Conversion of abandoned land (mainly savanna) into cropland generally occurs in fragile ecosystems such as dry-hot valleys (DHVs) in southwest China, with the intent of increasing land productivity and conducting ecological restoration. However, the effects of conversion on soil microbial communities and carbon turnover of savanna ecosystems remain unclear, since savannas could be a vital but overlooked carbon sink. To illustrate the ecological consequences of land-use change (LUC) for savanna ecosystems, a 1-year field experiment was conducted in DHVs of southwest China. The soil properties, microbial respiration, and metagenomics from two different land-use types (grassland and mango plantation) were examined to reveal the effects of regional LUC on soil C turnover and microbial traits. Conversion from degraded grassland into cropland increased the contribution of soil microclimate to the microbial community composition, reduced the constraints of soil water content (SWC), and further decreased nutrient availability. LUC reshaped the composition and structure of soil bacterial communities. Specifically, soil dominant microbes that belonged to Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were significantly enriched by conversion, while rare microbes that belonged to a wider range of phyla were generally depleted, leading to an overall decrease in community diversity. In addition, LUC-induced changes in soil characteristics and microbial communities further decreased soil multifunctionality as well as the carbon use efficiency of microbes. Intensified microbial respiration and a significant increase in the soil CO2 efflux were observed following LUC, which could drive changes in soil microbial community composition and functions (such as growth and regeneration). In summary, through simultaneously reducing constraints on SWC and decreasing nutrient availability, conversion from degraded grassland to cropland in a DHV decreased soil microbial diversity and multifunctionality, and increased microbial respiration and soil CO2 efflux. Our study provides new insights for understanding the role and mechanisms of LUC in soil carbon turnover in ecologically fragile areas such as DHVs.
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CIFOR-ICRAF aborda retos y oportunidades locales y, al mismo tiempo, ofrece soluciones a los problemas globales relacionados con los bosques, los paisajes, las personas y el planeta.
Aportamos evidencia empírica y soluciones prácticas para transformar el uso de la tierra y la producción de alimentos: conservando y restaurando ecosistemas, respondiendo a las crisis globales del clima, la malnutrición, la pérdida de biodiversidad y la desertificación. En resumen, mejorando la vida de las personas.
CIFOR–ICRAF achieves science-driven impact. We conduct innovative research, strengthen partners’ capacity and actively engage in dialogue with all stakeholders, bringing the latest insights on forests, trees, landscapes and people to global decision making.
CIFOR–ICRAF publishes over 750 publications every year on agroforestry, forests and climate change, landscape restoration, rights, forest policy and much more – in multiple languages.
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