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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The drivers of soil microbial communities structure on forest stands along the altitudinal gradient in western carpathians

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Abstract This study examines the effect of the soil physicochemical properties and the vegetation diversity and composition on the soil microorganism community structure on the temperate forest stands along the altitudinal gradient. The studied stands were located at three altitudes (600, 900, and 1200 m a.s.l.) on five separate mountain slopes (treated as independent replicates) in the Western Carpathians Mountains (Poland). The soil physicochemical characteristics varied widely between the stands on these same altitude, and only the organic matter content, water-holding capacity and dissolved organic nitrogen differed significantly between the different altitudes, exhibited highest values in the stands at 1200 m a.s.l. The vascular plant species number, including trees, shrubs and understorey decreased with an increase in the altitude. Multivariate analysis (CCA, ANOSIM) indicated that the plant diversity and composition differed significantly between 600 m a.s.l. and 1200 m a.s.l. and was related to altitude, soil pH and fertility, defined as P and K content. Soil microbial biomass and community structure was measured using PLFA (phospholipid fatty acids) analysis. PLFA pattern did not differ between altitudes but was related to the number of plant species, soil pH and C:N ratio. Taking all stands altogether, we showed clear relationship between the plant diversity and composition and the PLFA pattern (Mantel test). Additionally, we indicated that the main factor affecting both the plant diversity and composition as well as microbial community structure was the soil pH.