Water-level gradients and urbanization shape soil microbial diversity through aggregate stability and carbon dynamics in the Three Gorges Reservoir Riparian Zone

Abstract

The riparian zone, a critical ecotone, is shaped by the interplay of hydrological and anthropogenic processes. However, how these coupled stressors shape microbial diversity via soil properties, aggregate stability, and carbon dynamics remains unclear. This study examined the combined effects of anthropogenic disturbance (represented by an urbanization gradient) and water-level fluctuations (WLFs) on soil physicochemical properties, aggregate stability, carbon fractions, and microbial diversity in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). Integrating field sampling, laboratory analyses, high-throughput sequencing, and structural equation modeling (SEM), we found that soils were weakly alkaline (pH 8.19 ± 0.42). Small macroaggregates (0.25–2 mm) predominated, with aggregate size and stability increasing with elevation. Soil organic carbon ranged from 5.86 to 32.46 g kg^‒1, dominated by particulate organic carbon (POC, 55.56%) over mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC, 44.44%). Bacterial richness was higher at lower elevations, with dominance of Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Chloroflexi. Fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota (> 75% relative abundance), showing limited spatial variation. RDA and SEM revealed that WLFs and anthropogenic gradients regulated microbial diversity through modifications in soil properties, aggregate, and carbon composition. Bacterial assemblages were influenced by soil texture, moisture, pH, and cation exchange capacity, whereas fungal communities responded mainly to TP. Bacterial and fungal diversity were positively correlated, and microbial activity was constrained by reducing labile carbon availability. Overall, urbanization indirectly constrained microbial diversity through soil-mediated pathways, whereas WLFs promoted favorable microhabitats at lower elevations. These findings provide mechanistic insights for the restoration and sustainable management of riparian ecosystems.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

carbon fractions / riparian zone / soil aggregates / soil microorganisms / urbanization

Highlight

	● Bacterial diversity was higher at low elevations than at mid and high elevations.
	● Bacterial communities were associated with soil texture, moisture, pH, TP, CEC.
	● Fungal communities were mainly associated with TP.
	● Urbanization reduced microbial diversity through POC and TP loss.
	● WLFs affected microbial diversity directly and indirectly through MWD and MOC.

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