Sound and rhythm impact on soil biofilm-forming ability

Abstract Modern civilization is producing alarming levels of noise which often is developed in soil proximity having an opportunity to influence soil organisms. Yet, its effects on soil microbial communities are unexplored. To investigate the effects of different sound types we tested classical music of Mozart and Beethoven, construction, and road works noise and rhythm played on drums at the environmentally relevant sound levels and time intervals. All tested sounds impacted soil biofilm forming ability but differently between soil and land use types. Agricultural fields were less impacted by noise. Interestingly only regular rhythm stimulated all tested samples. Such results are the first evidence that noise can change the functional properties of soil microbial communities and that its effects are dependent on the type of sound.