Abstract
Microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) is one of the most active forms of phosphorus (P) in soils. MBP plays an important role in the biogeochemical P cycle. To explore MBP distribution and its relationship with other factors, the MBP and rhizosphere soil P concentrations and fractions in six vegetation zones on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain in SW China were investigated. The MBP distribution followed a parabolic pattern with altitude and the concentration was highest in the subalpine dark coniferous forest (SDC) zone, which was approximately 3500 m above sea level (asl). Below 3500 m asl, the MBP distribution was controlled by precipitation and vegetation type. In addition, temperature, precipitation and vegetation type controlled the MBP distribution at elevations above 3500 m asl. No specific distribution pattern was determined regarding rhizosphere soil P fractions. However, MBP was significantly correlated with the unavailable P fraction in the rhizosphere rather than with the available P fraction. This result suggests that the relationships between the rhizosphere soil P fractions and the MBP depend on time. The microbial biomass element ratios were relatively consistent on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain. However, variations in the microbial biomass element rations were observed in six of the vegetation zones. The mean C:N:P ratio was 9.0∶1.3∶1. Overall, vegetation type resulted in the observed fluctuations of the microbial biomass element ratio.
Highlights
Phosphorus (P) is an essential element that controls plant growth and primary production in terrestrial ecosystems [1]
The snowline appears at approximately 4900 m asl The lowest elevation on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain occurs in the Dadu River valley
The Resin-Pi concentration decreased with increasing elevation in all but the alpine meadow zone (AM) zone, in which Resin-Pi slightly increased (4221 m asl) (Fig. 3a)
Summary
Phosphorus (P) is an essential element that controls plant growth and primary production in terrestrial ecosystems [1]. The bioavailability of P in terrestrial ecosystems is important and should be understood. Previous research proved that P in natural ecosystems was mainly sourced from rock weathering, and transformed during biogeochemical processes before being available for ecosystems [2,3]. Microbial activity is an important component of this biogeochemical process. Soil microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) provides bioavailable P to terrestrial ecosystems [4]. MBP is one of the most active components in soils [4,5,6] and is an important source of bioavailable P in ecosystems [4,7]. Some of the bioavailable P may be retained by microbes, which will affect P chelation and exchange reactions [10,11]
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