Summary
This field study examined how soil organic matter molecular diversity and microbial functional diversity interact across heterogeneous soil-landscapes in a subtropical watershed, comparing natural forestland with three agricultural systems. By analysing SOM composition and microbial communities in bulk soil and aggregate fractions, the authors developed synthesis diversity indicators that effectively link SOM–microbial processes to soil ecological function and SOC persistence. The findings suggest that plant-derived lignin phenols are a major driver of SOC accumulation, with their contribution declining in agricultural landscapes owing to aggregate degradation.
UK applicability
Whilst the subtropical hilly topography and specific soil types differ from UK conditions, the methodological approach of using molecular SOM composition and microbial functional diversity to develop ecological indicators could inform UK soil health assessment frameworks. The findings on aggregate stability and lignin contribution to SOC under different land uses may have relevance to UK arable and pastoral management, though localised validation would be required.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon (SOC) molecular composition (lignin, amino sugars, glomalin-related soil proteins); microbial community structure and enzyme activities; soil aggregate size distribution; diversity indicators correlating SOM composition with microbial parameters
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil organic matter (SOM) molecular composition, microbial community structure, enzyme activities, and aggregate-size distributions across four distinct soil-landscapes (natural forestland, agricultural orchards, upland fields, and paddy fields). Synthesis diversity indicators were developed to depict SOM–microbial linkages and soil ecological function, showing positive correlations with soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial indicators.
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