In agroecosystems, microbes play critical roles in regulating soil phosphorus (P) cycling. However, little is known about the functional and evolutionary responses of P-cycling microorganisms to organic and inorganic agricultural management. The effects of P-cycling functional genes and taxa on soil P availability in a forage (Broussonetia papyrifera) monoculture ecosystem were studied using meta genomics under organic (inoculating arbuscular mycohrrizal fungi (AMF) and inter-cropping legume (Medicago sativa)) and inorganic (adding chemical nitrogen (N) and P fertilisers) management.

Substituting organic amendments for chemical fertilisers is an important practise for promoting soil phosphorus (P) transformation and reducing excessive P accumulation in greenhouse vegetable production, but little research has been conducted to investigate the effects on functional traits of P cycling microorganisms. Understanding the impact of biological activity on the distribution of soil phosphorus (P) during long-term fertiliser application can help with better soil P fertility management. As a result, the primary goals of this study were to analyse the influence of long-term fertiliser application (since 1981) on soil P fractions and microbial community structure, as well as to evaluate relationships between microbial community structure and P distribution. Partially substituting organic additions for chemical fertilisers is commonly used to increase soil phosphorus (P) availability in agricultural output. Few studies, however, have thoroughly examined the impact of long-term organic substitution on soil P availability and microbial activity.