Response of soil microbial functional diversity to an intercropping system on slope land in the Loess Plateau

To clarify the response of soil microorganisms to intercropping systems, the characteristics of soil microbial functional diversity were studied under an intercropping model using the Biolog method. The results showed that a wheat || Isatis tinctoria intercropping model could improve the utilization of the soil microbial carbon source, and its AWCD value was higher than that of wheat monoculture 26, 29% (96 h). Furthermore, there were significant differences in the 10–30 cm (P < 0.05). The ability of soil microorganisms to utilize the carbon source decreased with increasing soil depth. Compared with wheat monoculture, in wheat || I. tinctoria intercropping, the McIntosh index and richness index were significantly improved. Wheat || I. tinctoria intercropping increased the intensity of soil microorganisms to six kinds of carbon sources. Intercropping systems can enhance the stability of the soil microbial community, and changes in the carbohydrate carbon source play an important role in the functional diversity of the soil microbial community (0–30 cm). An intercropping planting model can improve the physiological activity of soil microorganisms and promote the utilization of soil carbon sources; the effect of wheat || I. tinctoria intercropping is clear.