Soil organic carbon fractions and their associated bacterial and fungal abundance in alpine ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Soil organic matter (SOM) has a key role in the carbon (C) cycle and consists of particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM), which differ in stability and turnover. This study investigates C dynamics and microbial abundance at two alpine sites (1526 and 2500 m a.s.l). Soil samples were fractionated, and the C:N ratio, pH, and microbial abundances were analysed. While the MAOM/POM ratio remained stable across sites, the higher-elevation soil, dominated by N-poor alpine graminoids, showed an increased C:N ratio, consistent with reduced decomposition and transfer of litter into mineral-associated pools under colder, more acidic conditions. Bacteria predominated in MAOM, supporting their role in SOM stabilisation, whereas fungal abundance was highest in MAOM

SUBMITTER: Fracasso I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12800183 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature