Forest-type shift and subsequent intensive management affected soil organic carbon and microbial community in southeastern China

In this study, we investigated the effect of forest types changes (from coniferous and broadleaf mixed forest (CBMF) to plantation forests of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens forest, MBF) and hickory (Carya cathayensis forest, CHF)) combined with intensive management on soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial community structure, using the ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA). The results indicated that soil organic carbon significantly decreased by 30.7 and 28.5% in MBF and CHF, respectively. The aromatic C and aromaticity also significantly decreased in MBF and CHF (P < 0.05), while alkyl, O-alkyl and carbonyl C contents increased (P > 0.05). Significant changes of the soil microbial community were found after the forest type changed from CBMF to MBF and CHF. Total soil microbial PLFAs, soil bacteria PLFAs, fungus PLFAs, actinobacteria PLFAs, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi PLFAs and protozoan PLFAs ranked as follows: CBMF > CHF > MBF (P < 0.05). The ratio of soil fungus to bacteria was in the order of MBF (0.78) > CHF (0.66) > CBMF (0.49) (P < 0.05), while an opposite order was found for ratio of G+/G? values (CBMF > CHF > MBF, P < 0.05). The converting CBMF into MBF and CHF combined with fertilization and tillage significantly changed the SOC and microbial community. Therefore, necessary measures should be taken to improve the SOC and soil fertility in the MBF and CHF.