Using milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.) to promote rice straw decomposition by regulating enzyme activity and bacterial community.

Abstract The present study determined the dynamic changes of enzyme activity and bacterial community in rice straw (RS) and milk vetch (MV) co-decomposing process. Results showed that mixing RS and MV promoted decomposition. The mixture enhanced β-glucosidase and β-cellobiohydrolase activities relative to its monospecific residue during the mid-late stage of decomposition. The mixture enhanced Enterobacteriaceae (monosaccharide decomposing bacteria) abundance during the initial stage of decomposition, and the abundance of Hydrogenispora, Bacteroides, Ruminiclostridium, and Acidobacteriaceae that could hydrolyze fiber during the mid-late stage of decomposition relative to single RS and MV, respectively, which would benefit mixture decomposition. Furthermore, more interconnected and competitive relations existed between the bacteria in the mixture. These results indicated that mixing RS and MV promoted residue decomposition by increasing hydrolytic enzyme activities and changing bacterial community. This study concluded that co-incorporating RS and MV may be recommended as a promising practice for the efficient utilization of RS resources.