Tree-based green walls as a strategy for restoring soil functionality in semi-arid agave agroecosystems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a13nVI.5229Keywords:
Huizache, mesquite, bacteriome, soil conservation, soil restorationAbstract
Agroforestry approaches, including green walls, have been proposed as promising alternatives for promoting restoration and long-term sustainability in arid and semi-arid agroecosystems; however, their impact on soil quality restoration remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Acacia schaffneri and Neltuma laevigata as green walls on soil carbon pools and the assembly of the soil microbiome in agave cropland within a semiarid region. Soil carbon stocks, including total soil organic carbon (TSOC), total soil inorganic carbon (TSIC) stocks, soil organic matter (SOM), carbonates, and labile carbon—were quantified. The bacterial community was characterized through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results demonstrated a clear gradient associated with proximity to the green walls. Areas near older trees (PA) showed the highest TSOC, SOM, and labile carbon, indicating improved soil quality under the influence of mature trees. In contrast, the middle of the agave cropland (PM) exhibited the lowest organic carbon levels and greater carbonate dominance, while areas near younger trees (PB) displayed intermediate conditions. β-diversity analyses revealed distinct microbial assemblages among zones, with PA harboring more diverse and structurally complex communities. Network analysis indicated a highly modular, non-random microbial organization dominated by Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota. Overall, these findings highlight the strong potential of mature green walls composed of mesquite and huizache trees as an effective strategy for restoring soil functionality and resilience in semi-arid agave production systems.
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