Agricultural Mulching and Fungicides—Impacts on Structure and Function of the Soil Microbial Community

ABSTRACT Background Plastic mulching and fungicides are frequently applied agricultural practices in strawberry cultivation, which may have an impact on the structure and function of the soil microbiome. Aim To understand their combined effects on soil quality, this study investigated the impact of the fungicides fenhexamid, cyprodinil, and fludioxonil on specific microbial responses in two mulching systems: plastic (PC) and straw coverage (SC). Methods We conducted a field experiment in a commercial strawberry cultivation, collecting soil samples at four time points (4 weeks before and 1, 5, and 16 weeks after fungicide application) in the 0–10 cm and the 10–30 cm soil layer. Soil analyses comprised phospholipid‐derived fatty acids (microbial structure), substrate‐induced respiration pattern (microbial function), fungicide concentrations in soil, and soil physicochemical parameters. Results We observed that the soil under PC was exposed to lower fungicide levels than under SC. However, no significant differences were found in the structure and function of the soil microbial community between both mulching systems. In both mulching systems, we observed temporary declines in microbial abundances and soil respiration rates following fungicide application. However, full recovery was achieved within the 6‐month experiment period. Additionally, there was a shift in the structure of the microbial community toward larger bacterial and smaller fungal fractions, as well as larger gram+ and smaller gram− bacterial fractions. Conclusions Overall, we found no evidence of long‐lasting impairment to the soil microbiome that could compromise soil quality or sustainable agriculture under the conditions investigated.