significantly changed the soil microbial community function and composition, which would influence the soil nutrient supply and carbon dynamics under O3 exposure.

Evaluating the Impact of Trichoderma brevicompactum 31636 on Root Rot of Atractylodes macrocephala and the Fungal Community in the Rhizosphere Soil

Background:Trichoderma brevicompactum can control of plant diseases,but there are few studies about the control of root rot by T.brevicompactum 31636 and its biocontrol mechanism.Objective:To explore the impact of T.brevicompactum 31636 on root rot and the structure of fungal communities of rhizosphere soil.Methods:The effect of T.brevicompactum 31636 on controlling root rot was assessed,the growth of plants was observed by pot experiments,and the fungal structure was detected by high-throughput sequencing analysis.Results:Compared with the CK(healthy plants)group,the plant height,fresh weight,and dry weight increased by 55.3%,48.55%and 57.8%,respectively.While the concentration of atractylenolideⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,and atractylone increased by 19.35%,16.96%,89.42%and 89.32%,respectively.The results of pot experiments indicated that T.brevicompactum 31636 could significantly improve the survival rate of Atractylodes macrocephala.The results of principal coordinates analysis(PCoA)showed that the sample of CK and Fo+Th(adding Fusdrium oxysporum before T.brevicompactum 31636)group on one side,and samples of Th and Fo group on the other.Furthermore,among the top 20 dominant fungi detected,the fungal genus with 1%increase of relative abundance included Trichoderma(1%),Sordariomycetes(1.5%),Mortierella(1.3%),Penicillium(1%),meanwhile the fungal genus with 1%decrease of relative abundance included Fusarium(30%)and Pleosporales(1%).Conclusion:In summary,T.brevicompactum 31636 can control the root rot of A.macrocephala by regulating of the soil fungal community and inhibiting pathogen.

Isolation of phloridzin-degrading,IAA-producing bacterium Ochrobactrum haematophilum and its effects on the apple replant soil environment

We isolated and identified a bacterium that could produce IAA and degrade phloridzin in the rhizosphere soil of healthy replanted apple(the rootstock is M9T337 and the scion is Yanfu 3),providing a theoretical basis for reducing the obstacles associated with apple replant disease(ARD).Isolates were screened using Salkowski colorimetry and screening medium for phloridzin.The isolate of interest(W6)was identified as Ochrobactrum haematophilum based on morphological analysis,physiological and biochemical tests,and 16S rDNA sequencing.In a laboratory experiment,W6 produced auxin and promoted the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana roots,and its degradation rate of 100 mg.L^(-1 )phloridzin was 62.0%.In a pot experiment,W6 significantly reduced the phenolic acid contents of replanted soil,lowered the abundance of the harmful fungus Fusarium solani,and increased soil enzyme activities,thereby improving the micro-ecological environment of replant soil.W6 increased the root antioxidant enzyme activity and leaf photosynthetic pigment content of replanted Malus hupehensis Rehd.seedlings,effectively alleviating the decrease in net photosynthetic rate,transpiration rate and stomatal conductance caused by ARD.In a field experiment,W6 also promoted the growth of replanted apple(the rootstock is M9T337 and the scion is Yanfu 3)saplings.Therefore,W6 can promote apple growth and degrade phenolic acids,and it can be used as an effective treatment for the reduction of ARD.

Nutrient characteristics in rhizosphere of pure and mixed plantations of Manchur ian walnut and Dahurian larch

A comparison study was made for the characteristics of pH value, orga nic matter content, nutrient element N, P and K contents in rhizosphere soils of pure and mixed plantations of Manchurian walnut and Dahurian larch and in bulk soils. The results show that the pH values of rhizosphere soil for all the plant ations except the pure walnut stand, which was slightly higher, were lower than those of bulk soils, while the organic matter contents in the rhizosphere soil f or all the plantations except the mixed plantation, which was slightly lower, we re higher than that in bulk soil. There exists a relative nitrogen accumulation in the rhizosphere and the extent to which the nitrogen accumulates is closely r elated to tree species and mixed pattern. As far as the total P and K contents a re considered, there exists a deficient tendency in rhizosphere in comparison wi th bulk soil. The element N, P and K are all mobilized in the rhizosphere of the pure or mixed plantation, characterized by the higher contents of the available N, P and K in the rhizosphere. The available N content in the rhizosphere of th e larch in mixed plantation was obviously higher than that of its pure plantatio n, whereas the available P and K contents in the rhizosphere of walnut in the mi xed plantation, on the other hand, were significantly higher than those of its p ure plantation.

Improving dryland maize productivity and water efficiency with heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria via nitrification and cytokinin activity

A two-year field experiment conducted under dryland conditions in semi-humid and drought-prone regions of China aimed to assess the effect of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial on maize water use efficiency and yield.A heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria(HAOB)strain S2_8_1 was used.Six treatments were applied:(1)no irrigation+HAOB strain(DI),(2)no irrigation+blank culture medium(DM),(3)no irrigation control(DCK),(4)irrigation+HAOB(WI),(5)irrigation+blank culture medium(WM),and(6)irrigation control(WCK).Results revealed that HAOB treatment increased maize growth,yield,and water use efficiency over controls,regardless of whether the year was wet or dry.This improvement was attributed to the accelerated nitrification in the rhizosphere soil due to HAOB inoculation,which subsequently led to increased levels of leaf cytokinins.Overall,these findings suggest that HAOB inoculation holds promise as a strategy to boost water use efficiency and maize productivity in dryland agriculture.