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.