Mangrove succession enriches the sediment microbial community in South China

• DOI: 10.1038/srep27468
• Publication Date: 2016-06-06T10:04:46Z
• Authors: Quan Chen; Qian Zhao; Jing Li; Shuguang Jian; Hai Ren
• Keywords: Chronosequence; Avicennia marina; Bruguiera; Primary succession; Rhizophora; Avicennia

Abstract Sediment microorganisms help create and maintain mangrove ecosystems. Although the changes in vegetation during forest succession have been well studied, sediment microbial community are poorly understood. To investigate of mangroves at Zhanjiang, South China, we used phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis following chronosequence from primary to climax community: unvegetated shoal; Avicennia marina community; Aegiceras corniculatum Bruguiera gymnorrhiza + Rhizophora stylosa community. The PLFA concentrations all groups (total microorganisms, fungi, gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative actinomycetes) increased significantly with each stage succession. Microbial were lower wet season than dry season. Regression ordination analyses indicated that mainly associated properties aboveground (mainly plant height) organic matter total nitrogen). can probably be explained by increases nutrients microhabitat heterogeneity