Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Alpine meadows on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau are experiencing rapid degradation due to climate change and anthropogenic disturbances, leading to severe ecological consequences. In this study, we investigated the response of soil microbial communities and their metabolic functions across a degradati...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| author | Bingzhang Li Quzhen Gesang Yan Sun Yuting Wang Jibin Nan Jun Xu |
| author_facet | Bingzhang Li Quzhen Gesang Yan Sun Yuting Wang Jibin Nan Jun Xu |
| author_sort | Bingzhang Li |
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| description | Alpine meadows on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau are experiencing rapid degradation due to climate change and anthropogenic disturbances, leading to severe ecological consequences. In this study, we investigated the response of soil microbial communities and their metabolic functions across a degradation gradient using metagenomic sequencing and comprehensive soil physicochemical analysis in the city of Lhasa, China. Results showed that soil pH increased with degradation, while most nutrients, including different forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, declined. pH, ammonium nitrogen, and organic matter were identified as key factors driving degradation dynamics. Microbial community composition shifted markedly, with distinct biomarker taxa emerging at different degradation levels. Network analysis revealed a progressive loss of microbial connectivity, with Actinobacteria dominance increasing in heavily degraded soils, while cross-phylum interactions weakened. Functional analysis of biogeochemical cycling genes showed that carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling were all disrupted by degradation, but each exhibited unique response patterns. These findings will extend our understanding of microbial-mediated soil processes under degradation and provide a scientific foundation for ecosystem management, conservation, and targeted restoration strategies in alpine meadows. |
| format | Article |
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| issn | 2076-2607 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
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| series | Microorganisms |
| spelling | doaj-art-d7a0f1a1ba3040dda49deca78846b7c72025-08-20T01:56:41ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072025-05-01135114210.3390/microorganisms13051142Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai–Tibetan PlateauBingzhang Li0Quzhen Gesang1Yan Sun2Yuting Wang3Jibin Nan4Jun Xu5Tibet Academy of Forest Trees, Lasa 851400, ChinaTibet Academy of Forest Trees, Lasa 851400, ChinaTibet Academy of Forest Trees, Lasa 851400, ChinaTibet Academy of Forest Trees, Lasa 851400, ChinaTibet Academy of Forest Trees, Lasa 851400, ChinaTibet Academy of Forest Trees, Lasa 851400, ChinaAlpine meadows on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau are experiencing rapid degradation due to climate change and anthropogenic disturbances, leading to severe ecological consequences. In this study, we investigated the response of soil microbial communities and their metabolic functions across a degradation gradient using metagenomic sequencing and comprehensive soil physicochemical analysis in the city of Lhasa, China. Results showed that soil pH increased with degradation, while most nutrients, including different forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, declined. pH, ammonium nitrogen, and organic matter were identified as key factors driving degradation dynamics. Microbial community composition shifted markedly, with distinct biomarker taxa emerging at different degradation levels. Network analysis revealed a progressive loss of microbial connectivity, with Actinobacteria dominance increasing in heavily degraded soils, while cross-phylum interactions weakened. Functional analysis of biogeochemical cycling genes showed that carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling were all disrupted by degradation, but each exhibited unique response patterns. These findings will extend our understanding of microbial-mediated soil processes under degradation and provide a scientific foundation for ecosystem management, conservation, and targeted restoration strategies in alpine meadows.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1142alpine meadow degradationsoil physicochemical propertiesmetagenomic sequencingmicroorganism communitybiogeochemical cycling |
| spellingShingle | Bingzhang Li Quzhen Gesang Yan Sun Yuting Wang Jibin Nan Jun Xu Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Microorganisms alpine meadow degradation soil physicochemical properties metagenomic sequencing microorganism community biogeochemical cycling |
| title | Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau |
| title_full | Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau |
| title_fullStr | Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau |
| title_full_unstemmed | Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau |
| title_short | Soil Microbial Adaptation and Biogeochemical Feedback in Degraded Alpine Meadows of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau |
| title_sort | soil microbial adaptation and biogeochemical feedback in degraded alpine meadows of the qinghai tibetan plateau |
| topic | alpine meadow degradation soil physicochemical properties metagenomic sequencing microorganism community biogeochemical cycling |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1142 |
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