AUTHOR=Pang Fengyu , Gao Yugang , Zhuang Zhenqi , Li Changju , Zhao Yan , Liu Qun 

TITLE=Microecological mechanisms of mountainous forest cultivated ginseng growth vigor and saponin accumulation, and the characterization of bionic microbial fertilizer

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1548481

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2025.1548481

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=IntroductionA study on the soil microecological mechanisms influencing the growth vigor and saponin accumulation of mountainous forest cultivated ginseng (MFCG) under various forest types.MethodsUsing MFCG from different forest types as experimental material, the correlation and functional analysis of MFCG growth vigor, ginseng saponin content, and soil nutrient elements in their rhizosphere were conducted to clarify the soil microecological mechanisms by which different forest types affect the growth vigor and saponin accumulation of understory ginseng. Based on these microecological mechanisms, a bionic microbial fertilizer was developed and characterized.ResultsThe agronomic traits and saponin content (Re, Rc, Rb2, and Rb3) of MFCG in the Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica Litv. (PSV) group were significantly higher than those in the Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. (QMF) and Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen (LGK) groups (p < 0.05). The total content of these four monomeric saponins in the PSV group was 35.1 and 45.56% higher than that in the QMF and LGK groups, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the PSV group and the QMF and LGK groups in terms of the rhizosphere soil microbial diversity and physicochemical indicators such as nutrient elements. The agronomic traits and saponin content of MFCG were positively correlated with chemical indicators in the rhizosphere soil, including Cu, Ca, Mg, Zn, B, Fe, Mo, Mn, Organic matter (OM), Available phosphorus (AP), Available nitrogen (AN), and Available potassium (AK). Based on the microbial diversity and nutrient elements positively correlated with MFCG in the rhizosphere soil, a bionic microbial fertilizer formula was optimized.DiscussionThe microecological mechanism behind the growth vigor and saponin accumulation of understory ginseng involves an increase in beneficial microorganisms and nutrient elements, along with a reduction in harmful microorganisms and detrimental elements. The bionic microbial fertilizer promoted MFCG growth and saponin accumulation while improving soil nutrient levels, bulk density, and water-holding capacity.