Work

Linkage of living microbial biomass, function, and necromass to soil organic carbon storage along a chronosequence of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation in North China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Clarifying the temporal dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) characteristics within aggregates and its underlying microbially mediated mechanisms is essential for long-term SOC sequestration in forest ecosystems; nevertheless, this information remains largely unknown during stand development. Methods: C NMR, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFAs) analysis, micro-plate enzyme technique, and amino sugar analysis, etc. Results: plantations (>25a) were not favorable for promoting microbial growth, hydrolytic functions, and microbial metabolism. Besides, regardless of the stand age, the above-mentioned indices were generally higher in larger aggregates (>2 mm and 2-0.25 mm) compared to smaller aggregates (<0.25 mm). Notably, the increased stand ages (i.e., 34a and 44a) or decreased aggregate sizes (<0.25 mm) enhanced SOC stability (as indicated by the recalcitrance index) and oxidative exo-enzymatic activities, as well as enlarged MRC (especially fungal residue C) contribution to SOC. The partial least squares path model highlighted that SOC stocks were primarily regulated by MRC, while the microbial community altered SOC stability by modulating exo-enzyme activities. Discussion: These results offered novel insights into elucidating the coupling connections between microbial attributes and SOC sequestration during forest development in northern China.

Source: Frontiers in Microbiology

DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1588030