Salinity is not only a threat to organisms and ecosystems, but also a
major factor restricting the development of agricultural production.
This study aimed to explore the modification effect of in-situ Jerusalem
artichoke (genotype NY-1) cultivation on the rhizosphere
micro-ecological environment in the saline-alkali region along the
southeast coast of China. We analyzed the change of carbon and nitrogen
in the saline soil from a microbial perspective, through the
quantification of the area of root channels, rhizosphere secretions and
soil microbiome (cbbL, cbbM and nifH). The root channels
of NY-1 not only improved the physical structure of saline soil, but
also provided a living space for microorganisms, afforded basic
conditions for the optimization of the soil micro-ecological
environment. In addition, rhizosphere secretions (from roots of NY-1 as
well as microorganisms), such as carbohydrates, hydrocarbons, acids,
etc., could be considered as a way to improve the saline-alkali soil
habitat. NY-1 increased the diversity and abundance of autotrophic and
nitrogen-fixing bacteria in saline soil (rhizosphere > bulk
soils), which should be a biological way to increase the amount of
carbon and nitrogen fixation in soil. Moreover, some of the detected
genera (Sideroxydans, Thiobacillus, Sulfuritalea, Desulfuromonas,
etc.) participate in the carbon and nitrogen cycles, and in the
biogeochemical cycle of other elements. In short, Jerusalem artichoke
can improve not only the physical and chemical properties of
saline-alkali soil, but also promote material circulation and energy
flow in the micro-ecological rhizosphere environment of saline soils.