Impact of the plant community composition on labile soil organic carbon, soil microbial activity and community structure in semi-natural grassland ecosystems of different productivity

摘要: The main objective was to describe the effects of plant litter on SOC and soil microbial activity structure in extensively managed grasslands Central Germany that vary biomass production community composition. decomposition shoot root studied an incubation experiment. Labile C N were isolated by hot water extraction (CHWE, NHWE), while functional groups microbes identified PLFA analysis measured using a set exo-enzymes. composition, particulary legume species affected dynamics below-ground processes, especially via roots. This reflected about 20% lower low productivity grassland soil. CHWE pool found be key driver food web, controlling processes. Below-ground responses appear related presence species, which communities, as well ratio between fungal bacterial patterns enzyme activity. Low fungal-dominated with slow turnover rates may play important role accumulation. approach used here is particular importance, since associated biological biochemical processes are fundamental ecosystem functioning.