Conversion of pure Chinese fir plantation to multi-layered mixed plantation enhances the soil aggregate stability by regulating microbial communities in subtropical China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.fecs.2022.100078
• Publication Date: 2022-12-06T18:23:26Z
• Authors: Guannv Gao; Xueman Huang; Haocheng Xu; Yi Wang; Weijun Shen; Wen Zhang; Jinliu Yan; Xiaoyan Su; Shushou Liao; Yeming You
• Keywords: Humus; Cunninghamia; Soil carbon; Gemmatimonadetes

Soil aggregates are the basic units of soil structure, and their stability is a key indicator quality capacity to support ecosystem functions. The impacts various environmental factors on have been widely studied. However, there remains elusive knowledge synergistic effects changing forest stand structure aggregate (SAS), particularly in subtropical China where erosion critical issue. We investigated variations components humus (HS), including humic acids (HAs), fulvic (FAs), humins (HMs), under pure Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantation (PP) multi-layered mixed (MP) comprising C. lanceolata, Castanopsis hystrix, Michelia hedyosperma. state stability, was determined by three separate methods, i.e., dry-sieving, wet-sieving, Le Bissonnais. High-throughput sequencing used determine diversity composition microbial communities PP MP. then built partial least squares path models (PLS-PM) for assessing responses SAS microorganisms HS components. MP stands had significantly greater (P < 0.05), higher content HAs more rapid organic matter humification within aggregates, than stands. confirmed that Pielou α-diversity index values (Chao1 Shannon) fungi were all PP, while no marked difference found bacterial between two types. Moreover, markedly abundance phyla (Verrucomicrobia, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes) fungal (Ascomycota, Kickxellomycota, Glomeromycota), less (Planctomycetes Firmicutes) four (Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Rozellomycota) PP. Chloroflexi Ascomycota appeared be primary drivers distribution. Our findings revealed promotion mainly driven increased (SOM) content, which altered enhanced diversity, thereby increasing rate humification. Considering combined quality, productivity, relevant economic costs, introducing broadleaved tree species into plantations can an effective strategy stabilizing against China. study elucidated controls fir-dominated demonstrated benefit converting structural improving site quality.