Rhizosphere effect: microbial and enzymatic dynamics in the rhizosphere of various shrub species

Abstract Aims The aim of our research was to compare the properties of the rhizosphere soil of different shrub species. We assumed that the physicochemical properties and microbiome of the rhizosphere differ from bulk soil and the species of shrub is important in their formation. Methods The study involved determining the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in the rhizosphere, along with assessing the basic chemical properties and enzymatic activity. Samples were collected from both rhizosphere and bulk soil in pine stands with an understory of shrubs forming biogroups. Results The enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere was significantly higher than in bulk soil. At the same time enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere differed between the shrub species tested. Both intracellular and extracellular enzymes exhibited a positive correlation with basic biochemical parameters. The number of bacteria and fungi correlated with physicochemical and biochemical properties. The number of bacteria and fungi was notably higher in the rhizosphere of the examined shrub species compared to bulk soil, at the same time, we noted a significant influence of the shrub species on microorganisms in the rhizosphere zone. Among the bacteria in the rhizosphere of shrubs, genera Edaphobaculum , Gemmatimonas , Bdellovibrio , Jorgensenbacteria , Rhodoplanes , and Acidocella were more abundant. Regarding fungi, Mortierella longigemmata , Didymella viburnicola , Trichoderma stellatum , and Phacidium pseudophacidioides were found to be more abundant in the rhizosphere. Conclusions The findings from our research may have practical applications in shaping the species composition of tree stands, with potential implications for future soil health condition.