Exogenous Nutrient Bag Formulations Affect Soil Fertility and Microbial Communities in Morchella sextelata Cultivation

Abstract

Simple Summary This study evaluated organic waste-based nutrient supplements for morel mushroom cultivation, focusing on yield, nutritional quality, and soil ecological responses. The wa-60 formulation increased yield by 28.6% while sustaining high amino acid levels, positioning it as a viable option for balancing productivity and fruit-body quality. Although wr-60 did not enhance yield, it substantially enriched soil bacterial diversity, indicating its potential for substrate amelioration and microecological restoration. Both treatments dynamically regulated soil organic matter, pH, macronutrients, microbial biomass, and enzyme activities, exhibiting a biphasic pattern of rapid initial changes followed by stabilization. Collectively, wa-60 emerged as a promising organic amendment strategy for morel production. Future research should incorporate field-scale trials and functional genomic approaches to clarify the causal roles of key microbial taxa in nutrient release and crop performance.