Effects of Aridity and Salinization on Soil Microbial Biomass C in a Desert Ecosystem

Abstract

In this study, we measured soil microbial biomass C (SMBC) under four different land cover types (canopy, litter, lichen and bare soil) to determine the effects of aridity and salinization on SMBC of a typical desert ecosystem. Results showed that higher SMBC with lower soil salt content and higher soil moisture were found in general if with vegetation, and the SMBC under canopy was especially higher than any other land cover types, which was near double of that of bare soil (115.34μg C g-1 soil vs. 61.88μg C g-1 soil). Linear regression analysis indicated that soil SMBC were positively correlated (p<0.01,r =0.899) with soil moisture but negatively correlated (r =-0.784, p<0.01) with soil salt content. These relationships may represent an evolutionary process, aiding in the conservation of essential vegetation in a fragile desert ecosystem.