Microbial inoculation accelerates rice straw decomposition by reshaping structure and function of lignocellulose-degrading microbial consortia in paddy fields

Inoculating lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms can accelerate straw decomposition in paddy field; however, the relationship between indigenous and inoculated microorganisms remains unclear. This study explored the effects of microbial inoculation on straw decomposition, microbial community, lignocellulose-degrading consortia, and associated functional genes. After inoculation, straw degradation rate increased by up to 4.9 %, and the rice yield increased by 790 kg/ha. Microbial inoculation restructured soil microbial community, influencing key taxa and interactions within the microbial network. A lignocellulose-degrading consortia consisting 37 genera was established, with a notable increase in the relative abundance of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria following inoculation. Among them, Pseudarthrobacter, with high lignin-degrading enzyme activity, emerged as a key genus after inoculation. Additionally, the abundance of lignin-degrading enzyme genes also increased significantly after inoculation. These findings offer new insights into how microbial inoculation accelerates the in situ decomposition of rice straw by reshaping the structure and function of lignocellulose-degrading consortia within the soil ecosystem.