Microorganisms maintain C:N stoichiometric balance by regulating the priming effect in long-term fertilized soils

Summary

This field study investigates how soil microorganisms maintain elemental balance whilst regulating the priming effect in long-term fertilised agroecosystems. The authors propose that microbial physiological stoichiometry and elemental demand constraints are fundamental controls on soil organic matter cycling, suggesting that microbial regulation mechanisms may be as important as external nutrient availability in governing carbon dynamics in intensively managed soils. The work implies that understanding microbial stoichiometric constraints could refine predictions of soil carbon loss under intensive fertilisation.

UK applicability

The findings are relevant to UK arable systems under long-term mineral or organic fertilisation, particularly in understanding mechanisms of soil carbon loss and microbial adaptation to intensive nutrient management. However, direct application requires consideration of differences in soil type, climate, and fertiliser regimes between the study site (likely China, given author affiliations) and UK conditions.

Key measures

Soil carbon priming effect, microbial C:N stoichiometry, soil organic matter decomposition rates, microbial biomass composition, nutrient availability under contrasting long-term fertilisation treatments

Outcomes reported

The study examined how soil microorganisms regulate the priming effect (accelerated decomposition of native soil organic matter) whilst maintaining carbon-to-nitrogen elemental balance in long-term fertilised agricultural soils. Measurements likely included priming effect magnitude, microbial biomass stoichiometry, and organic matter cycling rates under different fertilisation regimes.

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