Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

ABSTRACT: Alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are experiencing rapid degradation due to climate change and anthropogenic disturbances, leading to severe ecological consequences. In this study, we investigated the response of soil microbial communities and their metabolic functions across a degradation gradient using metagenomic sequencing and comprehensive soil physicochemical analysis in the city of Lhasa, China. Results showed that soil pH increased with degradation, while most nutrients, including different forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, declined. pH, ammonium nitrogen, and organic matter were identified as key factors driving degradation dynamics. Microbial community composition shifted markedly, with distinct biomarker taxa emerging at different degradation levels. Netw

SUBMITTER: Li B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12114374 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature