Effects of microbe-driven synergistic interactions between Fe/Al oxides and organic carbon on soil aggregate stability under long-term greenhouse vegetable cultivation

Abstract

Soil aggregate formation and stability are influenced by soil organic carbon (SOC), Fe/Al oxides, and microbial activity, yet the underlying mechanisms in long-term greenhouse vegetable cultivation remain unclear. This study, conducted over 15 years in Xinmin, Liaoning, and utilized nuclear magnetic resonance and metagenomic sequencing to investigate the microbial-driven synergistic effects of Fe/Al oxides and organic carbon on soil aggregate stability. Results showed that greenhouse cultivation promoted the formation and stability of macroaggregates (>0.25 mm), with Al oxides playing a more critical role than Fe oxides. Fe oxides (Feo, Fep, Fed) primarily drove microaggregate (0.25–0.053 mm) formation, while microbe-mediated mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) facilitated the transformation of clay-sized fractions (<0.053 mm) into larger aggregates. However, long-term greenhouse cultivation weakened these effects, leading to a decline in macroaggregate content and stability. Long-term cultivation increased active Fe/Al oxides, key SOC components, and microbial biomass (e.g., Actinomycetota, Mucoromycota). This study is the first to elucidate the dominant role of Al oxides in macroaggregate formation and the microbial-driven MAOC mechanism promoting aggregate transformation, revealing the dynamic effects of long-term greenhouse cultivation. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing greenhouse management and enhancing vegetable yields.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

soil aggregates / organic carbon functional groups / microbial community structure / metagenomic sequencing

Highlight

	● Greenhouse vegetable cultivation increases the content and stability of macroaggregates, while long-term cultivation reduces their content and stability.
	● Soil organic carbon is dominated by alkoxy carbon.
	● Greenhouse vegetable cultivation increases the content of some Fe/Al oxides in aggregates of all size classes.
	● Greenhouse cultivation increases microbial biomass and elevates the abundances of Actinomycetota, Pseudomonadota, and Mucoromycota.

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