Microbial Transformation Process of Straw-Derived C in Two Typical Paddy Soils

【Objective】 The straw degradation rate, microbial community structure changes and functional microbial community composition involved in straw decomposition in soils were researched, and the research results could provide the theoretical foundation for revealing microbial mechanism of the soil organic matter transformation and accumulation. 【Method】 Two typical subtropical paddy soil in China, including Changshu Wushan soil and Yingtan Red paddy soil, were collected as the research materials. We anaerobically incubated the soils with/without ¹³C-enriched rice straw for 38 days. Gaseous samples were regularly collected to investigate mineralization rate of straw in dynamic changes. The soil samples were collected to analyze the dynamic changes of the microbial community composition related to straw decomposition by using ¹³C-PLFA-SIP technology. 【Result】 At the early stage before day 12 of the anaerobic culture, straw degraded slowly, and straw had positive priming effect on soil organic matter (SOM). At the stage of day 12-18, straw degraded rapidly and then the rate tended to be slow after day 18. At the end of incubation, straw mineralization rate was 24% and 33% in Red paddy soil and Wushan soil, respectively. The contribution of straw C to C efflux increased with incubation time, which was 53%-60% and 54%-57% to CO₂ and CH₄ efflux, respectively. The microbial biomass and activity were improved in the soil with straw, and the microbial activity in Wushan soil was higher than that in Red paddy soil. During straw degradation, 16:0 (general bacteria) was the main groups. i16:0, i15:0 (G ⁺ bacteria) and 18:1ω9c (fungi) were also important microbial groups involved in straw degradation. The relative abundance of straw-derived gram-positive (G ⁺) bacteria and actinomycetes increased and gram-positive (G ^-) bacteria decreased with incubation time. The proportions of straw-derived PLFAs were 27%-32% and 18%-24% in Red paddy soil and Wushan soil PLFAs, respectively. The straw utilization efficiency was higher in fungi and general bacteria, while G ^- bacterial and actinomycetes PLFAs were preferentially linked to extant soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization. The microbial community composition was different between Wushan soil and Red paddy soil with rice straw. The straw-derived microbial community composition was similar in two soils, but the SOM-derived microorganisms were differences. 【Conclusion】 The mineralization of straw C lagged behind extant SOM during anaerobic straw degradation. The microbial activity and diversity in soil were important factors influencing the efficiency of straw mineralization. After adding straw in soil, it’s showed differences from the microbial community composition, which were mainly involved in the differences between SOM-derived microorganisms, and SOM was an important factor leading to these differences.