Assembly processes, driving factors, and shifts in soil microbial communities across secondary forest succession

• DOI: 10.1002/ldr.4671
• Publication Date: 2023-02-28T04:59:10Z
• Authors: Guoyong Yan; Xi Luo; Binbin Huang; Honglin Wang; Xingyu Sun; Honglin Gao; Mingxin Zhou; Yajuan Xing; Qinggui Wang
• Keywords: Secondary succession; Secondary forest; Nutrient cycle; Soil carbon; Primary succession; Soil ecology

Abstract Secondary forest succession after clear‐cutting is one of the foremost ecosystem restoration strategies, while soil microbes play essential roles in processes by modulating nutrient cycling. However, assembly and driving factors microbial communities across secondary remain unclear. Here, we studied examined shifts community‐associated functional dynamics succession. Our results showed that stochastic process was more important shaping bacterial community throughout successional [modified stochasticity ratio (MST) > 50%], fungal initially governed deterministic (MST < 50%), but there a progressive increase selection as proceeded. Soil organic carbon pH were principal for explanation changes structure (total explained 43% change), tree richness productivity 17% change). The relative abundance nitrogen transformation saprotroph groups increased gradually with succession, whereas ectomycorrhizal fungi significantly declined. suggested might accelerate turnover rates. Used together, mechanisms are different highlight those bacteria primarily controlled plant traits properties, respectively. Variations provide new insight into underlying microbe‐driven cycles during