Straw coverage alleviates seasonal variability of the topsoil microbial biomass and activity

Straw coverage on soil surface is a well-known practice for conserving soil and water. Seasonal variability of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and basal respiration (BR) in surface soil (0–5 cm) was compared between conventional straw removal (SR) and straw coverage (SC) in a maize (Zea mays L.) field experiment, Northeast China. The straw coverage treatment significantly increased microbial energy, carbon and nutrient sources (soil C and N contents) and improved soil physical environment (moisture and porosity), and thus stimulated MBC and BR across the growth season of maize, as compared to the straw removal treatment. MBC and BR showed similar seasonal trends in soil temperature, with maximum values in summer. In both study years, the straw coverage treatment reduced seasonal variation of soil temperature, therefore it significantly moderated seasonal variability of MBC and BR. Our results demonstrate that straw coverage contributes to stabilizing soil microbial characteristics in season.