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Lan S, Elliott DR, Chamizo S, Felde VJMNL, Thomas AD. Editorial: Biological soil crusts: spatio-temporal development and ecological functions of soil surface microbial communities across different scales. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1447058. [PMID: 39139371 PMCID: PMC11319241 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1447058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shubin Lan
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Songnen Grassland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Northeast Normal University, Songyuan, China
| | - David R. Elliott
- Nature-Based Solutions Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Chamizo
- Desertification and Geoecology Department, Experimental Station of Arid Zones (EEZA, CSIC), Almería, Spain
| | - Vincent J. M. N. L. Felde
- Institute of Earth System Sciences, Section Soil Science, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrew D. Thomas
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
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Sun X, Kong T, Huang D, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Häggblom MM, Soleimani M, Liu H, Ren Y, Wang Y, Huang Y, Li B, Sun W. Microbial Sulfur and Arsenic Oxidation Facilitate the Establishment of Biocrusts during Reclamation of Degraded Mine Tailings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12441-12453. [PMID: 38900020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Degraded tailings generated by the mining of metal ores are major environmental threats to the surrounding ecosystems. Tailing reclamation, however, is often impeded due to adverse environmental conditions, with depleted key nutrients (i.e., nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)) and elevated sulfur and metal(loid) concentrations. Formation of biocrusts may significantly accelerate nutrient accumulation and is therefore an essential stage for tailing reclamation. Although suggested to play an important role, the microbial community composition and key metabolisms in biocrusts remain largely unknown and are therefore investigated in the current study. The results suggested that sulfur and arsenic oxidation are potential energy sources utilized by members of predominant biocrust bacterial families, including Beijerinckiaceae, Burkholderiaceae, Hyphomicrobiaceae, and Rhizobiaceae. Accordingly, the S and As oxidation potentials are elevated in biocrusts compared to those in their adjacent tailings. Biocrust growth, as proxied by chlorophyll concentrations, is enhanced in treatments supplemented with S and As. The elevated biocrust growth might benefit from nutrient acquisition services (i.e., nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization) fueled by microbial sulfur and arsenic oxidation. The current study suggests that sulfur- and arsenic-oxidizing microorganisms may play important ecological roles in promoting biocrust formation and facilitating tailing reclamation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Sun
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Tianle Kong
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Duanyi Huang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhenyu Chen
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Yuxue Zhang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Max M Häggblom
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Mohsen Soleimani
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Huaqing Liu
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Youhua Ren
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yize Wang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ying Huang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Baoqin Li
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Weimin Sun
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control,Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Xu L, Li X, Tang X, Kou Y, Li C, Li J, Yao M, Zhang B, Wang L, Xu H, You C, Li H, Liu S, Zhang L, Liu Y, Huang X, Tu L, Tan B, Xu Z. Consistent community assembly but contingent species pool effects drive β-diversity patterns of multiple microbial groups in desert biocrust systems. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17386. [PMID: 38751195 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
One of the key goals of ecology is to understand how communities are assembled. The species co-existence theory suggests that community β-diversity is influenced by species pool and community assembly processes, such as environmental filtering, dispersal events, ecological drift and biotic interactions. However, it remains unclear whether there are similar β-diversity patterns among different soil microbial groups and whether all these mechanisms play significant roles in mediating β-diversity patterns. By conducting a broad survey across Chinese deserts, we aimed to address these questions by investing biological soil crusts (biocrusts). Through amplicon-sequencing, we acquired β-diversity data for multiple microbial groups, that is, soil total bacteria, diazotrophs, phoD-harbouring taxa, and fungi. Our results have shown varying distance decay rates of β-diversity across microbial groups, with soil total bacteria showing a weaker distance-decay relationship than other groups. The impact of the species pool on community β-diversity varied across microbial groups, with soil total bacteria and diazotrophs being significantly influenced. While the contributions of specific assembly processes to community β-diversity patterns varied among different microbial groups, significant effects of local community assembly processes on β-diversity patterns were consistently observed across all groups. Homogenous selection and dispersal limitation emerged as crucial processes for all groups. Precipitation and soil C:P were the key factors mediating β-diversity for all groups. This study has substantially advanced our understanding of how the communities of multiple microbial groups are structured in desert biocrust systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangzhen Li
- Engineering Research Centre of Soil Remediation of Fujian Province University, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin Tang
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongping Kou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Chaonan Li
- Ecological Security and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, China
| | - Jiabao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Minjie Yao
- Engineering Research Centre of Soil Remediation of Fujian Province University, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bingchang Zhang
- Shanxi Normal University, School of Geographical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lixia Wang
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongwei Xu
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengming You
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Li
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sining Liu
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhang
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiong Huang
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lihua Tu
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Tan
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenfeng Xu
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecological Safety on the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River & Forestry Ecological Engineering in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Karimi A, Tahmourespour A, Hoodaji M. Cyanobacterial biocrust alters soil physical properties reducing soil erosion and aerosol production. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01377-z. [PMID: 38922531 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01377-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aerosol emission by wind erosion in the arid and semi-arid areas of the world, is of environmental and health significance. Different methods have been used to mitigate aerosol emission among which the biological methods may be the most efficient ones. Although previously investigated, more research is essential to determine how the use of exopolysaccharide (biocrust)-producing cyanobacteria may affect soil physical properties. The objective was to investigate the effects of the cyanobacteria, Microcoleus vaginatus ATHK43 (identified and registered by the NCBI accession number MW433686), on soil physical properties of a sandy soil 15, 30, 60, and 90 d after inoculation. The effects of cyanobacterial biocrust on soil properties including shear strength, soil resistance, aggregate stability (mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD)), and wind erosion were determined in trays using a wind tunnel. Cyanobacterial inoculation significantly increased MWD (0-1 cm depth, from 0.12 mm to 0.47 mm) and GMD (from 0.3 to 0.5 mm) after a period of 90 d. Biocrust production significantly decreased soil erosion from 55.7 kgm- 2 to 0.3 kgm- 2 (wind rate of 50 kmh- 1), and from 116.42 kgm- 2 to 0.6 kgm- 2 (wind rate of 90 kmh- 1) after 90 d. In conclusion, cyanobacterial biocrust can significantly improve soil physical properties in different parts of the world including the deserts, and reduce aerosol emission by mitigating the destructive effects of wind erosion on soil physical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Karimi
- Department of Soil Science, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arezoo Tahmourespour
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehran Hoodaji
- Department of Soil Science, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
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Liao K, Chen C, Ye W, Zhu J, Li Y, She S, Wang P, Tao Y, Lv A, Wang X, Chen L. The adaptability, distribution, ecological function and restoration application of biological soil crusts on metal tailings: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172169. [PMID: 38582126 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
A large amount of metal tailings causes many environmental issues. Thus, the techniques for their ecological restoration have garnered extensive attention. However, they are still in the exploratory stage. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are a coherent layer comprising photoautotrophic organisms, heterotrophic organisms and soil particles. They are crucial in global terrestrial ecosystems and play an equal importance in metal tailings. We summarized the existing knowledge on BSCs growing on metal tailings. The main photosynthetic organisms (cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, lichens, and mosses) of BSCs exhibit a high heavy metal(loid) (HM) tolerance. BSCs also have a strong adaptability to other adverse conditions in tailings, such as poor structure, acidification, and infertility. The literature about tailing BSCs has been rapidly increasing, particularly after 2022. The extensive literature confirms that the BSCs distributed on metal tailings, including all major types of metal tailings in different climatic regisions, are common. BSCs perform various ecological functions in tailings, including HM stress reduction, soil structure improvement, soil nutrient increase, biogeochemical cycle enhancement, and microbial community restoration. They interact and accelerate revegetation of tailings (at least in the temperate zone) and soil formation. Restoring tailings by accelerating/inducing BSC formation (e.g., resource augmentation and inoculation) has also attracted attention and achieved small-scale on-site application. However, some knowledge gaps still exist. The potential areas for further research include the relation between BSCs and HMs, large-scale quantification of tailing BSCs, application of emerging biological techniques, controlled laboratory experiments, and other restoration applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Liao
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chaoqi Chen
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wenyan Ye
- Lin'an Branch of Hangzhou Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Lin'an Branch of Hangzhou Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Sijia She
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Panpan Wang
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yue Tao
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ang Lv
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Lanzhou Chen
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Yang Z, Yuan Y, Guo J, Li J, Li J, Yu H, Zeng W, Huang Y, Yin L, Li F. Responses of Soil C, N, P and Enzyme Activities to Biological Soil Crusts in China: A Meta-Analysis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1525. [PMID: 38891333 PMCID: PMC11174547 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are often referred to as the "living skin" of arid regions worldwide. Yet, the combined impact of BSCs on soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and enzyme activities remains not fully understood. This study identified, screened and reviewed 71 out of 2856 literature sources to assess the responses of soil C, N, P and enzyme activity to BSCs through a meta-analysis. The results indicated that BSC presence significantly increased soil C, N, P and soil enzyme activity, and this increasing effect was significantly influenced by the types of BSCs. Results from the overall effect showed that soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) increased by 107.88%, 84.52%, 45.43%, 27.46%, and 54.71%, respectively, and four soil enzyme activities (Alkaline Phosphatase, Cellulase, Sucrase, and Urease) increased by 93.65-229.27%. The highest increases in SOC, TN and AN content occurred in the soil covered with lichen crusts and moss crusts, and significant increases in Alkaline Phosphatase and Cellulase were observed in the soil covered with moss crusts and mixed crusts, suggesting that moss crusts can synergistically enhance soil C and N pool and enzyme activity. Additionally, variations in soil C, N, P content, and enzyme activity were observed under different environmental settings, with more pronounced improvements seen in coarse and medium-textured soils compared to fine-textured soils, particularly at a depth of 5 cm from the soil surface. BSCs in desert ecosystems showed more significant increases in SOC, TN, AN, and Alkaline Phosphatase compared to forest and grassland ecosystems. Specifically, BSCs at low altitude (≤500 m) with an annual average rainfall of 0-400 mm and an annual average temperature ≤ 10 °C were the most conducive to improving soil C, N, and P levels. Our results highlight the role of BSCs and their type in increasing soil C, N, P and enzyme activities, with these effects significantly impacted by soil texture, ecosystem type, and climatic conditions. The implications of these findings are crucial for soil enhancement, ecosystem revitalization, windbreak, and sand stabilization efforts in the drylands of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yang
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jinjin Guo
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jinxi Li
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hu Yu
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yinhong Huang
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Liyun Yin
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Fulian Li
- Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (Z.Y.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (H.Y.); (W.Z.); (Y.H.); (L.Y.); (F.L.)
- Yunnan Provincial Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Water-Soil-Crop System in Seasonal Arid Region, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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Liu Q, Zhou S, Zhang B, Zhao K, Wang F, Li K, Zhang Y. The development of the biological soil crust regulates the fungal distribution and the stability of fungal networks. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1347704. [PMID: 38873143 PMCID: PMC11169694 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1347704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneous composition of fungi plays an indispensable role in the foundation of the multifunctionalities of ecosystems within drylands. The precise mechanisms that govern fluctuations in soil fungal assemblages in dryland ecosystems remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, biological soil crusts (biocrusts) at different successional stages in the Gurbantunggut Desert were used as substrates to examine the characteristics and driving factors that influence fungal abundance and community dynamics during biocrust development using qPCR and high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 region. The findings showed that the physicochemical properties changed significantly with the development of biocrusts. In particular, total nitrogen increased 4.8 times, along with notable increases in ammonium, total phosphorus (2.1 times) and soil organic carbon (6.5 times). Initially, there was a rise in fungal abundance, which was subsequently followed by a decline as the biocrust developed, with the highest abundance detected in lichen crust (2.66 × 107 copies/g soil) and the lowest in bare sand (7.98 × 106 copies/g soil). Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes emerged as dominant phyla, collectively forming 85% of the fungal community. As the biocrust developed, noticeable alterations occurred in fungal community compositions, resulting from changes in the relative proportions of Dothideomycetes, Lecanoromycetes and unclassified ascomycetes. Nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon content, and pH of biocrusts were identified as direct or indirect regulators of fungal abundance and community structure. The complexity of fungal networks increased as biocrusts developed as revealed by network analysis, but reduced in the stability of fungal communities within algal and lichen crusts. Keystone species within the fungal community also underwent changes as biocrust developed. These results suggested that shifts in interspecies relationships among fungi could further contribute to the variation in fungal communities during the development of biocrusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shuping Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Bingchang Zhang
- Geographical Science College, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Kang Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Fei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Kaikai Li
- Geographical Science College, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Geographical Science College, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan, China
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8
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Mugnai G, Pinchuk I, Borruso L, Tiziani R, Sannino C, Canini F, Turchetti B, Mimmo T, Zucconi L, Buzzini P. The hidden network of biocrust successional stages in the High Arctic: Revealing abiotic and biotic factors shaping microbial and metazoan communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171786. [PMID: 38508248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Despite the important role that biocrust communities play in maintaining ecosystem structure and functioning in deglaciated barren soil, few studies have been conducted on the dynamics of biotic communities and the impact of physicochemical characteristics in shaping the different successional stages. In this study an integrated approach encompassing physicochemical parameters and molecular taxonomy was used for identifying the indicator taxa and the presence of intra- and inter-kingdom interactions in five different crust/biocrust successional stages: i) physical crust, ii) cyanobacteria-dominated biocrust, iii) cyanobacteria/moss-dominated biocrust, iv) moss-dominated biocrust and v) bryophyte carpet. The phylum Gemmatimonadota was the bacterial indicator taxon in the early stage, promoting both inter- and intra-kingdom interactions, while Cyanobacteria and Nematoda phyla played a pivotal role in formation and dynamics of cyanobacteria-dominated biocrusts. A multitrophic community, characterized by a shift from oligotrophic to copiotrophic bacteria and the presence of saproxylic arthropod and herbivore insects was found in the cyanobacteria/moss-dominated biocrust, while a more complex biota, characterized by an increased fungal abundance (classes Sordariomycetes, Leotiomycetes, and Dothideomycetes, phylum Ascomycota), associated with highly trophic consumer invertebrates (phyla Arthropoda, Rotifera, Tardigrada), was observed in moss-dominated biocrusts. The class Bdelloidea and the family Hypsibiidae (phyla Rotifera and Tardigrada, respectively) were metazoan indicator taxon in bryophyte carpet, suggesting their potential role in shaping structure and function of this late successional stage. Nitrogen and phosphorus were the main physicochemical limiting factors driving the shift among different crust/biocrust successional stages. Identification and characterization of indicator taxa, biological intra- and inter-kingdom interactions and abiotic factors driving the shift among different crust/biocrust successional stages provide a detailed picture on crust/biocrust dynamics, revealing a strong interconnection among micro- and macrobiota systems. These findings enhance our understanding of biocrust ecosystems in High Arctic, providing valuable insights for their conservation and management in response to environmental shifts due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Mugnai
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, Perugia 06121, Italy.
| | - Irina Pinchuk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, Perugia 06121, Italy
| | - Luigimaria Borruso
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Bozen-Bolzano, 39100, Italy
| | - Raphael Tiziani
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Bozen-Bolzano, 39100, Italy
| | - Ciro Sannino
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, Perugia 06121, Italy
| | - Fabiana Canini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Benedetta Turchetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, Perugia 06121, Italy
| | - Tanja Mimmo
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Bozen-Bolzano, 39100, Italy
| | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | - Pietro Buzzini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, Perugia 06121, Italy
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9
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Wang L, Li J, Zhang S, Huang Y, Ouyang Z, Mai Z. Biological soil crust elicits microbial community and extracellular polymeric substances restructuring to reduce the soil erosion on tropical island, South China Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 197:106449. [PMID: 38492504 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Soil erosion stands as the preeminent environmental concern globally, attaining heightened significance, particularly within islands where land resources prove notably scarce. Biological soil crusts, referred to as biocrusts, assume a pivotal ecological role in soil conservation. Notably, they augment the horizontal stability of the substrate through the exudation of microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), thereby shielding the soil against shear stress, exemplified in the form of water erosion. While extant research has delved into the anti-erosion mechanisms of biocrusts in arid landscapes, a conspicuous lacuna persists in the exploration of coral island environments. In this study, we collected and assessed 30 samples encompassing dark biocrusts, light biocrusts, and bare soil to scrutinize the potential anti-erosion efficacy of tropical coral island biocrusts within the South China Sea. Employing a cohesive strength meter, we quantified soil shear stress across various stages of biocrust development, revealing a discernible enhancement in soil erosion resistance during the formation of biocrusts. Relative to the exposed bare soil, the soil shear stress exhibited an escalation from 0.33 N m-2 to 0.61 N m-2 and 1.31 N m-2 in the light biocrusts and dark biocrusts, respectively. Mechanistically, we assayed microbial EPS contents, exposing a positive correlation between EPS and soil anti-erodibility, encompassing extracellular protein and polysaccharide. Concurrently, bacterial abundance displayed a significant augmentation commensurate with biocrust formation and development. In pursuit of elucidating the origin of EPS, high-throughput amplicon sequencing was executed to identify microorganisms contributing to biocrust development. Correlation analysis discerned Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Deinococcota, and Patescibacteria as potential microbials fostering EPS production and fortifying erosion resistance. Collectively, our study presents the first evidence that biocrust from tropical coral reef island in the South China Sea promotes resistance to soil erosion, pinpointing key EPS-producing microbials against soil erosion. The findings would provide insights for island environment restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China.
| | - Si Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yadong Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Ouyang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China
| | - Zhimao Mai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China.
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10
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Yu T, Hou X, Fang X, Razavi B, Zang H, Zeng Z, Yang Y. Short-term continuous monocropping reduces peanut yield mainly via altering soil enzyme activity and fungal community. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:117977. [PMID: 38141923 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Continuous monocropping can lead to soil sickness and increase of soil-borne disease, which finally reduces crop yield. Microorganisms benefit plants by increasing nutrient availability, participating in auxin synthesis, and defending against pathogens. However, little is known about the influence of short-term successive peanuts cropping on soil properties, enzyme activities, its yield, plant-associated microbes, and their potential correlations in peanut production. Here, we examined the community structure, composition, network structure and function of microbes in the rhizosphere and bulk soils under different monocropping years. Moreover, we assessed the impact of changes in the soil micro-environment and associated soil microbes on peanut yield. Our results showed that increase of monocropping year significantly decreased most soil properties, enzyme activities and peanut yield (p < 0.05). Principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) indicated that monocropping year significantly influenced the fungal community structure in the rhizosphere and bulk soils (p < 0.01), while had no effect on the bacterial community. With the increase of continuous monocropping year, peanut selectively decreased (e.g., Candidatus_Entotheonella, Bacillus and Bryobacter) or increased (e.g., Nitrospira, Nocardioides, Ensifer, Gaiella, and Novosphingobium) the abundance of some beneficial bacterial genera in the rhizosphere. Continuous monocropping significantly increased the abundance of plant pathogens (e.g., Plectosphaerella, Colletotrichum, Lectera, Gibberella, Metarhizium, and Microdochium) in the rhizosphere and negatively affected the balance of fungal community. Besides, these species were correlated negatively with L-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity. Network co-occurrence analysis showed that continuous monocropping simplified the interaction network of bacteria and fungi. Random forest and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis further showed that fungal community, pathogen abundance, soil pH, and LAP activity negatively affected peanut yield. In conclusion, short-term continuous monocropping decreased LAP activity and increased potential fungal pathogens abundance, leading to reduction of peanut yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taobing Yu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiqing Hou
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiangyang Fang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bahar Razavi
- Department of Soil-Plant-Microbiome, Institute of Phytopathology, University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Huadong Zang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhaohai Zeng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yadong Yang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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11
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Duan Y, Li Y, Zhao J, Zhang J, Luo C, Jia R, Liu X. Changes in Microbial Composition During the Succession of Biological Soil Crusts in Alpine Hulun Buir Sandy Land, China. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 87:43. [PMID: 38363394 PMCID: PMC10873229 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02359-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are considered "desert ecosystem engineers" because they play a vital role in the restoration and stability maintenance of deserts, including those cold sandy land ecosystems at high latitudes, which are especially understudied. Microorganisms participate in the formation and succession of biocrusts, contributing to soil properties' improvement and the stability of soil aggregates, and thus vegetation development. Accordingly, understanding the composition and successional characteristics of microorganisms is a prerequisite for analyzing the ecological functions of biocrusts and related applications. Here, the Hulun Buir Sandy Land region in northeastern China-lying at the highest latitude of any sandy land in the country-was selected for study. Through a field investigation and next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq PE300 Platform), our goal was to assess the shifts in diversity and community composition of soil bacteria and fungi across different stages during the succession of biocrusts in this region, and to uncover the main factors involved in shaping their soil microbial community. The results revealed that the nutrient enrichment capacity of biocrusts for available nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total content of water-soluble salt, available potassium, soil organic matter, and available phosphorus was progressively enhanced by the succession of cyanobacterial crusts to lichen crusts and then to moss crusts. In tandem, soil bacterial diversity increased as biocrust succession proceeded but fungal diversity decreased. A total of 32 bacterial phyla and 11 fungal phyla were identified, these also known to occur in other desert ecosystems. Among those taxa, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria significantly increased and decreased, respectively, along the cyanobacterial crust-lichen-moss crust successional gradient. However, for Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria their changed relative abundance was significantly hump-shaped, increasing in the shift from cyanobacterial crust to lichen crust, and then decreasing as lichen crust shifted to moss crust. In this process, the improved soil properties effectively enhanced soil bacterial and fungal community composition. Altogether, these findings broaden our understanding about how soil microbial properties can change during the succession of biocrusts in high-latitude, cold sandy land ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Duan
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Naiman Desertification Research Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tongliao, 028300, China
- Key Laboratory of Strategic Mineral Resources of the Upper Yellow River, Ministry of Natural Resources, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Naiman Desertification Research Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tongliao, 028300, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Strategic Mineral Resources of the Upper Yellow River, Ministry of Natural Resources, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jianhua Zhao
- Shanghai Majorbio Bio-Pharm Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Junbiao Zhang
- Shanghai Majorbio Bio-Pharm Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Chun Luo
- Shanghai Majorbio Bio-Pharm Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Rongliang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongwei, 755007, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xinping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Naiman Desertification Research Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tongliao, 028300, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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12
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Mai Z, Chen Q, Wang L, Zhang J, Cheng H, Su H, Zhang S, Li J. Bacterial carbonic anhydrase-induced carbonates mitigate soil erosion in biological soil crusts. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 352:120085. [PMID: 38219667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Soil erosion is a significant environmental issue worldwide, particularly in island regions where land resources are exceedingly scarce. Biological soil crusts play a crucial role in mitigating soil erosion, yet the precise effect and mechanism of biological soil crusts against erosion remain ambiguous. In this study, biological soil crusts at various developmental stages from a tropical coral island in the South China Sea were chosen to investigate the role of carbonic anhydrase in mitigating erosion. A cohesive strength meter, real-time quantitative PCR, and 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing were employed to assess variations in soil antiscouribility as well as bacterial abundance and composition during the formation and development of biological soil crusts. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to detect carbonates induced by bacterial carbonic anhydrase and elucidate their role in the solidification of sand particles. The findings indicate that the formation and development of biological soil crusts significantly enhance anti-scouribility. Comparison to those of bare coral sand, the shear stress increased from 0.35 to 1.11 N/m2 in the dark biocrusts. Moreover, significantly elevated carbonic anhydrase activity was observed in biological soil crusts, demonstrating a positive correlation with antiscouribility. In addition, there was a significant increase in bacterial abundance within the biological soil crusts. The enrichment of Cyanobacteriales and Chloroflexales potentially contributed to the increased carbonic anhydrase activity and antiscouribility. Furthermore, three cyanobacterial strains with carbonic anhydrase activity were isolated from biological soil crusts and subsequently confirmed to enhance sand solidification through microbial carbonate precipitation. This study presents initial evidence for the role of microbial carbonic anhydrase in enhancing the antiscouribility of biological soil crusts during their formation and development. These findings offer novel insights into the functional and mechanistic dimensions underlying the mitigation of soil erosion facilitated by biological soil crusts, which are valuable for implementing sustainable biorestoration and environmental management technologies to prevent soil erosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimao Mai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Qiqi Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Lin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Hongfei Su
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Si Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China.
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Liao K, Tao Y, Zeng Y, Tu J, She S, Fu Y, Hou L, Chen L. A feasible method of induced biological soil crust propagation through the inoculation of moss and addition of soil amendments in a Pb-Zn tailing pond. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168569. [PMID: 37981134 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The stacking of tailings results in serious environmental pollution and plant growth difficulty. However, moss and microorganisms can successfully colonize in tailings to form biological soil crusts (BSCs) and provide a feasible means to ecologically restore tailing reservoirs. Nonetheless, information on this approach is scarce. In this study, a 90 day field experiment was conducted to form BSCs in a Pb-Zn tailing pond in Jianshui County, China by inoculating in-situ moss crust fragments and adding three soil amendments. Results showed that induced BSCs successfully propagated, and the biomass increased to 15.51-20.33 times the initial value. Moss inoculation considerably increased the soil moisture, water-holding capacity, and phosphatase by 9.2 %, 8.8 %, and 64.0 %, respectively, and decreased exchangeable fraction Pb by 30.7 %. The co-inoculation of moss and biochar remarkably increased soil moisture, water-holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, sucrase, urease, and phosphatase activity by 22.3 %, 23.4 %, 116 %, 80.5 %, 28.6 %, and 240 %, respectively, and decreased the bulk density by 13.3 %. The addition of red soil reduced the total contents of Pb and Zn, whereas that of the stabilizer increased the pH and decreased the bioavailability of Pb and Zn. Co-inoculation greatly increased the biotic community species richness and changed their structure and function. The dominant photosynthetic eukaryotes shifted from Synechococcales to Oscillatoriales. Bacterial nutritional types shifted from chemoautotrophy to photoautotrophy and chemoautotrophy, and fungal nutritional types changed from oligotrophy to copiotrophy. These changes drove alterations in bacterial and fungal community structures. These results indicated that the propagation of induced BSCs can rapidly improve the soil structure and nutrient cycle, restore the biotic abundance and function, and facilitate the soil formation of tailings. Thus, this method holds promise for the ecological restoration of tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Liao
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yue Tao
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yuyang Zeng
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Jiawei Tu
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Sijia She
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yaojia Fu
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Lianghui Hou
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Lanzhou Chen
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
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14
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Liao K, Tao Y, Tu J, Zeng Y, Li Y, Wang P, Li X, He F, Chen L. Induced and natural moss soil crusts accelerate the C, N, and P cycles of PbZn tailings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168657. [PMID: 37979864 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient deficiency is the primary obstacle in tailing ecological restoration besides high heavy metal content. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are known for their C and N fixation capabilities and play a crucial role in soil P cycle. BSCs are widespread in tailings and provide a potential ecological restoration approach. In 2022, we carried out an on-site restoration on a PbZn tailing pond in Yunnan Province, China. BSCs were propagated by natural moss crust fragment inoculation. The induced moss crusts (IMCs) were monitored at 0, 45, 90, and 135 days and compared with natural moss crusts (NMCs). The chlorophyll-a content and abundance of biotic organisms increased over time, reaching a peak at 135 days and surpassing that of NMCs. Moss crusts increased the content of C, N, and P nutrients and enzyme activities in the 0.5 cm surface soil. They also reduced the DTPA-extractable Pb content. Moss crusts significantly increased the content of fulvic/humic and protein-like/polyphenol substances, thereby raising the humic index of soil dissolved organic matter (especially NMCs). Furthermore, moss crusts also raised the abundance of nitrification (AOB and Nsr), denitrification (narG, napA, qnorB, and nosZ), and P-cycling (gcd, appA, phoC, phoA, and phoD) genes, especially IMCs after a 135-day inoculation. NMCs exhibited higher moss abundance measured via eukaryotic photoautotrophs. Moss crusts increased photosynthetic bacteria abundance (e.g., Leptolyngbya and Nostocales) and reduced the dominance of chemoautotrophic bacteria, especially the dark sulfide oxidation bacteria (Betaproteobacteriales). This trend was more pronounced in NMCs. Overall, IMCs can recover the functions of NMCs, and in some cases (e.g., abundance and diversity of biotic community, soil nutrient and N & P cycle genes), even surpass them. Our research provides new insights into the tailing ecological restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Liao
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yue Tao
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Jiawei Tu
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yuyang Zeng
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Panpan Wang
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Xinyue Li
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Fan He
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Lanzhou Chen
- Wuhan University School of Resource & Environmental Sciences, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
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Wu H, Cui H, Fu C, Li R, Qi F, Liu Z, Yang G, Xiao K, Qiao M. Unveiling the crucial role of soil microorganisms in carbon cycling: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168627. [PMID: 37977383 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Soil microorganisms, by actively participating in the decomposition and transformation of organic matter through diverse metabolic pathways, play a pivotal role in carbon cycling within soil systems and contribute to the stabilization of organic carbon, thereby influencing soil carbon storage and turnover. Investigating the processes, mechanisms, and driving factors of soil microbial carbon cycling is crucial for understanding the functionality of terrestrial carbon sinks and effectively addressing climate change. This review comprehensively discusses the role of soil microorganisms in soil carbon cycling from three perspectives: metabolic pathways, microbial communities, and environmental influences. It elucidates the roles of different microbial species in carbon cycling and highlights the impact of microbial interactions and environmental factors on carbon cycling. Through the synthesis of 2171 relevant papers in the Web of Science Core database, we elucidated the ecological community structure, activity, and assembly mechanisms of soil microorganisms crucial to the soil carbon cycle that have been widely analyzed. The integration of soil microbial carbon cycle and its driving factors are vital for accurately predicting and modeling biogeochemical cycles and effectively addressing the challenges posed by global climate change. Such integration is vital for accurately predicting and modeling biogeochemical cycles and effectively addressing the challenges posed by global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huiling Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenxi Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengyuan Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhelun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Keqing Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Min Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
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Coleine C, Delgado-Baquerizo M, DiRuggiero J, Guirado E, Harfouche AL, Perez-Fernandez C, Singh BK, Selbmann L, Egidi E. Dryland microbiomes reveal community adaptations to desertification and climate change. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae056. [PMID: 38552152 PMCID: PMC11031246 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Drylands account for 45% of the Earth's land area, supporting ~40% of the global population. These regions support some of the most extreme environments on Earth, characterized by extreme temperatures, low and variable rainfall, and low soil fertility. In these biomes, microorganisms provide vital ecosystem services and have evolved distinctive adaptation strategies to endure and flourish in the extreme. However, dryland microbiomes and the ecosystem services they provide are under threat due to intensifying desertification and climate change. In this review, we provide a synthesis of our current understanding of microbial life in drylands, emphasizing the remarkable diversity and adaptations of these communities. We then discuss anthropogenic threats, including the influence of climate change on dryland microbiomes and outline current knowledge gaps. Finally, we propose research priorities to address those gaps and safeguard the sustainability of these fragile biomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Funcionamiento Ecosistémico, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC, Sevilla, E-41012, Spain
| | - Jocelyne DiRuggiero
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
| | - Emilio Guirado
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environment Studies “Ramón Margalef”, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante E-03071, Spain
| | - Antoine L Harfouche
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo 01100, Italy
| | | | - Brajesh K Singh
- Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2750, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2750, Australia
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
- Mycological Section, Italian Antarctic National Museum (MNA), Genoa 16128, Italy
| | - Eleonora Egidi
- Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2750, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2750, Australia
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Wang M, Chen S, Li S, Zhang J, Sun Y, Wang C, Ni D. Enhancement of nitrogen cycling and functional microbial flora by artificial inoculation of biological soil crusts in sandy soils of highway slopes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:4400-4411. [PMID: 38102430 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31461-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are common in arid and semi-arid ecosystems and enhance soil stability and fertility. Highway slopes severely deplete the soil ecological structure and soil nutrients, hindering plant survival. The construction of highway slope BSCs under human intervention is critical to ensure the long-term stable operation of the slope ecosystem. This study investigated the variation rules and interaction mechanisms between soil nutrients and microbial communities in the subsoil BSCs on highway slopes. Bacterial 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was employed to investigate the dynamic compositional changes in the microbial community and perform critical metabolic predictive analyses of functional bacteria. This study revealed that the total soil nitrogen increased significantly from 0.557 to 0.864 g/kg after artificial inoculation with desert Phormidium tenue and Scytonema javanicum. Actinobacteria (44-48%) and Proteobacteria (28-31%) were the dominant phyla in all samples. The abundance of Cyanobacteria, Cytophagaceae, and Chitinophagaceae increased significantly after inoculation. PICRUST analysis showed that the main metabolic pathways of soil microorganisms on highway slopes included cofactor and vitamin, nucleotide, and amino acid metabolisms. These findings suggest that the artificial inoculation with Phormidium tenue and Scytonema javanicum could alter soil microbial distribution to promote soil development on highway slopes toward nutrient accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyan Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Sibao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Changjiang Regulation and Protection of Ministry of Water Resources, Changjiang Institude of Survey Planning Design and Research, Wuhan, 430010, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Jianhong Zhang
- China International Engineering Consulting Corporation, Ltd., Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yingxue Sun
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Chun Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
- Key Laboratory of Road Traffic Environmental Protection Technology, Ministry of Transport, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Dong Ni
- Key Laboratory of Road Traffic Environmental Protection Technology, Ministry of Transport, Beijing, 100088, China
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Chowaniec K, Styburski J, Kozioł S, Pisańska Z, Skubała K. Dune Blowouts as Microbial Hotspots and the Changes of Overall Microbial Activity and Photosynthetic Biomass Along with Succession of Biological Soil Crusts. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 87:22. [PMID: 38157058 PMCID: PMC10756888 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02333-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Biological soil crust (BSC) constitutes a consortium of cyanobacteria, algae, lichen, mosses, and heterotrophic microorganisms, forming a miniature ecosystem within the uppermost soil layer. The biomass of different organisms forming BSC and their activity changes along with succession. Previous studies focused primarily on BSC in hyper-arid/arid regions, whereas the ecophysiology of BSC in temperate climates is still not well recognized. In order to determine changes in overall microbial activity and photosynthetic biomass in BSC at different stages of the succession of inland sandy grasslands, we analyzed dehydrogenase activity and determined the content of photosynthetic pigments. We also compared these parameters between BSC developed on the dune ridges and aeolian blowouts in the initial stage of succession. Our study revealed a significant increase in both photosynthetic biomass and overall microbial activity in BSC as the succession of inland shifting sands progresses. We found that chl a concentration in BSC could be considered a useful quantitative indicator of both the presence of photoautotrophs and the degree of soil crust development in warm-summer humid continental climates. The photosynthetic biomass was closely related to increased microbial activity in BSC, which suggests that photoautotrophs constitute a major BSC component. Dune blowouts constitute environmental niches facilitating the development of BSC, compared to dune ridges. High biomass of microorganisms in the dune blowouts may be associated with a high amount of organic material and more favorable moisture conditions. We conclude that deflation fields are key places for keeping a mosaic of habitats in the area of shifting sands and can be a reservoir of microorganisms supporting further settlement of dune slopes by BSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Chowaniec
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Prof. S. Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jakub Styburski
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Prof. S. Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348, Kraków, Poland
| | - Szymon Kozioł
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Zofia Pisańska
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kaja Skubała
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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Wang L, Huang Y, Yang Q, Mai Z, Xie F, Lyu L, Zhang S, Li J. Biocrust reduces the soil erodibility of coral calcareous sand by regulating microbial community and extracellular polymeric substances on tropical coral island, South China Sea. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1283073. [PMID: 38152373 PMCID: PMC10751374 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1283073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical coral islands assume a pivotal role in the conservation of oceanic ecosystem biodiversity. However, their distinctive environmental attributes and limited vegetation render them highly susceptible to soil erosion. The biological soil crust (biocrust), owing to its significant ecological role in soil stabilization and erosion prevention, is deemed an effective means of mitigating soil erosion on coral island. However, existing research on the mechanisms through which biocrusts resist soil erosion has predominantly concentrated on arid and semi-arid regions. Consequently, this study will specifically delve into elucidating the erosion-resistant mechanisms of biocrusts in tropical coral island environments, South China Sea. Specifically, we collected 16 samples of biocrusts and bare soil from Meiji Island. High-throughput amplicon sequencing was executed to analyze the microbial community, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea. Additionally, quantitative PCR was utilized to assess the abundance of the bacterial 16S rRNA, fungal ITS, archaeal 16S rRNA, and cyanobacterial 16S rRNA genes within these samples. Physicochemical measurements and assessments of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were conducted to characterize the soil properties. The study reported a significantly decreased soil erodibility factor after biocrust formation. Compared to bare soil, soil erodibility factor decreased from 0.280 to 0.190 t h MJ-1 mm-1 in the biocrusts. Mechanistically, we measured the microbial EPS contents and revealed a negative correlation between EPS and soil erodibility factor. Consistent with increased EPS, the abundance of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and cyanobacteria were also detected significantly increased with biocrust formation. Correlation analysis detected Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Deinococcota, and Crenarchaeota as potential microbials promoting EPSs and reducing soil erosion. Together, our study presents the evidence that biocrust from tropical coral island in the South China Sea promotes resistance to soil erosion, pinpointing key EPSs-producing microbials against soil erosion. The findings would provide insights for island soil restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingsong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhimao Mai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feiyang Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina Lyu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Ding Y, Geng Y, Zhou W, Li D. Habitat-specific environmental factors regulate the spatial variability of biological soil crust microbial communities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165937. [PMID: 37532035 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are an important biological component of the soil surface, covering approximately 12 % of the Earth's land surface. Although BSCs are closely related to habitats, the microbial diversity and spatial variability of BSCs in different ecosystems are still unclear, especially on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), where climate is changeable and habitats are complex. Here, we investigated the diversity, assembly processes, spatial distribution pattern and driving factors of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities in BSCs in four habitats on the QTP. It was found that habitat-specific environmental factors regulated the composition, diversity and spatial variability of BSC microbial communities. Soil organic carbon and soil water content were the most important factors (R2 = 0.9024, P = 0.001; R2 = 0.8004, P = 0.001) affecting the spatial differences in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. Under the specific climate of the QTP, the spatial pattern of microbial communities in BSCs was controlled by precipitation rather than temperature. In addition, ecological processes further explained the effects of habitat specificity, and environmental filtering explained microbial community differences better than dispersal limitation. The results of the neutral community model and the normalized stochastic ratio index revealed that the assembly of prokaryotic communities was determined by deterministic processes at the regional scale, and at the local scale, the assembly process was mainly determined by habitat type, while the assembly of eukaryotic communities was determined by stochastic processes at both the regional and local scales. This study provided a scientific reference for the prediction of BSC distribution and resource conservation under future climate change scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuang Ding
- School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa 850001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yuchen Geng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Weicheng Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou 423000, PR China
| | - Dunhai Li
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
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21
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Li Y, Wang F, Yang H, Li H, Hu C. Balanced biogeographic and local environmental effects determine the patterns of microbial diversity in biocrusts at multi-scales. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1284864. [PMID: 38029206 PMCID: PMC10666793 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1284864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Biodiversity maintenance and its underlying mechanisms are central issues of ecology. However, predicting the composition turnovers of microbial communities at multiple spatial scales remains greatly challenging because they are obscured by the inconsistent impacts of climatic and local edaphic conditions on the assembly process. Methods Based on the Illumina MeSeq 16S/18S rRNA sequencing technology, we investigated soil bacterial and eukaryotic communities in biocrusts with different successional levels at a subcontinental scale of Northern China. Results Results showed that irrespective of spatial scale, bacterial α diversity increased but eukaryotic diversity decreased with the primary succession, whereas both β diversities decreased at the subcontinental scale compared with smaller scales, indicating that the biogeographic pattern of soil microorganisms was balanced by successional convergence and distance decay effect. We found that the convergence of bacterial and eukaryotic communities was attributed to the turnovers of generalist and specialist species, respectively. In this process, edaphic and climatic factors showed unique roles in the changes of diversity at local/subcontinental scales. Moreover, the taxonomic diversity tended to be more susceptible to climatic and edaphic conditions, while biotic factors (photosynthesis and pigments) were more important to phylogenetic diversity. Conclusion Taken together, our study provided comprehensive insights into understanding the pattern of microbial diversity at multiple spatial scales of drylands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanlong Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbon Neutrality and Intelligent Energy, School of Resource and Environment, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengdi Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haijian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunxiang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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Siwach A, Kaushal S, Sarma K, Baishya R. Interplay of moss cover and seasonal variation regulate soil physicochemical properties and net nitrogen mineralization rates in Central Himalayas, India. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118839. [PMID: 37598496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Mosses (Class- Bryopsida) are vital to ecosystem dynamics in numerous biomes, although their effects on soil processes are poorly understood. The interplay of moss cover and seasonal variations in soil processes is still unclear in the Indian Central Himalayas. Therefore, we examined the seasonal variations in net nitrogen (N) mineralization rates and several soil properties under two ground covers (with and without moss cover). We used the ex-situ incubation technique to determine N mineralization rates (Rmin) and standard methodology for soil physical and chemical analysis. During the rainy season, the physical properties of the soil and its nutrients, apart from phosphorus, were higher under moss cover. The winter season, however, showed a different pattern, with soil properties exhibiting higher values in soils without moss cover. Ammonium concentrations were higher under moss cover, while nitrate concentrations were higher in soil without moss cover during rainy and winter seasons. The Rmin rates were higher in soil under moss cover, indicating that moss cover promotes N transformation. In contrast, Rmin rates were negative in soil without moss cover, indicating that N immobilization was dominant in N transformation under this ground cover during the rainy season. Our research shows that mosses positively impact the nutrient status and N mineralization rates in various temperate forest types. The seasonal patterns of soil properties are strongly influenced by soil temperature, moisture, and organic carbon. Therefore, we advocate the conservation of mosses and their integration into forest management plans for better ecosystem processes and services in the ecologically fragile Himalayas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Siwach
- Ecology and Ecosystem Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Siddhartha Kaushal
- Ecology and Ecosystem Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Kiranmay Sarma
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Ratul Baishya
- Ecology and Ecosystem Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
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23
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Mao Q, Xie X, Pinzon-Nuñez DA, Xie Z, Liu T, Irshad S. Native microalgae and Bacillus XZM remediate arsenic-contaminated soil by forming biological soil crusts. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118858. [PMID: 37647731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are a useful tool for immobilization of metal(loid)s in mining areas. Yet, the typical functional microorganisms involved in promoting the fast development of BSCs and their impacts on arsenic(As) contaminated soil remain unverified. In this study, As-contaminated soil was inoculated with indigenous Chlorella thermophila SM01 (C. thermophila SM01), Leptolyngbya sp. XZMQ, isolated from BSCs in high As-contaminated areas and plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria (Bacillus XZM) to construct BSCs in different manners. After 45 days of ex-situ culture experiment, Leptolyngbya sp. XZMQ and bacteria could form obvious BSCs. Compared to single-inoculated microalgae, the co-inoculation of Leptolyngbya sp. XZMQ and Bacillus XZM increased soil pH and water content by 10% and 26%, respectively, while decreasing soil EC and density by 19% and 14%, respectively. The soil catalase, alkaline phosphatase, sucrase, and urease activities were also increased by 30.53%, 96.24%, 154.19%, and 272.17%, respectively. The co-inoculation of Leptolyngbya sp. XZMQ and Bacillus XZM drove the formation of BSCs by producing large amounts of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEM) analysis showed that induced BSCs increased As immobilization by enhancing the contents of tryptophan and tyrosine substances, fulvic acid, and humic acid in EPS. The presence of the -NH2 and -COOH functional groups in tryptophan residues were determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that there were iron (hydrogen) oxides in BSCs, which could form ternary complexes with humic acid and As, thereby increasing the adsorption of As. Therefore, BSCs formed by co-inoculation of Leptolyngbya sp. XZMQ and Bacillus XZM increased the immobilization of As, thereby reducing the content of soluble As in the environment. In summary, our findings innovatively provided a new method for the remediation of As-contaminated soil in mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Mao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xi Xie
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | | | - Zuoming Xie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Taikun Liu
- Linyi Vocational University of Science and Technology, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Sana Irshad
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 51806, China
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Abstract
Biological soil crusts are thin, inconspicuous communities along the soil atmosphere ecotone that, until recently, were unrecognized by ecologists and even more so by microbiologists. In its broadest meaning, the term biological soil crust (or biocrust) encompasses a variety of communities that develop on soil surfaces and are powered by photosynthetic primary producers other than higher plants: cyanobacteria, microalgae, and cryptogams like lichens and mosses. Arid land biocrusts are the most studied, but biocrusts also exist in other settings where plant development is constrained. The minimal requirement is that light impinge directly on the soil; this is impeded by the accumulation of plant litter where plants abound. Since scientists started paying attention, much has been learned about their microbial communities, their composition, ecological extent, and biogeochemical roles, about how they alter the physical behavior of soils, and even how they inform an understanding of early life on land. This has opened new avenues for ecological restoration and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Garcia-Pichel
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA;
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25
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Yang Y, Liu W, Adams JM, Song B. Snow-cover loss attenuates the effects of N addition on desert nutrient cycling and microbial community. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1166897. [PMID: 37546244 PMCID: PMC10400093 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1166897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Desert ecosystems are sensitive to nitrogen (N) deposition. Considering snow is an important source of soil water, which is vital for plant growth and the biogeochemical cycle in desert areas. The effects of N deposition on biological soil crusts (BSCs) could be impacted by the removal of snow-cover. Here, we established a split-plot experiment in the Gurbantunggut Desert to examine the effects of snow-cover treatments on soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and the bacterial community under various N addition. The removal of snow-cover reduced the soil nutrients with light and moderate N addition, it also reduced the activities of urease (URE) and alkaline phosphatase (PHOS). The structural equation model (SEM) result indicated that low soil moisture (SMO) under snow-uncover inhibited the bacterial community, particularly suppressed bacterial diversity. Additionally, N addition indirectly affected the bacterial community via modifications to soil nutrients, and soil organic matter (SOM) (P < 0.001) was the crucial factor. Snow-uncover weakened soil nutrient and enzyme responses to N addition, indicating that snow-cover removal reduced the sensitivity of the desert ecosystem to N deposition. The study highlights the critical role of snow-cover in the desert ecosystem, raising our awareness of the ecological risks of BSCs in future global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Yang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Urumqi, China
| | - Weiguo Liu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Urumqi, China
| | - Jonathan M. Adams
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Song
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Kurth JK, Albrecht M, Glaser K, Karsten U, Vestergaard G, Armbruster M, Kublik S, Schmid CAO, Schloter M, Schulz S. Biological soil crusts on agricultural soils of mesic regions promote microbial cross-kingdom co-occurrences and nutrient retention. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1169958. [PMID: 37520365 PMCID: PMC10382179 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1169958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are known as biological hotspots on undisturbed, nutrient-poor bare soil surfaces and until now, are mostly observed in (semi-) arid regions but are currently poorly understood in agricultural systems. This is a crucial knowledge gap because managed sites of mesic regions can quickly cover large areas. Thus, we addressed the questions (i) if biocrusts from agricultural sites of mesic regions also increase nutrients and microbial biomass as their (semi-) arid counterparts, and (ii) how microbial community assemblage in those biocrusts is influenced by disturbances like different fertilization and tillage regimes. Methods We compared phototrophic biomass, nutrient concentrations as well as the abundance, diversity and co-occurrence of Archaea, Bacteria, and Fungi in biocrusts and bare soils at a site with low agricultural soil quality. Results and Discussion Biocrusts built up significant quantities of phototrophic and microbial biomass and stored more nutrients compared to bare soils independent of the fertilizer applied and the tillage management. Surprisingly, particularly low abundant Actinobacteria were highly connected in the networks of biocrusts. In contrast, Cyanobacteria were rarely connected, which indicates reduced importance within the microbial community of the biocrusts. However, in bare soil networks, Cyanobacteria were the most connected bacterial group and, hence, might play a role in early biocrust formation due to their ability to, e.g., fix nitrogen and thus induce hotspot-like properties. The microbial community composition differed and network complexity was reduced by conventional tillage. Mineral and organic fertilizers led to networks that are more complex with a higher percentage of positive correlations favoring microbe-microbe interactions. Our study demonstrates that biocrusts represent a microbial hotspot on soil surfaces under agricultural use, which may have important implications for sustainable management of such soils in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Katharina Kurth
- Chair for Environmental Microbiology, TUM School of Life Science, Technical University Munich, Freising, Germany
- Environmental Health Centre, Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Albrecht
- Department of Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Karin Glaser
- Department of Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ulf Karsten
- Department of Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Gisle Vestergaard
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Armbruster
- Agricultural Analytical and Research Institute Speyer (LUFA Speyer), Speyer, Germany
| | - Susanne Kublik
- Environmental Health Centre, Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christoph A. O. Schmid
- Environmental Health Centre, Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schloter
- Chair for Environmental Microbiology, TUM School of Life Science, Technical University Munich, Freising, Germany
- Environmental Health Centre, Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schulz
- Environmental Health Centre, Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Neuherberg, Germany
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Trexler RV, Van Goethem MW, Goudeau D, Nath N, Malmstrom RR, Northen TR, Couradeau E. BONCAT-FACS-Seq reveals the active fraction of a biocrust community undergoing a wet-up event. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1176751. [PMID: 37434715 PMCID: PMC10330726 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1176751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Determining which microorganisms are active within soil communities remains a major technical endeavor in microbial ecology research. One promising method to accomplish this is coupling bioorthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) with fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) which sorts cells based on whether or not they are producing new proteins. Combined with shotgun metagenomic sequencing (Seq), we apply this method to profile the diversity and potential functional capabilities of both active and inactive microorganisms in a biocrust community after being resuscitated by a simulated rain event. We find that BONCAT-FACS-Seq is capable of discerning the pools of active and inactive microorganisms, especially within hours of applying the BONCAT probe. The active and inactive components of the biocrust community differed in species richness and composition at both 4 and 21 h after the wetting event. The active fraction of the biocrust community is marked by taxa commonly observed in other biocrust communities, many of which play important roles in species interactions and nutrient transformations. Among these, 11 families within the Firmicutes are enriched in the active fraction, supporting previous reports indicating that the Firmicutes are key early responders to biocrust wetting. We highlight the apparent inactivity of many Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria through 21 h after wetting, and note that members of the Chitinophagaceae, enriched in the active fraction, may play important ecological roles following wetting. Based on the enrichment of COGs in the active fraction, predation by phage and other bacterial members, as well as scavenging and recycling of labile nutrients, appear to be important ecological processes soon after wetting. To our knowledge, this is the first time BONCAT-FACS-Seq has been applied to biocrust samples, and therefore we discuss the potential advantages and shortcomings of coupling metagenomics to BONCAT to intact soil communities such as biocrust. In all, by pairing BONCAT-FACS and metagenomics, we are capable of highlighting the taxa and potential functions that typifies the microbes actively responding to a rain event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan V. Trexler
- Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Marc W. Van Goethem
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danielle Goudeau
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Nandita Nath
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Rex R. Malmstrom
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Trent R. Northen
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Estelle Couradeau
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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Hansen FA, James DK, Anderson JP, Meredith CS, Dominguez AJ, Pombubpa N, Stajich JE, Romero-Olivares AL, Salley SW, Pietrasiak N. Landscape characteristics shape surface soil microbiomes in the Chihuahuan Desert. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1135800. [PMID: 37350785 PMCID: PMC10282155 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1135800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Soil microbial communities, including biological soil crust microbiomes, play key roles in water, carbon and nitrogen cycling, biological weathering, and other nutrient releasing processes of desert ecosystems. However, our knowledge of microbial distribution patterns and ecological drivers is still poor, especially so for the Chihuahuan Desert. Methods This project investigated the effects of trampling disturbance on surface soil microbiomes, explored community composition and structure, and related patterns to abiotic and biotic landscape characteristics within the Chihuahuan Desert biome. Composite soil samples were collected in disturbed and undisturbed areas of 15 long-term ecological research plots in the Jornada Basin, New Mexico. Microbial diversity of cross-domain microbial groups (total Bacteria, Cyanobacteria, Archaea, and Fungi) was obtained via DNA amplicon metabarcode sequencing. Sequence data were related to landscape characteristics including vegetation type, landforms, ecological site and state as well as soil properties including gravel content, soil texture, pH, and electrical conductivity. Results Filamentous Cyanobacteria dominated the photoautotrophic community while Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria dominated among the heterotrophic bacteria. Thaumarchaeota were the most abundant Archaea and drought adapted taxa in Dothideomycetes and Agaricomycetes were most abundant fungi in the soil surface microbiomes. Apart from richness within Archaea (p = 0.0124), disturbed samples did not differ from undisturbed samples with respect to alpha diversity and community composition (p ≥ 0.05), possibly due to a lack of frequent or impactful disturbance. Vegetation type and landform showed differences in richness of Bacteria, Archaea, and Cyanobacteria but not in Fungi. Richness lacked strong relationships with soil variables. Landscape features including parent material, vegetation type, landform type, and ecological sites and states, exhibited stronger influence on relative abundances and microbial community composition than on alpha diversity, especially for Cyanobacteria and Fungi. Soil texture, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, lichen cover, and perennial plant biomass correlated strongly with microbial community gradients detected in NMDS ordinations. Discussion Our study provides first comprehensive insights into the relationships between landscape characteristics, associated soil properties, and cross-domain soil microbiomes in the Chihuahuan Desert. Our findings will inform land management and restoration efforts and aid in the understanding of processes such as desertification and state transitioning, which represent urgent ecological and economical challenges in drylands around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A. Hansen
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Darren K. James
- Jornada Experimental Range Department, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - John P. Anderson
- Jornada Experimental Range Department, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | | | - Andrew J. Dominguez
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Nuttapon Pombubpa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | | | - Shawn W. Salley
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Nicole Pietrasiak
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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Wang G, Yin X, Feng Z, Chen C, Chen D, Wu B, Liu C, Morel JL, Jiang Y, Yu H, He H, Chao Y, Tang Y, Qiu R, Wang S. Novel biological aqua crust enhances in situ metal(loid) bioremediation driven by phototrophic/diazotrophic biofilm. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:110. [PMID: 37202810 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01549-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the ecological and environmental functions of phototrophic biofilms in the biological crust is crucial for improving metal(loid) (e.g. Cd, As) bioremediation in mining ecosystems. In this study, in combination with metal(loid) monitoring and metagenomic analysis, we systematically evaluated the effect of biofilm in a novel biological aqua crust (biogenic aqua crust-BAC) on in situ metal(loid) bioremediation of a representative Pb/Zn tailing pond. RESULTS We observed strong accumulation of potentially bioavailable metal(loid)s and visible phototrophic biofilms in the BAC. Furthermore, dominating taxa Leptolyngbyaceae (10.2-10.4%, Cyanobacteria) and Cytophagales (12.3-22.1%, Bacteroidota) were enriched in biofilm. Along with predominant heterotrophs (e.g. Cytophagales sp.) as well as diazotrophs (e.g. Hyphomonadaceae sp.), autotrophs/diazotrophs (e.g. Leptolyngbyaceae sp.) in phototrophic biofilm enriched the genes encoding extracellular peptidase (e.g. family S9, S1), CAZymes (e.g. CBM50, GT2) and biofilm formation (e.g. OmpR, CRP and LuxS), thus enhancing the capacity of nutrient accumulation and metal(loid) bioremediation in BAC system. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that a phototrophic/diazotrophic biofilm constitutes the structured communities containing specific autotrophs (e.g. Leptolyngbyaceae sp.) and heterotrophs (e.g. Cytophagales sp.), which effectively control metal(loid) and nutrient input using solar energy in aquatic environments. Elucidation of the mechanisms of biofilm formation coupled with metal(loid) immobilization in BAC expands the fundamental understanding of the geochemical fate of metal(loid)s, which may be harnessed to enhance in situ metal(loid) bioremediation in the aquatic ecosystem of the mining area. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xiuran Yin
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Zekai Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chiyu Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Daijie Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bo Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Jean Louis Morel
- Laboratoire Sols Et Environnement, UMR 1120, Université de Lorraine, INRAE, 54518, Vandoeuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hang Yu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Huan He
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yuanqing Chao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yetao Tang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Shizhong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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Hoellrich MR, James DK, Bustos D, Darrouzet-Nardi A, Santiago LS, Pietrasiak N. Biocrust carbon exchange varies with crust type and time on Chihuahuan Desert gypsum soils. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1128631. [PMID: 37234525 PMCID: PMC10208066 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1128631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In dryland systems, biological soil crusts (biocrusts) can occupy large areas of plant interspaces, where they fix carbon following rain. Although distinct biocrust types contain different dominant photoautotrophs, few studies to date have documented carbon exchange over time from various biocrust types. This is especially true for gypsum soils. Our objective was to assess the carbon exchange of biocrust types established at the world's largest gypsum dune field at White Sands National Park. Methods We sampled five different biocrust types from a sand sheet location in three different years and seasons (summer 2020, fall 2021, and winter 2022) for carbon exchange measurements in controlled lab conditions. Biocrusts were rehydrated to full saturation and light incubated for 30 min, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h. Samples were then subject to a 12-point light regime with a LI-6400XT photosynthesis system to determine carbon exchange. Results Biocrust carbon exchange values differed by biocrust type, by incubation time since wetting, and by date of field sampling. Lichens and mosses had higher gross and net carbon fixation rates than dark and light cyanobacterial crusts. High respiration rates were found after 0.5 h and 2 h incubation times as communities recovered from desiccation, leveling off after 6 h incubation. Net carbon fixation of all types increased with longer incubation time, primarily as a result of decreasing respiration, which suggests rapid recovery of biocrust photosynthesis across types. However, net carbon fixation rates varied from year to year, likely as a product of time since the last rain event and environmental conditions preceding collection, with moss crusts being most sensitive to environmental stress at our study sites. Discussion Given the complexity of patterns discovered in our study, it is especially important to consider a multitude of factors when comparing biocrust carbon exchange rates across studies. Understanding the dynamics of biocrust carbon fixation in distinct crust types will enable greater precision of carbon cycling models and improved forecasting of impacts of global climate change on dryland carbon cycling and ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela R. Hoellrich
- Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Darren K. James
- USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - David Bustos
- US DOI White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, NM, United States
| | | | - Louis S. Santiago
- Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Pietrasiak
- Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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Chen D, Wang G, Chen C, Feng Z, Jiang Y, Yu H, Li M, Chao Y, Tang Y, Wang S, Qiu R. The interplay between microalgae and toxic metal(loid)s: mechanisms and implications in AMD phycoremediation coupled with Fe/Mn mineralization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131498. [PMID: 37146335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is low-pH with high concentration of sulfates and toxic metal(loid)s (e.g. As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn), thereby posing a global environmental problem. For decades, microalgae have been used to remediate metal(loid)s in AMD, as they have various adaptive mechanisms for tolerating extreme environmental stress. Their main phycoremediation mechanisms are biosorption, bioaccumulation, coupling with sulfate-reducing bacteria, alkalization, biotransformation, and Fe/Mn mineral formation. This review summarizes how microalgae cope with metal(loid) stress and their specific mechanisms of phycoremediation in AMD. Based on the universal physiological characteristics of microalgae and the properties of their secretions, several Fe/Mn mineralization mechanisms induced by photosynthesis, free radicals, microalgal-bacterial reciprocity, and algal organic matter are proposed. Notably, microalgae can also reduce Fe(III) and inhibit mineralization, which is environmentally unfavorable. Therefore, the comprehensive environmental effects of microalgal co-occurring and cyclical opposing processes must be carefully considered. Using chemical and biological perspectives, this review innovatively proposes several specific processes and mechanisms of Fe/Mn mineralization that are mediated by microalgae, providing a theoretical basis for the geochemistry of metal(loid)s and natural attenuation of pollutants in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijie Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guobao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chiyu Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zekai Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hang Yu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mengyao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanqing Chao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yetao Tang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shizhong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Palmer B, Lawson D, Lipson DA. Years After a Fire, Biocrust Microbial Communities are Similar to Unburned Communities in a Coastal Grassland. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:1028-1044. [PMID: 36346444 PMCID: PMC10156770 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities are integral for ecosystem processes and their taxonomic composition and function may be altered by a disturbance such as fire. Biocrusts are composed of macroscopic and microscopic organisms and are important for a variety of ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling and erosion control. We sought to understand if biocrust community composition and function were altered 1 year after a prescribed fire and 6 years after a wildfire in a coastal California grassland on San Clemente Island. We used shotgun metagenomic sequencing and measurements of chlorophyll content, exopolysaccharide production related to soil stability, and nitrogen fixation. There were no differences in the community composition between unburned samples and the samples burned in the prescribed fire and wildfire. Chlorophyll content differed between the prescribed fire and the controls; however, there were no measured differences in exopolysaccharide production, and nitrogen fixation. However, the wildfire and their respective unburned samples had different functions based on the gene annotations. We compiled one Actinobacteria metagenome-assembled genome from the shotgun sequences which had genes for oxidative and heat stress tolerance. These results suggest that the biocrust community can reach a community composition and function similar to the unburned biocrusts within a year after a prescribed burn and 6 years after a wildfire. However, legacy effects of the wildfire may present themselves in the differences between functional gene sequences. Due to their ability to match the undisturbed community composition and function within years and without intervention, future restoration work should consider the biocrusts in their restoration plans as they may provide valuable ecosystem functions after a disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Palmer
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Plant Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Dawn Lawson
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David A Lipson
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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Porada P, Bader MY, Berdugo MB, Colesie C, Ellis CJ, Giordani P, Herzschuh U, Ma Y, Launiainen S, Nascimbene J, Petersen I, Raggio Quílez J, Rodríguez-Caballero E, Rousk K, Sancho LG, Scheidegger C, Seitz S, Van Stan JT, Veste M, Weber B, Weston DJ. A research agenda for nonvascular photoautotrophs under climate change. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:1495-1504. [PMID: 36511294 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nonvascular photoautotrophs (NVP), including bryophytes, lichens, terrestrial algae, and cyanobacteria, are increasingly recognized as being essential to ecosystem functioning in many regions of the world. Current research suggests that climate change may pose a substantial threat to NVP, but the extent to which this will affect the associated ecosystem functions and services is highly uncertain. Here, we propose a research agenda to address this urgent question, focusing on physiological and ecological processes that link NVP to ecosystem functions while also taking into account the substantial taxonomic diversity across multiple ecosystem types. Accordingly, we developed a new categorization scheme, based on microclimatic gradients, which simplifies the high physiological and morphological diversity of NVP and world-wide distribution with respect to several broad habitat types. We found that habitat-specific ecosystem functions of NVP will likely be substantially affected by climate change, and more quantitative process understanding is required on: (1) potential for acclimation; (2) response to elevated CO2 ; (3) role of the microbiome; and (4) feedback to (micro)climate. We suggest an integrative approach of innovative, multimethod laboratory and field experiments and ecophysiological modelling, for which sustained scientific collaboration on NVP research will be essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Porada
- Ecological Modelling, Universität Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maaike Y Bader
- Ecological Plant Geography, University of Marburg, Deutschhausstr. 10, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Monica B Berdugo
- Ecological Plant Geography, University of Marburg, Deutschhausstr. 10, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Colesie
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JW, UK
| | | | | | - Ulrike Herzschuh
- Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems, Alfred Wegener Institute, Telegrafenberg A45, 14473, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Yunyao Ma
- Ecological Modelling, Universität Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samuli Launiainen
- Ecosystems and Modeling, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juri Nascimbene
- BIOME Lab, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Imke Petersen
- Ecological Modelling, Universität Hamburg, Ohnhorststr. 18, 22609, Hamburg, Germany
| | - José Raggio Quílez
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Kathrin Rousk
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100, København, Denmark
| | - Leopoldo G Sancho
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christoph Scheidegger
- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL, Zürcherstr. 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Seitz
- Soil Science and Geomorphology, University of Tübingen, Rümelinstr. 19-23, 72070, Tübingen, Germany
| | - John T Van Stan
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA
| | - Maik Veste
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, 03046, Cottbus, Germany
| | - Bettina Weber
- Division of Plant Sciences, Institute for Biology, University of Graz, Holteigasse 6, A-8010, Graz, Austria
- Multiphase Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - David J Weston
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
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Pérez-Uz B, Galfione VC, Ochoa-Hueso R, Martín-Cereceda M. Protist Diversity Responses to Experimental N Deposition in Biological Crusts of a Semiarid Mediterranean Ecosystem. Protist 2023; 174:125929. [PMID: 36455480 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2022.125929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (BSC) are associations of different macro and microorganisms and aggregated soil particles located on the surface of soils in many different habitats. BSC harbour a diverse and complex community of ciliates and testate amoebae. These phagotrophic protists play an important role in C and N recycling in soil ecosystems but have not been frequently studied in BSC. In this context, the effects of three increasing N inputs on ciliates and testate amoebae in crusts from a semi-arid Mediterranean ecosystem were evaluated. A field experiment with artificial N-deposition was designed to mimic the effects caused by anthropogenic N depositions. The results have shown that the protist populations of these semi-arid Mediterranean environments have lower species richness than other soil environments. The increase in N produces a net loss of diversity in the populations studied and shifts in the community structure. It has also been shown that some ciliates and testate amoebae, due to their population responses to increased N concentrations, could potentially be used as bio-indicators of N contamination in these BSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Pérez-Uz
- Dept. Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Fac. Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Virginia C Galfione
- Dept. Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Fac. Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raul Ochoa-Hueso
- Instituto de Investigación Vitivinicola y Agroalimentaria, Universidad de Cádiz, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Mercedes Martín-Cereceda
- Dept. Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Fac. Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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García-Carmona M, Lepinay C, García-Orenes F, Baldrian P, Arcenegui V, Cajthaml T, Mataix-Solera J. Moss biocrust accelerates the recovery and resilience of soil microbial communities in fire-affected semi-arid Mediterranean soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157467. [PMID: 35868386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
After wildfires in Mediterranean ecosystems, ruderal mosses are pioneer species, stabilizing the soil surface previous to the establishment of vascular vegetation. However, little is known about the implication of pioneer moss biocrusts for the recovery and resilience of soils in early post-fire stages in semi-arid areas. Therefore, we studied the effects of the burgeoning biocrust on soil physicochemical and biochemical properties and the diversity and composition of microbial communities after a moderate-to-high wildfire severity. Seven months after the wildfire, the biocrust softened the strong impact of the fire in soils, affecting the diversity and composition of bacteria and fungi community compared to the uncrusted soils exposed to unfavourable environmental stress. Soil moisture, phosphorous, and enzyme activities representing the altered biogeochemical cycles after the fire, were the main explanatory variables for biocrust microbial community composition under the semi-arid conditions. High bacterial diversity was found in soils under mosses, while long-lasting legacies are expected in the fungal community, which showed greater sensitivity to the fire. The composition of bacterial and fungal communities at several taxonomical levels was profoundly altered by the presence of the moss biocrust, showing a rapid successional transition toward the unburned soil community. Pioneer moss biocrust play an important role improving the resilience of soil microbial communities. In the context of increasing fire intensity, studying the moss biocrust effects on the recovery of soils microbiome is essential to understanding the resistance and resilience of Mediterranean forests to wildfires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva García-Carmona
- GEA-Environmental Soil Science Group, Department of Agrochemistry and Environment, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain.
| | - Clémentine Lepinay
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - Fuensanta García-Orenes
- GEA-Environmental Soil Science Group, Department of Agrochemistry and Environment, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Petr Baldrian
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - Victoria Arcenegui
- GEA-Environmental Soil Science Group, Department of Agrochemistry and Environment, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Tomáš Cajthaml
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jorge Mataix-Solera
- GEA-Environmental Soil Science Group, Department of Agrochemistry and Environment, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
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Vogel F, Lacher L, Nadolny J, Saathoff H, Leisner T, Möhler O. Development and validation of a new cloud simulation experiment for lab-based aerosol-cloud studies. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2022; 93:095106. [PMID: 36182527 DOI: 10.1063/5.0098777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Aerosol Interaction and Dynamics in the Atmosphere (AIDA) cloud expansion chamber with a volume of 84 m3 was extended for the small cloud expansion chamber AIDA mini (AIDAm) with a volume of 20 L. AIDAm is located in the cold room of AIDA and can perform automated ice-nucleation measurements over longer time periods of hours to days. AIDAm samples from the AIDA chamber, which acts as a reservoir of atmospheric aerosol types, which can slowly be modified by physical or chemical processes similar to those occurring in the atmosphere. AIDAm was validated for accurate ice-nucleation temperature control by measuring homogeneous freezing of pure water droplets at temperatures around -34 °C and for immersion freezing induced by dust aerosol particles in the temperature range between -20 and -30 °C. Further validation experiments at cirrus cloud temperatures of -45 °C revealed that AIDAm can distinguish between heterogeneous ice formation on mineral dust aerosols and homogeneous freezing of sulfuric acid solution particles. The contribution of homogeneous and heterogeneous ice formation processes to the ice-nucleation activity of coated dust particles was investigated in a 7 h long experiment, where solid dust particles were slowly coated with sulfuric acid. The continuous AIDAm measurements with a time resolution of 6 min showed a substantial suppression of the heterogeneous freezing phenomenon and an increasing role of homogeneous freezing while the coating amount was slowly increased. This experiment proved the capability of AIDAm to sensitively detect small changes in the ice-nucleation ability of aerosols, which undergo slow processing like chemical surface coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vogel
- Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - L Lacher
- Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - J Nadolny
- Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - H Saathoff
- Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - T Leisner
- Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - O Möhler
- Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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37
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Mackelprang R, Vaishampayan P, Fisher K. Adaptation to Environmental Extremes Structures Functional Traits in Biological Soil Crust and Hypolithic Microbial Communities. mSystems 2022; 7:e0141921. [PMID: 35852333 PMCID: PMC9426607 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01419-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are widespread in drylands and deserts. At the microhabitat scale, they also host hypolithic communities that live under semitranslucent stones. Both environmental niches experience exposure to extreme conditions such as high UV radiation, desiccation, temperature fluctuations, and resource limitation. However, hypolithic communities are somewhat protected from extremes relative to biocrust communities. Conditions are otherwise similar, so comparing them can answer outstanding questions regarding adaptations to environmental extremes. Using metagenomic sequencing, we assessed the functional potential of dryland soil communities and identified the functional underpinnings of ecological niche differentiation in biocrusts versus hypoliths. We also determined the effect of the anchoring photoautotroph (moss or cyanobacteria). Genes and pathways differing in abundance between biocrusts and hypoliths indicate that biocrust communities adapt to the higher levels of UV radiation, desiccation, and temperature extremes through an increased ability to repair damaged DNA, sense and respond to environmental stimuli, and interact with other community members and the environment. Intracellular competition appears to be crucial to both communities, with biocrust communities using the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) and hypoliths favoring a diversity of antibiotics. The dominant primary producer had a reduced effect on community functional potential compared with niche, but an abundance of genes related to monosaccharide, amino acid, and osmoprotectant uptake in moss-dominated communities indicates reliance on resources provided to heterotrophs by mosses. Our findings indicate that functional traits in dryland communities are driven by adaptations to extremes and we identify strategies that likely enable survival in dryland ecosystems. IMPORTANCE Biocrusts serve as a keystone element of desert and dryland ecosystems, stabilizing soils, retaining moisture, and serving as a carbon and nitrogen source in oligotrophic environments. Biocrusts cover approximately 12% of the Earth's terrestrial surface but are threatened by climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. Given their keystone role in ecosystem functioning, loss will have wide-spread consequences. Biocrust microbial constituents must withstand polyextreme environmental conditions including high UV exposure, desiccation, oligotrophic conditions, and temperature fluctuations over short time scales. By comparing biocrust communities with co-occurring hypolithic communities (which inhabit the ventral sides of semitranslucent stones and are buffered from environmental extremes), we identified traits that are likely key adaptations to extreme conditions. These include DNA damage repair, environmental sensing and response, and intracellular competition. Comparison of the two niches, which differ primarily in exposure levels to extreme conditions, makes this system ideal for understanding how functional traits are structured by the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Mackelprang
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Parag Vaishampayan
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Kirsten Fisher
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Kratz AM, Maier S, Weber J, Kim M, Mele G, Gargiulo L, Leifke AL, Prass M, Abed RMM, Cheng Y, Su H, Pöschl U, Weber B. Reactive Nitrogen Hotspots Related to Microscale Heterogeneity in Biological Soil Crusts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11865-11877. [PMID: 35929951 PMCID: PMC9387110 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biocrusts covering drylands account for major fractions of terrestrial biological nitrogen fixation and release large amounts of gaseous reactive nitrogen (Nr) as nitrous acid (HONO) and nitric oxide (NO). Recent investigations suggested that aerobic and anaerobic microbial nitrogen transformations occur simultaneously upon desiccation of biocrusts, but the spatio-temporal distribution of seemingly contradictory processes remained unclear. Here, we explore small-scale gradients in chemical concentrations related to structural characteristics and organism distribution. X-ray microtomography and fluorescence microscopy revealed mixed pore size structures, where photoautotrophs and cyanobacterial polysaccharides clustered irregularly in the uppermost millimeter. Microsensor measurements showed strong gradients of pH, oxygen, and nitrite, nitrate, and ammonium ion concentrations at micrometer scales in both vertical and lateral directions. Initial oxygen saturation was mostly low (∼30%) at full water holding capacity, suggesting widely anoxic conditions, and increased rapidly upon desiccation. Nitrite concentrations (∼6 to 800 μM) and pH values (∼6.5 to 9.5) were highest around 70% WHC. During further desiccation they decreased, while emissions of HONO and NO increased, reaching maximum values around 20% WHC. Our results illustrate simultaneous, spatially separated aerobic and anaerobic nitrogen transformations, which are critical for Nr emissions, but might be impacted by future global change and land management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maria Kratz
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Stefanie Maier
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Institute
of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Jens Weber
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Institute
of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Minsu Kim
- Institute
of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Giacomo Mele
- Institute
for Agriculture and Forestry in the Mediterranean, National Council of Research, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Laura Gargiulo
- Institute
for Agriculture and Forestry in the Mediterranean, National Council of Research, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Anna Lena Leifke
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Maria Prass
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Raeid M. M. Abed
- College
of Science, Biology Department, Sultan Qaboos
University, P.O. Box 36, Al Khoud, Seeb 123, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Yafang Cheng
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Hang Su
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pöschl
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Bettina Weber
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz 55128, Germany
- Institute
of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
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Jassey VEJ, Hamard S, Lepère C, Céréghino R, Corbara B, Küttim M, Leflaive J, Leroy C, Carrias JF. Photosynthetic microorganisms effectively contribute to bryophyte CO 2 fixation in boreal and tropical regions. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:64. [PMID: 37938283 PMCID: PMC9723567 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00149-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic microbes are omnipresent in land and water. While they critically influence primary productivity in aquatic systems, their importance in terrestrial ecosystems remains largely overlooked. In terrestrial systems, photoautotrophs occur in a variety of habitats, such as sub-surface soils, exposed rocks, and bryophytes. Here, we study photosynthetic microbial communities associated with bryophytes from a boreal peatland and a tropical rainforest. We interrogate their contribution to bryophyte C uptake and identify the main drivers of that contribution. We found that photosynthetic microbes take up twice more C in the boreal peatland (~4.4 mg CO2.h-1.m-2) than in the tropical rainforest (~2.4 mg CO2.h-1.m-2), which corresponded to an average contribution of 4% and 2% of the bryophyte C uptake, respectively. Our findings revealed that such patterns were driven by the proportion of photosynthetic protists in the moss microbiomes. Low moss water content and light conditions were not favourable to the development of photosynthetic protists in the tropical rainforest, which indirectly reduced the overall photosynthetic microbial C uptake. Our investigations clearly show that photosynthetic microbes associated with bryophyte effectively contribute to moss C uptake despite species turnover. Terrestrial photosynthetic microbes clearly have the capacity to take up atmospheric C in bryophytes living under various environmental conditions, and therefore potentially support rates of ecosystem-level net C exchanges with the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent E J Jassey
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (LEFE), Université Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier (UT3), CNRS, 31062, Toulouse, France.
| | - Samuel Hamard
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (LEFE), Université Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier (UT3), CNRS, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Cécile Lepère
- Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome Et Environnement (LMGE), Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Régis Céréghino
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (LEFE), Université Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier (UT3), CNRS, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Corbara
- Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome Et Environnement (LMGE), Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Martin Küttim
- Institute of Ecology, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Uus-Sadama 5, 10120, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Joséphine Leflaive
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement (LEFE), Université Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier (UT3), CNRS, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Céline Leroy
- AMAP, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Montpellier, France
- ECOFOG, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, Campus Agronomique, Kourou, France
| | - Jean-François Carrias
- Laboratoire Microorganismes, Génome Et Environnement (LMGE), Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Han Y, Wang Q, Li Q, Hu C. Active metabolism and biomass dynamics of biocrusts are shaped by variation in their successional state and seasonal energy sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154756. [PMID: 35339556 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal growth and changes in biomass within communities are the core of ecosystem dynamics. Biocrusts play a prominent role as pioneers in dryland soils. However, the seasonal dynamics of biocrusts remain poorly resolved. In this study, we collected biocrusts across a successional gradient (cyanobacteria, cyanolichen, chlorolichen, and moss-dominated) from southeastern Tengger Desert (China) during the summer and autumn seasons, and explored seasonal changes in metabolism and biomass using multi-omics approaches. We found that Cyanobacteria and Ascomycota were the dominant active taxa and both exhibited higher abundances in autumn. We also found that the dominant primary producers in biocrusts strongly affected community-wide characteristics of metabolism. Along with seasonal differences in light energy utilization, utilization of inorganic energy sources exhibited higher expression in the summer while for organic sources, in the autumn. We found that overall metabolism was significantly regulated by the ratio of intracellular to extracellular polymer degradation, and affected by NO3-, PO43- and EC (in the summer)/NO2- (in the autumn). In summary, biocrust growth varied with seasonal variation in light energy utilization and complementary chemical energy sources, with the most suitable season varying with biocrust successional type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Han
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunxiang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Ladrón de Guevara M, Maestre FT. Ecology and responses to climate change of biocrust-forming mosses in drylands. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:4380-4395. [PMID: 35553672 PMCID: PMC9291340 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Interest in understanding the role of biocrusts as ecosystem engineers in drylands has substantially increased during the past two decades. Mosses are a major component of biocrusts and dominate their late successional stages. In general, their impacts on most ecosystem functions are greater than those of early-stage biocrust constituents. However, it is common to find contradictory results regarding how moss interactions with different biotic and abiotic factors affect ecosystem processes. This review aims to (i) describe the adaptations and environmental constraints of biocrust-forming mosses in drylands, (ii) identify their primary ecological roles in these ecosystems, and (iii) synthesize their responses to climate change. We emphasize the importance of interactions between specific functional traits of mosses (e.g. height, radiation reflectance, morphology, and shoot densities) and both the environment (e.g. climate, topography, and soil properties) and other organisms to understand their ecological roles and responses to climate change. We also highlight key areas that should be researched in the future to fill essential gaps in our understanding of the ecology and the responses to ongoing climate change of biocrust-forming mosses. These include a better understanding of intra- and interspecific interactions and mechanisms driving mosses' carbon balance during desiccation-rehydration cycles.
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Trichoderma-amended biofertilizer stimulates soil resident Aspergillus population for joint plant growth promotion. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:57. [PMID: 35831320 PMCID: PMC9279317 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00321-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Application of plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs) can contribute to sustainable agricultural ecosystems. From a three-year field experiment, we already found that the addition of Trichoderma bio-organic fertilizer (BF) significantly improved crop growth and yield compared to the application of organic fertilizer (OF). Here, we tracked the responses of soil bacterial and fungal communities to these treatments to find the key soil microbial taxa that contribute to the crop yield enhancement. We also examined if bacterial and fungal suspensions from resulting soils could improve plant growth upon inoculation into sterilized soil. Lastly, we isolated a number of fungal strains related to populations affected by treatments to examine their role in plant growth promotion. Results showed that consecutive application of BF impacted soil fungal communities, and the biological nature of plant growth promotion was confirmed via pot experiments using γ-sterilized versus none-sterilized soils collected from the field. Soil slurry experiments suggested that fungal, but not bacterial communities, played an important role in plant growth promotion, consistent with the results of our field experimental data. Fungal community analysis of both field and slurry experimental soils revealed increases in specific resident Aspergillus spp. Interestingly, Aspergillus tamarii showed no plant growth promotion by itself, but strongly increased the growth promotion activity of the Trichoderma amendment strain upon their co-inoculation. The effectiveness of the fungal amendment appears to stem not only from its own action, but also from synergetic interactions with resident fungal populations activated upon biofertilizer application.
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Concostrina-Zubiri L, Prieto M, Hurtado P, Escudero A, Martínez I. Functional diversity regulates the effects of habitat degradation on biocrust phylogenetic and taxonomic diversities. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2599. [PMID: 35343001 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biocrusts are major contributors to dryland diversity, functioning, and services. However, little is known about how habitat degradation will impact multiple facets of biocrust diversity and measurable functional traits. We evaluated changes in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of biocrust-forming lichens along a habitat degradation gradient related to the presence of linear infrastructure (i.e., a road) and a profound agricultural driven transformation. To do so, we selected 50 remnants of a Mediterranean shrubland. We considered several surrogates of habitat quality and causal disturbance on the various diversity facets of biocrusts by using structural equation modeling, hypothesizing that habitat degradation primarily affects functional diversity, which in turn regulates changes in taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities, and also that taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities are coupled. Fragment connectivity, distance to linear infrastructure (i.e., a road) and, particularly, soil fertility (i.e., soil P concentration), had mostly negative effects on biocrust functional diversity, which in turn affected both taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities. However, we found no direct effects of habitat degradation variables on the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities. We also found that increases in phylogenetic diversity had a positive effect on taxonomic diversity along the habitat degradation gradient. Our results indicate that functional diversity of biocrusts is strongly affected by habitat degradation, which may profoundly alter their contribution to ecosystem functioning and services. Furthermore, functional diversity regulates the response of biocrust taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity to habitat degradation. These findings indicate that habitat degradation alters and simplifies the diversity of functional traits of biocrust-forming lichens, leading to biodiversity loss, with important consequences for the conservation of global drylands biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Prieto
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Hurtado
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología (Botánica), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Escudero
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Martínez
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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44
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Glaser K, Van AT, Pushkareva E, Barrantes I, Karsten U. Microbial Communities in Biocrusts Are Recruited From the Neighboring Sand at Coastal Dunes Along the Baltic Sea. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:859447. [PMID: 35783389 PMCID: PMC9245595 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.859447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological soil crusts occur worldwide as pioneer communities stabilizing the soil surface. In coastal primary sand dunes, vascular plants cannot sustain due to scarce nutrients and the low-water-holding capacity of the sand sediment. Thus, besides planted dune grass, biocrusts are the only vegetation there. Although biocrusts can reach high coverage rates in coastal sand dunes, studies about their biodiversity are rare. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the biodiversity of microorganisms in such biocrusts and the neighboring sand from sampling sites along the Baltic Sea coast. The biodiversity of Bacteria, Cyanobacteria, Fungi, and other microbial Eukaryota were assessed using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) with a mixture of universal and group-specific primers. The results showed that the biocrusts recruit their microorganisms mainly from the neighboring sand rather than supporting a universal biocrust microbiome. Although in biocrusts the taxa richness was lower than in sand, five times more co-occurrences were identified using network analysis. This study showed that by comparing neighboring bare surface substrates with biocrusts holds the potential to better understand biocrust development. In addition, the target sequencing approach helps outline potential biotic interactions between different microorganisms groups and identify key players during biocrust development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Glaser
- Department of Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- *Correspondence: Karin Glaser
| | - Ahn Tu Van
- Department of Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Pushkareva
- Department of Biology, Botanical Institute, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Israel Barrantes
- Research Group Translational Bioinformatics, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ulf Karsten
- Department of Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Weber B, Belnap J, Büdel B, Antoninka AJ, Barger NN, Chaudhary VB, Darrouzet-Nardi A, Eldridge DJ, Faist AM, Ferrenberg S, Havrilla CA, Huber-Sannwald E, Malam Issa O, Maestre FT, Reed SC, Rodriguez-Caballero E, Tucker C, Young KE, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Zhou X, Bowker MA. What is a biocrust? A refined, contemporary definition for a broadening research community. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1768-1785. [PMID: 35584903 PMCID: PMC9545944 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) have proliferated over the last few decades. The biocrust literature has broadened, with more studies assessing and describing the function of a variety of biocrust communities in a broad range of biomes and habitats and across a large spectrum of disciplines, and also by the incorporation of biocrusts into global perspectives and biogeochemical models. As the number of biocrust researchers increases, along with the scope of soil communities defined as ‘biocrust’, it is worth asking whether we all share a clear, universal, and fully articulated definition of what constitutes a biocrust. In this review, we synthesize the literature with the views of new and experienced biocrust researchers, to provide a refined and fully elaborated definition of biocrusts. In doing so, we illustrate the ecological relevance and ecosystem services provided by them. We demonstrate that biocrusts are defined by four distinct elements: physical structure, functional characteristics, habitat, and taxonomic composition. We describe outgroups, which have some, but not all, of the characteristics necessary to be fully consistent with our definition and thus would not be considered biocrusts. We also summarize the wide variety of different types of communities that fall under our definition of biocrusts, in the process of highlighting their global distribution. Finally, we suggest the universal use of the Belnap, Büdel & Lange definition, with minor modifications: Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) result from an intimate association between soil particles and differing proportions of photoautotrophic (e.g. cyanobacteria, algae, lichens, bryophytes) and heterotrophic (e.g. bacteria, fungi, archaea) organisms, which live within, or immediately on top of, the uppermost millimetres of soil. Soil particles are aggregated through the presence and activity of these often extremotolerant biota that desiccate regularly, and the resultant living crust covers the surface of the ground as a coherent layer. With this detailed definition of biocrusts, illustrating their ecological functions and widespread distribution, we hope to stimulate interest in biocrust research and inform various stakeholders (e.g. land managers, land users) on their overall importance to ecosystem and Earth system functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Weber
- Division of Plant Sciences, Institute for Biology, University of Graz, Holteigasse 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.,Multiphase Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jayne Belnap
- Southwest Biological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 2290 S. Resource Blvd, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
| | - Burkhard Büdel
- Biology Institute, University of Kaiserslautern, PO Box 3049, 67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Anita J Antoninka
- School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, 200 E. Pine Knoll Drive, Box 15018, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Nichole N Barger
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Campus Box 334, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - V Bala Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College, 6182 Steele Hall, 39 College Street, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Anthony Darrouzet-Nardi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - David J Eldridge
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Akasha M Faist
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, PO Box 30003, MSC 3-I, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Scott Ferrenberg
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, PO Box 30001, MSC 3AF, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Caroline A Havrilla
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University, 1472 Campus Delivery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Elisabeth Huber-Sannwald
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Col. 4ta Sección, CP 78216, San Luis Potosi, SLP, Mexico
| | - Oumarou Malam Issa
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris (IEES-Paris), SU/IRD/CNRS/INRAE/UPEC, 32, Avenue Henry Varagnat, F-93143, Bondy Cedex, France
| | - Fernando T Maestre
- Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio "Ramón Margalef", Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain.,Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Sasha C Reed
- Southwest Biological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 2290 S. Resource Blvd, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
| | - Emilio Rodriguez-Caballero
- Multiphase Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, 55128, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Agronomy and Centro de Investigación de Colecciones Científicas (CECOUAL), Universidad de Almería, carretera Sacramento s/n, 04120, La cañada de San Urbano, Almeria, Spain
| | - Colin Tucker
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 410 MacInnes Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931-1134, USA
| | - Kristina E Young
- Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources, Utah State University, 1850 S. Aggie Blvd, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
| | - Yuanming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 818 South Bejing Road, Urumqi City, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yunge Zhao
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A & F University, 26 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 818 South Bejing Road, Urumqi City, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Matthew A Bowker
- School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, 200 E. Pine Knoll Drive, Box 15018, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
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Gabay T, Rotem G, Gillor O, Ziv Y. Understanding changes in biocrust communities following phosphate mining in the Negev Desert. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112200. [PMID: 34688640 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biocrusts are key ecosystem engineers that are being destroyed due to anthropogenic disturbances such as trampling, agriculture and mining. In hyper-arid regions of the Negev Desert, phosphate has been mined for over six decades, altering the natural landscape over large spatial scales. In recent years, restoration-oriented practices were mandated in mining sites, however, the impact of such practices on the ecosystem, particularly the biocrust layer, has not been tested. Here, we evaluated post-mining biocrust bacterial communities and compared them to undisturbed (reference) biocrusts. We collected samples from four mining sites (each restored at a different year) and their corresponding reference sites. We hypothesized that post-mining bacterial communities would differ significantly from reference communities, given the slow regeneration of the biocrust. We also hypothesized that bacterial communities would vary among post-mining plots based on their restoration age. To test these hypotheses, we assessed the abundance and diversity of bacterial communities by sequencing the 16S rDNA and their photosynthetic potential by quantifying the abundance of cyanobacteria and chlorophyll a. The bacterial diversity was lower, and community composition differed significantly between post-mining and reference biocrusts. In addition, cyanobacteria abundances and chlorophyll a content were lower in post-mining biocrusts, indicating lower photosynthetic potential. However, no significant changes in bacterial communities were detected, regardless of the restoration age. We suggest that the practices implemented in the Negev mines may not support the recovery of the biocrust bacterial communities, particularly the cyanobacteria. Thus, active restoration measures are needed to accelerate the regeneration time of biocrusts at the hyper-arid Negev mines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Gabay
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Israel; Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8499000, Israel
| | - Guy Rotem
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Israel
| | - Osnat Gillor
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8499000, Israel.
| | - Yaron Ziv
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Israel.
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Xiao J, Lan S, Zhang Z, Yang L, Qian L, Xia L, Song S, Farías ME, Torres RM, Wu L. Physical Disturbance Reduces Cyanobacterial Relative Abundance and Substrate Metabolism Potential of Biological Soil Crusts on a Gold Mine Tailing of Central China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:811039. [PMID: 35464943 PMCID: PMC9019783 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.811039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As the critical ecological engineers, biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are considered to play essential roles in improving substrate conditions during ecological rehabilitation processes. Physical disturbance, however, often leads to the degradation of biocrusts, and it remains unclear how the physical disturbance affects biocrust microorganisms and their related metabolism. In this study, the photosynthetic biomass (indicated by chlorophyll a), nutrients, enzyme activities, and bacterial communities of biocrusts were investigated in a gold mine tailing of Central China to evaluate the impact of physical disturbance on biocrusts during the rehabilitation process of gold mine tailings. The results show that physical disturbance significantly reduced the photosynthetic biomass, nutrient contents (organic carbon, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and total phosphorus), and enzyme activities (β-glucosidase, sucrase, nitrogenase, neutral phosphatase, and urease) of biocrusts in the mine tailings. Furthermore, 16S rDNA sequencing showed that physical disturbance strongly changed the composition, structure, and interactions of the bacterial community, leading to a shift from a cyanobacteria dominated community to a heterotrophic bacteria (proteobacteria, actinobacteria, and acidobacteria) dominated community and a more complex bacterial network (higher complexity, nodes, and edges). Altogether, our results show that the biocrusts dominated by cyanobacteria could also develop in the tailings of humid region, and the dominants (e.g., Microcoleus) were the same as those from dryland biocrusts; nevertheless, physical disturbance significantly reduced cyanobacterial relative abundance in biocrusts. Based on our findings, we propose the future work on cyanobacterial inoculation (e.g., Microcoleus), which is expected to promote substrate metabolism and accumulation, ultimately accelerating the development of biocrusts and the subsequent ecological restoration of tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshang Xiao
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shubin Lan
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zulin Zhang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China.,The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lie Yang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Long Qian
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Xia
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaoxian Song
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - María E Farías
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Microbiológicas de Lagunas Andinas (LIMLA), Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI), Centro Científico Tecnológico (CCT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Rosa María Torres
- CETMIC- CONICET- CCT La Plata, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICBA), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Li Wu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
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48
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Rodríguez-Rodríguez JC, Bergeron Y, Kembel SW, Fenton NJ. Dominance of coniferous and broadleaved trees drives bacterial associations with boreal feather mosses. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:3517-3528. [PMID: 35416394 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The composition of ecologically important moss-associated bacterial communities seems to be mainly driven by host species but may also be shaped by environmental conditions related with tree dominance. The moss phyllosphere has been studied in coniferous forests while broadleaf forests remain understudied. To determine if host species or environmental conditions defined by tree dominance drives the bacterial diversity in the moss phyllosphere, we used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to quantify changes in bacterial communities as a function of host species (Pleurozium schreberi and Ptilium crista-castrensis) and forest type (coniferous black spruce versus deciduous broadleaf trembling aspen) in eastern Canada. The overall composition of moss phyllosphere was defined by the interaction of both factors, though most of bacterial phyla were determined by a strong effect of forest type. Bacterial α-diversity was highest in spruce forests, while there was greater turnover (β-diversity) and higher γ-diversity in aspen forests. Unexpectedly, Cyanobacteria were much more relatively abundant in aspen than in spruce forests, with the cyanobacteria family Nostocaceae differing the most between forest types. Our results advance the understanding of moss-associated microbial communities among coniferous and broadleaf deciduous forests, which are important with the increasing changes in tree dominance in the boreal system. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita C Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- Forest Research Institute (IRF) , Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada. 2 Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, H2L 2C4, Canada
| | - Yves Bergeron
- Forest Research Institute (IRF) , Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada. 2 Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, H2L 2C4, Canada
| | | | - Nicole J Fenton
- Forest Research Institute (IRF) , Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada. 2 Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, H2L 2C4, Canada
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Abstract
Arid ecosystems cover ∼40% of the Earth's terrestrial surface and store a high proportion of the global nitrogen (N) pool. They are low-productivity, low-biomass, and polyextreme ecosystems, i.e., with (hyper)arid and (hyper)oligotrophic conditions and high surface UV irradiation and evapotranspiration. These polyextreme conditions severely limit the presence of macrofauna and -flora and, particularly, the growth and productivity of plant species. Therefore, it is generally recognized that much of the primary production (including N-input processes) and nutrient biogeochemical cycling (particularly N cycling) in these ecosystems are microbially mediated. Consequently, we present a comprehensive survey of the current state of knowledge of biotic and abiotic N-cycling processes of edaphic (i.e., open soil, biological soil crust, or plant-associated rhizosphere and rhizosheath) and hypo/endolithic refuge niches from drylands in general, including hot, cold, and polar desert ecosystems. We particularly focused on the microbially mediated biological nitrogen fixation, N mineralization, assimilatory and dissimilatory nitrate reduction, and nitrification N-input processes and the denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) N-loss processes. We note that the application of modern meta-omics and related methods has generated comprehensive data sets on the abundance, diversity, and ecology of the different N-cycling microbial guilds. However, it is worth mentioning that microbial N-cycling data from important deserts (e.g., Sahara) and quantitative rate data on N transformation processes from various desert niches are lacking or sparse. Filling this knowledge gap is particularly important, as climate change models often lack data on microbial activity and environmental microbial N-cycling communities can be key actors of climate change by producing or consuming nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas.
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Spatial cover and carbon fluxes of urbanized Sonoran Desert biological soil crusts. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5794. [PMID: 35388083 PMCID: PMC8987056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09769-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (BSC) are important contributors to nutrient cycling in arid environments such as the Sonoran Desert. BSC at an urban (University Indian Ruins) and at a non-urban site (Santa Rita Experimental Range) were compared to determine if their structure or function was influenced by proximity to an urban environment. The Step Point method was used in the field to determine ground cover; which was found to be similar between sites. However, the spatial distribution of the BSCs was significantly different, such that more BSCs were found under plants at the non-urban site (P < 0.05). Relative gross photosynthesis was measured in the lab by addition of a watering event. Gross photosynthesis was found to be higher in the non-urban BSCs (P < 0.001), indicating lowered productivity in urban BSCs due to effects caused by proximity to urban environments. This study provides evidence that BSCs at urbanized sites are affected functionally, and therefore may be contributing differently to carbon and nitrogen cycling in these ecosystems.
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