3.4.Metabolic functional diversity indices
Table 3 shows the mean-AWCD, Shannon diversity index (H’), Simpson
diversity index (D), and McINtosh diversity index (U) of the eight
treatments. Duncan’s multiple range test was separately used in these
indices. The mean-AWCD, H’, D and U differed significantly (P< 0.05) between intercropping systems and treatments with
nitrogen application (P < 0.05). Intercropping and
nitrogen application increased AWCD, H’, D, and U of mulberry
treatments, with the order ME > M0 ≥ MNE >
MN0. There were no significant differences between M0 and MNE in the
above parameters, indicating that microbial abundance, species richness,
and the most common species were similar in M0 and MNE. In alfalfa
treatments, intercropping and nitrogen application decreased mean-AWCD
and U, following the order AN0 > ANE > A0
> AE. There were no significant differences between AN0 and
ANE; AE and A0 in terms of H’ and D.