Grazing-induced microbiome alterations drive soil organic carbon turnover and productivity in meadow steppe.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Grazing is a major modulator of biodiversity and productivity in grasslands. However, our understanding of grazing-induced changes in below-ground communities, processes, and soil productivity is limited. Here, using a long-term enclosed grazing meadow steppe, we investigated the impacts of grazing on the soil organic carbon (SOC) turnover, the microbial community composition, resistance and activity under seasonal changes, and the microbial contributions to soil productivity.

Results

The results demonstrated that grazing had significant impacts on soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions in meadow steppe. The highest microbial α-diversity was observed under light grazing intensity, while the highest β-diversity was observed under moderate grazing intens

SUBMITTER: Xun W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6149009 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature