Pyrosequencing to determine the influence of fallow period on soil microbial communities in the Bolivian Highlands

Abstract

This poster addresses the shortened fallow periods in the Bolivian highlands, which result from the desire to increase short-term crop yields. Researchers conducted a study using 454-pyrosequencing techniques to characterize the response of the microbial community to the length of fallow period and the presence of plants, and the effect this response has on soil quality. The results of this study imply that the increase in fallow years was related to an increase in dominance in both fungal and bacterial communities.