Soil fungal and bacterial communities in southern boreal forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains and their relationship with soil properties

This study investigated the relationship between soil microbial communities and soil properties in southern boreal forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains. The forests were categorized into broadleaf forests (birch and aspen) and coniferous forests (larch and pine). Results revealed distinct soil microbial communities and properties between these forest types. Soil protease activity strongly correlated with fungal communities in both broadleaf and coniferous forests, while soil ammonium nitrogen and total phosphorus content strongly associated with fungal and bacterial communities in broadleaf forests but not coniferous forests. Soil potassium content showed strong correlations with both fungal and bacterial communities across all forest types. These findings highlight the influence of tree species on soil communities and properties in southern boreal forests.

Thi-Minh-Dien Vuong, Jian-Yong Zeng, Xiu-Ling Man