Leaf and root C-to-N ratios are poor predictors of soil microbial biomass C and respiration across 32 tree species.

ABSTRACT: Soil microorganisms are the main primary decomposers of plant material and drive biogeochemical processes like carbon and nitrogen cycles. Hence, knowledge of their nutritional demands and limitations for activity and growth is of particular importance. However, potential effects of the stoichiometry of soil and plant species on soil microbial activity and carbon use efficiency are poorly understood. Soil properties and plant traits are assumed to drive microbial carbon and community structure. We investigated the associations between C and N concentrations of leaf, root, and soil as well as their ratios and soil microbial biomass C and activity (microbial basal respiration and specific respiratory quotient) across 32 young native angiosperm tree species at two locations in Central Germany

SUBMITTER: Ferlian O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5714262 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature