Effects of Dazomet Fumigation Combined with Trichoderma harzianum on Soil Microbial Community Structure of Continuously Cropped Strawberry

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This manuscript has a well-established and supported theoretical framework, which reveals the relevance and importance of the study. The data on how bacterial and fungal communities are affected by the application of a fumigant agent and on how these microbial communities recover when a Trichoderma harzianum inoculum is applied are extremely valuable from the scientific point of view to understand soil microbial biodiversity and from the technical agronomic point of view to improve strawberry cultivation in greenhouses. The information is specific to the issue of this journal. However, during this review I found that the manuscript in its current version has several aspects that need to be clarified or resolved to guarantee the replicability and scientific solidity of this study. All aspects related to the review were pointed out throughout the manuscript (see attached pdf file).

My main criticisms are: 1) The authors should add their working hypothesis, 2) They should refer to inoculation with T. harzianum and not to microbial inoculants in general, 3) The authors should improve the explanation of their experimental design and make very clear the applicability of their treatments and the measurement of these in terms of their replicates, 4) The main weakness of the study is that it does not use any statistical test to compare its treatments and it also appears that it is not an adequately replicated study that allows statistical comparisons to be made, which undermines any comparison and interpretation, calling into question the scientific solidity of the study.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear reviewer, thank you very much for finding interest in our findings and pointing out the flaws in the manuscript. We have carefully revised the manuscript and provided a point-by-point response. Please find the detailed responses below and the corresponding revisions in the re-submitted files.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments and suggestions for Authors

 

Title: Effects of dazomet fumigation combined with microbial inoculants on
soil microbial community structure of continuously cropped strawberry

The research results presented in the manuscript fit into the publishing profile of Horticulturae journal. The article is generally well written. However, corrections and additions should be made before it goes to print. In order to increase the usefulness of the article, Authors must refer to the following points. Additions should be made to increase the scientific value of the manuscript.

Remarks

1.      Abstract: Lines 25 …certain effect…. This phrase in the sentence should be corrected.

2.      Introduction: Please present the research hypothesis and specify the aim of the research.

3.      Materials and Methods: Subsection 2.2. We write about soil when we are dealing with soil with a specific soil profile to a depth of 1.5 m. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, so we write about soil material from a specific genetic horizon of the soil (usually 0-30 cm). The chemical composition of the bioorganic fertilizer and soil material should be given. The origin of the bacterial vaccine should be given. Line 117 More details need to be added (country, city).

4.      Results: It is necessary to expand on the description of the data presented in Figure1. Please improve the readability of the description in Figures 1-6. Lines 218 What does ...certain effect mean...Please add more details.

5.      Discussion: Line 322 Have such studies already been conducted by Li et al. [25]?

6.      Conclusions: You can add the dose, form and date of dazomet used and the amount of microbial inoculants used.

7.      References: It should be adapted to publishing requirements.

 

Best regards

Author Response

Dear reviewer, thank you very much for finding interest in our findings and pointing out the flaws in the manuscript. We have carefully revised the manuscript and provided a point-by-point response. Please find the detailed responses below and the corresponding revisions in the re-submitted files.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

line 118 china in capital letter