The distribution of soil alkaline phosphatase (phoD) gene harbouring bacteria across Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

The alkaline phosphatase (phoD) gene-encoding bacterial communities (phoD-harbouring communities, hereafter) play crucial roles in organic phosphorus (Po) mineralisation across global terrestrial ecosystems. However, their geographic distribution and driving factors remain unclear, largely due to the mosaic temperature and humidity patterns and the lack of comprehensive high-resolution sampling data across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We addressed this gap using amplicon sequencing techniques and analyses of soil properties as well as plant biomass. Plant biomass, soil organic carbon (C), Po content, C:P ratio, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and the richness and abundance of key soil phoD-harbouring taxa were higher in warmer, more humid regions, such as the southeastern plateau than the northeastern plateau, while soil pH followed an inverse trend. Soil pH and Po content emerged as the key factors shaping the geographic distribution of phoD-harbouring communities. Acidic soils were associated with higher C:P ratios, community richness, ALP activity, and Po content than alkaline soils. Our findings suggest that warmer, more humid regions promote soil acidification, which in turn drive changes in phoD-harbouring communities, enhance ALP activity, and stimulate Po mineralisation. This study provides new insights into the geographic distribution of phoD-harbouring communities and their role in Po mineralisation across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

alkaline phosphatase / geographic distribution / organic phosphorus mineralisation / phosphorus fractions / phoD-harbouring community / Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Highlight

	● phoD richness and abundance was higher on the southeastern than northwestern plateau.
	● phoD richness first increased, then decreased with rising temperatures.
	● phoD richness increased consistently with higher humidity.
	● Warm, humid conditions led to soil acidification, driving phoD taxa distribution.

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