Application of Sophora alopecuroides organic fertilizer changes the rhizosphere microbial community structure of melon plants and increases the fruit sugar content.

Sophora alopecuroides organic fertilizer could alter the composition and function of bacterial and fungal communities and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the melon plant rhizosphere. Further, it could increase the content of soluble solids and sugar in the fruits to achieve a sweetening effect. This fertilizer can be applied as a fruit sweetener in melon cultivation, improving the sugar content of the fruit and consequently the sweetness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.