Wang Xiangtao, Zhang Chao, Liao Lirong, et al. Effects of Degradation of Alpine Meadow on Soil Microbial Genes in Nitrogen Transformation in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau[J]. Bulletin of Soiland Water Conservation, 2020, 40(3): 8-13.
DOI:
Wang Xiangtao, Zhang Chao, Liao Lirong, et al. Effects of Degradation of Alpine Meadow on Soil Microbial Genes in Nitrogen Transformation in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau[J]. Bulletin of Soiland Water Conservation, 2020, 40(3): 8-13. DOI: 10.13961/j.cnki.stbctb.2020.03.002.
Effects of Degradation of Alpine Meadow on Soil Microbial Genes in Nitrogen Transformation in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
[Objective] The characteristics of nitrogen (N) transformation in degraded alpine meadows and identify the effects of meadow degradation on the gene abundance of soil nitrogen-transforming microorganisms were studied thoroughly
in order to provide a basis for understanding the degradation mechanism and scientific management of alpine meadows.[Methods] A soil survey along a degraded gradient
including undegraded
lightly degraded
moderately degraded
and severely degraded meadows
in the Qinghai-Tibetan alpine region was conducted. The changes in soil physicochemical properties and genes in N transformation (including nifH
amoA-AOA
amoA-AOB
narG
nirK
nirS
and nosZ) were investigated by using real-time quantitative PCR method
and the drivers of these functional genes were clarified.[Results] ① The contents of soil organic carbon (SOC)
total N
nitrate N
and ammonium N decreased along the degradation gradient. ② Degradation led to a significant reduction in the abundance of nifH
amoA-AOA
and amoA-AOB genes
whereas it caused an increase in the abundance of narG
nirS
and nirK genes
which was the maximum in the severely degraded meadow soils. ③ The abundance of the nifH
amoA-AOA
and amoA-AOB genes was significantly positively correlated with the contents of SOC
nitrate N
ammonium N
and soil moisture. The abundance of the narG
nirS
and nirK genes was significantly negatively correlated with the contents of SOC
nitrate N
and ammonium N
whereas it was positively correlated with the pH value.[Conclusion] The degradation of the alpine meadows had an important influence on the microorganisms involved in N transformation. The SOC
pH value
and moisture were the significant drivers of the functional genes in soil nitrogen-transforming microorganisms in alpine meadow soils.
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