Response of soil microbial community in Jiuduansha wetland to different successional stages and its implications for soil microbial respiration and carbon turnover

To clarify the variation in soil microbial respiration (SMR) in Jiuduansha wetland during different succession stages, the SMR of five typical zones was evaluated. The results showed that the SMR during different successional stages of vegetation varied significantly (P < 0.05), with the SMR of the Spartina alterniflora zone (0.43 mg CO2 g−1 d−1) being the highest. These findings implied that S. alterniflora could enhance the SMR. Based on both the SMR and input of organic matter from plant decomposition, the Phragmites australis community likely possesses a higher organic carbon accumulation capability. In addition, the results of the present study implied that the difference in microbial characteristics among the wetland soils may be the primary reason for their different SMR. Path analysis indicated that the correlation between soil bacterial diversity and SMR was especially strong. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis showed that the bacterial community structure along the successional stages varied. Specifically, microbial species such as Acidobacteria, δ-Proteobacteria and Cytophaga belonging to Bacteroidetes, which have special heterotrophic metabolic capabilities or the ability to degrade cellulose, were the dominant soil bacterial flora in the S. alterniflora zone, which ultimately strengthened the SMR. Different elevations and vegetation types leading to a change in the wetland soil characteristics such as waterlogging time and inorganic nitrogen may be important factors resulting in the differences in soil microbial characteristics of different successional stages in Jiuduansha wetland.