Abstract
Soil microbiomes play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth, health, and overall agricultural productivity. Nevertheless, the influence of distinct agricultural management practices on the microbial diversity and community structure within tea (Camellia sinensis) plantations has remained enigmatic. This study postulates that organic agricultural management models can enhance microbial diversity and optimise the microbial community structure within tea plantations, indirectly augmenting soil fertility and tea quality. We employed metagenome technology and conducted molecular ecological network analysis to explore the impact of organic management, pollution-free management, and conventional management on the microbial network structure of tea plantation soil in Weng'an County in the southwestern karst region. Soils subjected to organic management exhibited a higher relative abundance of soil microbial and carbohydrate-active enzyme functional genes than those subjected to other management regimes. Additionally, the relative abundance and diversity of dominant bacteria and keystone species were notably higher under organic management than under the other management regimes. Correlation analysis showed that soil microorganisms were closely related to soil fertility and tea quality, respectively. One-way analysis of variance and the structural equation modelling results showed significant variability in soil fertility under the three agricultural management modes and that soil fertility and soil microbial diversity had a direct impact on tea quality (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this study underscores the profound impact of management modes on microbial diversity and community structure within tea plantations. These management practices alter the soil microbial network structure and potential function, ultimately regulating the microecological dynamics of the soil community in tea plantations.