Effects of Planting Pennisetum sp. (Giant Juncao) on Soil Microbial Functional Diversity and Fertility in the Barren Hillside

Introduced from Africa by Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in 2005, the Giant Juncao (Pennisetum sp.) had the features of tall, erect, forested with the high annual output of 200-400 t/hm[sup 2]. The crude protein content of the Giant Juncao was 10.8% after growth for 4 weeks, indicating the advantage of developed root system, strong stress resistance and quick growth variety. The Giant Juncao may be used to produce mushroom, fungi forage and forage additives successfully. Now, the Giant Juncao is used to control soil erosion and improve the soil properties. This paper studied the effects of the Giant Juncao on the soil microbial community functional diversity and fertility with different growth years (1, 2, 3 and 5 years) planted in the barren hillside. The Giant Juncao planted in barren hillside could enhance soil microbial community functional diversity and improve soil fertility to a certain extent. Planting Giant Juncao in the Barren Hillside had certain positive ecological effect.