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Published on: April 20, 2012
Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry reveals higher microbial nitrogen limitation in active than passive restored alpine
Tahmina Kausar1, Jingjing Wu1, Saraj Bahadur2
1College of Grassland Science & Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
Abstract:
Soil degradation in alpine wetlands reduces ecosystem functioning and carbon turnover, while restoration strategies are critical for enhancing carbon storage and microbial nutrient dynamics. However, the effects of restoration on microbial resource limitations and enzymatic stoichiometry remain poorly understood. In this study, we applied ecoenzymatic stoichiometry modelling to quantify depth-dependent microbial resource limitations across degraded (WD), passively restored (WPR), and 10-year actively restored (WAR) wetlands. Vector-based analysis revealed that microbial carbon (C) limitation was strongest in WD but was progressively alleviated with restoration. The lowest vector lengths in both topsoil (0.53 ± 0.04) and subsoil (0.50 ± 0.02) were measured in WAR, and both were below the updated C-limitation threshold (0.61). Concurrently, microbial nitrogen (N) limitation increased, as indicated by decreasing vector angles in topsoil (from ∼54° in WD to 42° in WAR) and subsoil, suggesting a shift in microbial nutrient acquisition toward N. Stoichiometric ratios (EC:N, EC:P, EN:P) and threshold-based indices (MCL, MNL, MPL) supported these patterns. Restoration reduced soil bulk density, increased subsoil SOC from 8.5% in WD to 10.1% in WAR, and lowered topsoil pH in WAR, indicating improved soil physical and chemical conditions. C-/N-acquiring enzymes was correlated positively (r > 0.75) with microbial biomass but negatively with bulk density, indicating that soil structure promotes enzymatic activity. Exploratory principal component analysis separated wetland states, with WAR associated with higher enzyme activity and microbial biomass than the other two wetland states. Overall, WAR alleviates microbial C limitation, increases relative N limitation, and strengthens the functional link between enzymatic activity and nutrient availability, providing mechanistic insights for long-term alpine wetland recovery.
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