Effects of Land Management Patterns on Soil Microbial Community Structure and Diversity in an Ancient Pear Orchard of the Yellow River

The important agricultural heritage system (IAHS) embodies traditional farming wisdoms and biodiversity, with soil microorganisms playing a central role in its stability and sustainable utilization. The Yellow River region, a cradle of traditional farming globally, preserves rare IAHS sites, such as the ancient pear (Pyrus spp.) orchard system in Shichuan Town, Gansu Province, China. This study examines how land management patterns influence soil microbial community structure and diversity in the orchard. The findings reveal that maintaining natural vegetation significantly enhances soil quality and microbial diversity. Compared to integrated crop cultivation, natural grass cover increased soil organic matter and total nitrogen (N) content by 47.5% and 48.7%, respectively. Furthermore, natural grass boosted the abundance of soil bacteria associated with carbon (C) and N cycling, while reducing plant pathogenic microorganisms. Analysis indicated a strong correlation between soil microbial structure and diversity and soil physicochemical properties under different land management patterns. This suggests that land management patterns affect soil microbial community by altering soil properties. Overall, this study provides insights into soil microbial communities in ancient pear orchards and their responses to land management patterns, offering guidance for the sustainable management of IAHS in the Yellow River region and pear orchard ecosystems modernization.