Biome-dependent responses of Zea mays yield and soil functionality to organic fertilization in Cambisols of Brazil

Abstract Monocropping systems of Zea mays L. in Brazilian biomes exert strong pressures on the functionality of Cambisols. This study aimed to assess the influence of organic fertilization on the chemical properties of Cambisols across four Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, and Cerrado), as well as on plant nutrient extraction patterns, the microbial community within the rhizosphere of Z. mays , and crop yield. Under greenhouse conditions over three cultivation cycles, soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available P, total N, plant dry biomass, yield, macro- and micronutrient extraction, microbial gene abundance, and dsDNA content were evaluated in Cambisols from different Brazilian biomes under two treatments (organic fertilization × control). Higher values of SOC, available P, total N, shoot and root dry biomass, yield, extraction of N, P, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, and Zn, as well as bacterial and fungal gene abundance and dsDNA content, were observed in soils receiving organic fertilization. The findings suggest that organic fertilization enhances plant performance, soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and rhizosphere functioning in Cambisols, contributing to improved maize yield. Organic inputs were associated with (i) increases in SOC, available P, and total N; (ii) greater abundance of bacterial and fungal genes and higher dsDNA content; (iii) enhanced extraction of macro- and micronutrients; and (iv) the potential to support the conservation of Cambisols while contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural practices.