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Soil bacterial and fungal diversity and composition respond differently to desertified system restoration

  • Chengchen Pan ,

    Roles Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Writing – original draft

    panchengchen@lzb.ac.cn

    Affiliation Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China

  • Feng Yuan,

    Roles Investigation, Methodology, Software, Visualization

    Affiliation National Center of Pratacultural Technolgoy Innovation (Under Preparation), Hohhot, China

  • Yaling Liu,

    Roles Investigation, Methodology, Software, Visualization

    Affiliation National Center of Pratacultural Technolgoy Innovation (Under Preparation), Hohhot, China

  • Xiaoya Yu,

    Roles Software, Visualization, Writing – review & editing

    Affiliation School of Tourism and Resource Environment, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun, China

  • Jiliang Liu

    Roles Data curation, Investigation, Software, Visualization

    Affiliation Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China

Abstract

Desertification is a major ecological issue worldwide that results in the destruction of terrestrial ecosystems. Restoration of desertified ecosystems has been carried out in recent decades, but the role of soil microorganisms in this process is poorly understood. Thus, to deconstruct the effects of desertified system restoration on soil microbial communities, we examined the changes in soil characteristics as well as the variations in and drivers of soil microbial diversity and community composition of the Hulun Buir Sandy Land in Northeast China, where restoration activities have been performed for approximately 30 years. The results revealed that with desertified system restoration, plant species richness and aboveground biomass increased significantly. The soil properties, characterized by organic carbon, total nitrogen and available nitrogen content improved. Moreover, soil pH decreased significantly from 7.75 in mobile dunes to 7.17 in fixed dunes (P < 0.05). Compared to mobile dunes, the Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices of bacteria increased significantly in fixed dunes. In contrast, the fungal richness index (Chao1 index) decreased significantly during desertified system restoration. The fungal Shannon diversity index also showed a decreasing trend, although it was not significant (P > 0.05). Proteobacteria was the most prevalent bacterial phylum, with a relative abundance of over 40%. In fixed dunes, the relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi significantly increased, whereas the relative abundance of Firmicutes significantly decreased. For fungi, Ascomycota was the dominant phylum, with a relative abundance of 97.6% in fixed dunes compared with 82.4% in mobile dunes. Plant species richness and soil pH were the major determinants of the soil microbial communities. This research provides important insights into the changes in soil microbial communities and their relationships with environmental factors during desertified system restoration, which can help guide sustainable land management practices and the restoration of desertified areas.

Introduction

Desertification is a major ecological issue worldwide, that destroys the stability and functionality of terrestrial ecosystems [1]. It is estimated that over 3.6 billion hectares of land, which constitute approximately one-fourth of the Earth’s total land area, have affected by desertification [2]. The restoration of desertified areas has immense significance in reversing these detrimental trends. To combat desertification, many measures, such as afforestation, fence enclosures, and improvement in land management, have been adopted to restore affected areas and protect the balance and stability of ecosystems. The research on desertified area restoration has been focused mainly on the studies of soil and vegetation [3]. Soil, as the foundation of ecological stability, and vegetation, as indicators of ecological recovery, have received extensive attention [4, 5]. In general, the restoration of desertified landscapes often leads to remarkable improvements in vegetation characteristics including increased plant species diversity, as well as increased vegetation cover and biomass [4]. This not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the environment but also plays a crucial role in soil stabilization, preventing erosion and promoting nutrient cycling. Therefore, the process of desertified system restoration has the potential to provide substantial benefits for both vegetation and soil, offering hope for the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes and the mitigation of ecological imbalances. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of soil microorganisms in this endeavor [6]. However, our understanding of the role of microorganisms in restoring desertified areas is still limited.

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in the relationship between vegetation and soil [7, 8]. They contribute significantly to the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and soil structure formation [9, 10]. Microorganisms interact closely with plant roots, forming symbiotic relationships such as mycorrhizal associations that increase plant nutrient uptake [11]. Vegetation type and richness also influence the composition of soil microbial communities [1215]. A wide range of biotic and abiotic factors can influence soil microorganisms, such as soil pH [16], nutrient availability [17], moisture [18], organic matter [19], and vegetation type and diversity [20, 21]. Understanding the complex interactions that occur between soil microorganisms and vegetation–soil systems is essential for sustainable land management and ecological restoration [22, 23].

Bacteria and fungi are two major components of soil microbial communities. Bacteria are actively involved in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling [24]. For example, some bacteria can fix nitrogen, converting it into a form that plants can utilize, which is essential for plant growth in restored areas [25]. On the other hand, fungi are eukaryotic organisms with a network of hyphae [26]. They are important in decomposing complex organic matter and have an extensive hyphal network that can explore a larger soil volume [27]. This characteristic enables fungi to access and break down complex substrates that are resistant to bacterial decomposition [27]. In the context of desertified system restoration, fungi can contribute to the long term stabilization of soil structure [28]. They can bind soil particles together, improving soil porosity and water holding capacity, which is crucial for preventing soil erosion and promoting the growth of vegetation in desertified areas [29].

China is among the countries most severely affected by desertification. Desertification has brought about numerous challenges for ecological balance, agricultural production, and sustainable development in the country. According to the latest statistics and research, approximately 168.68 million square kilometers of land in China are estimated to be affected by desertification [30]. The Hulun Buir Grassland is an important ecological barrier in northern China. Owing to factors such as drought and land reclamation for human activities, problems related to desertification in the Hulun Buir Grassland in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region have become increasingly severe [31]. Three large sand belts have emerged, constituting the Hulun Buir Sandy Land with a total area of approximately 880,000 hectares [32]. It is extremely urgent to control sand movement in this ecosystem. Systematic restoration efforts have been performed in the Hulun Buir Sandy Land for approximately 30 years [33]. However, our understanding of the influence of desertified system restoration on soil microbial community diversity and composition remains limited.

Here, the variations in bacterial and fungal diversity and composition were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of desertified system restoration (fencing) in the Hulun Buir Sandy Land in China. We aimed (1) to examine the response of the diversity and composition of the soil microbial communities to desertified system restoration; and (2) to analyze the factors driving the soil bacterial and fungal community structure. The following two hypotheses were examined: (1) desertified land restoration significantly enhances vegetation characteristics and decreases soil pH, which control the soil microbial community structure; and (2) the structure of the soil bacterial and fungal communities respond to desertified system restoration.

Materials and methods

Ethics statement

All examined samples were collected on sandy land and hence no specific permits were required for the field studies. The field studies did not involve endangered or protected species.

Site selection

The field work was carried out in Hulun Buir Sandy Land (48º20.0′ N to 49º14.0′ N, 118º3.0′ E to 118º51.0′ E), which is located in New Barag Left Banner and Chen Barag Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of northeastern China (Fig 1). This region is characterized by a temperate semiarid continental climate, with an annual mean temperature (MAT) of -0.85–-0.1°C and a mean annual precipitation (MAP) of 280–330 mm. MAT and MAP data were obtained from the WorldClim database on the basis of the sampling site coordinates (www.worldclim.org) [34]. The soil is dominated by sandy chestnut soil and is prone to wind erosion. To combat desertification, sand-fixing vegetation has been established in this region. Fixed, nongrazed dunes and mobile dunes were selected as representative restoration areas. All the selected fixed dunes were restored from mobile dunes after 30 years of fencing. Before fencing, the landscape was characterized as mobile (with vegetation coverage < 5%) sandy land. The vegetation in the fixed dunes was dominated by Artemisia halodendron, Caragana microphylla, and Corethrodendron fruticosum, and these plant species had more than 60% vegetation coverage.

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Fig 1. Map showing the location of the sampling sites of the Hulun Buir Sandy Land in China in Inner Mongolia, China.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.g001

Soil sampling and vegetation survey

Field sampling was conducted in early August 2018, during the season with the highest vegetation productivity. A total of 15 pairs of mobile and fixed dunes were selected. All the selected sites were at least 100 m apart from each other. Thirty plots (1×1 m2) were randomly established. In each plot, 5 soil core samples (3.5 cm in diameter) were randomly collected at a depth of 0–10 cm and combined. The composite soil samples were sieved (2 mm) immediately and divided into two parts in the field. One part was stored in a portable refrigerator and then kept at -20 °C in the laboratory for further molecular analysis; the other part was air-dried for the determination of edaphic properties (pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN)).

SOC was determined via the K2Cr2O7-H2SO4 oxidation method [35]. TN was determined via an elemental analyzer (VarioMacro Cube Elementar, Germany) [36]. The soil NH4+-N and NO3-N contents were determined via KCl extraction and a continuous flow analyzer (Futura, Alliance, Frépillon, France) [36]. AN was calculated as the sum of soil NH4+-N and NO3-N. pH was measured in 1:2.5 soil:water extracts [37].

In each plot, all living plant species were identified at the species level and clipped for aboveground biomass (PB) measurements. All the samples were oven-dried at 65 °C for 48 h until their weights did not change. The plant species richness (PR) was estimated by the total number of species.

Soil microbial DNA extraction, PCR and high-throughput sequencing

The soil microbial DNA from each sample was extracted via a magnetic bead DNA extraction kit (Tiangen Biochemical Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing, China). After PCR amplification, the bacterial and fungal communities were examined using the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the 16SrRNA genes with the primers 341F (CCTAYGGGRBGCASCAG) and 806R (GGACTACNNGGGTATCTAAT) [38], and ITS1-5F genes with primers 1737F (GGAAGTAAAAGTCGTAACAAGG) and 2043R (GCTGCGTTCTTCATCGATGC) [39], respectively. PCR was performed in a 30-μl mixture containing 15 μL of Phusion® High-Fidelity PCR Master Mix (New England Biolabs), 1 μl of each primer (10 μM), and ~ 10 ng of template DNA (gDNA). Thermal cycling for both bacteria and fungi was conducted with an initial denaturation step at 95 °C for 5 min, followed by 34 cycles at 91 °C for 1 min, 57 °C for 45 s, 72 °C for 1 min, and finally at 72 °C for 10 min. PCR products were extracted from 2% agarose gels and purified using the GeneJET gel extraction kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An Ion Plus Fragment Library Kit 48 rxns (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Wilmington, DE, USA) was used to generate the sequencing library. The bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS genes were sequenced using Ion S5 XL platform (Thermo Fisher Scientific) with single-end reads at Novogene Bioinformatics Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing, China [40]. All raw bacterial and fungal sequences have been deposited at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Archive (SRA) with accession numbers PRJNA667483 (bacteria) and PRJNA1130371 (fungi), respectively.

Processing of sequencing data

The raw sequences were first trimmed using Cutadapt (version 1.9.1) to remove short and low-quality sequences [41]. Chimera removal was conducted with the UCHIME algorithm [42]. The high-quality sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at the 97% similarity level using UPARSE. OTUs containing fewer than 3 reads were removed to avoid possible biases. Then, each sample was rarefied to 51109 and 71156 bacterial and fungal reads, respectively, from the high quality sequences for both alpha-diversity and beta-diversity analyses. The representative sequences for the remaining OTUs were assigned on the basis of the bacterial SILVA [43] (version 132) database and fungal UNITE [44] (version 8.0) database.

Statistical analysis

The effects of desertified system restoration on vegetation and soil properties and microbial alpha-diversity, characterized by richness (Chao 1) and diversity (Shannon) indices [45], were examined using two independent sample t-tests. The relationships between environmental variables and microbial alpha-diversity were inspected by Pearson’s correlation analysis.

All of the variations in the soil microbial communities were estimated on the basis of the OTU matrix. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination plots were used to visualize the structure among the samples based on the Euclidean distance in the OTU matrix. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) [46], the multiresponse permutation procedure (MRPP), and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were also conducted to test the significance of variations among bacterial communities [47, 48]. These statistical analyses were implemented in the vegan R package [49].

Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was conducted to elucidate the relationships between microbial groups and explanatory variables, including edaphic and vegetation factors. The “forward selection” procedure was performed to select driving factors using Monte Carlo permutation (999 repetitions) for each dataset in the analysis. The entire process was performed using trial version CANOCO 5.0 [50].

Results

Soil physicochemical environment and vegetation characteristics

With desertified system restoration, plant species richness (PR) and aboveground biomass (PB) increased significantly. The soil properties of the fixed dunes differed from those of the mobile dunes (Table 1; S1 Table). The soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (TN), soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3˗-N) and clay contents in the fixed dunes were significantly greater than those in the mobile dunes (P < 0.05). However, pH decreased significantly after the dunes were fixed (P < 0.05).

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Table 1. The vegetation and soil properties of mobile and fixed dunes.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.t001

Diversity patterns of the soil bacterial and fungal communities

The patterns of bacterial and fungal diversity varied with the degree of desertified land restoration, but the trends were inconsistent (Fig 2; S2 Table). Compared with those of mobile dunes, the Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices of bacteria increased significantly. The variation in fungal diversity indices presented a trend opposite to that of bacteria. The fungal richness index (Chao1 index) decreased significantly during the restoration of desertified land. A similar decreasing trend was also observed in the fungal Shannon diversity index; however, the variation was not significant (P > 0.05).

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Fig 2. Soil bacterial (A) and fungal (B) alpha-diversity indices in mobile and fixed dunes.

The alpha diversity indices were based on the OTU richness (Chao 1 index) and diversity (Shannon diversity) indices.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.g002

Changes in the compositions of the soil bacterial and fungal communities

The main bacterial phyla with a relative abundance greater than 1% in both dune types were: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi (Fig 3; S3 Table). Among them, Proteobacteria was the most prevalent bacterial phylum, and its relative abundance was greater than 40%. The relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas that of Firmicutes significantly decreased in the fixed dunes (P = 0.036; Fig 3).

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Fig 3. Relative abundances of dominant phyla in soil bacteria (a) and fungi (b) during restoration.

Note: “Others” represents all the phyla with a relative abundance <1%.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.g003

For fungi, Ascomycota was the dominant phylum (Fig 3; S4 Table). The relative abundance of Ascomycota was greater in fixed dunes (accounting for 97.6% of the total sequences) than in mobile dunes (accounting for 82.4%).

Similarly, the soil bacterial and fungal community structures changed significantly with vegetation restoration (R2 = 0.233, P = 0.001; R2 = 0.161, P = 0.001; Fig 4). Furthermore, nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was carried out to assess microbial beta diversity. The NMDS plots clearly separated the soil bacterial and fungal communities between the mobile and fixed dunes. ADONIS, ANOSIM, and MRPP also revealed that the soil bacterial and fungal community structures differed significantly during the restoration of desertified land (Table 2, P < 0.05).

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Fig 4. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination plot based on the Bray‒Curtis distance of samples for the bacterial (a) and fungal communities (b) in the mobile and fixed dunes.

MD, mobile dunes; FD, fixed dunes.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.g004

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Table 2. Statistical analysis of differences in the soil bacterial and fungal communities between mobile and fixed dunes.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.t002

Relationships between microbial community composition and environmental factors

The effects of environmental factors on microbial communities were analyzed using CCA. The first two canonical axes explained 12.8% and 35.4% of the variation in bacterial and fungal phyla, respectively (Fig 5). The CCA model selection procedure revealed that PR and pH were the most significant factors driving the soil bacterial and fungal communities (P < 0.05).

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Fig 5. Biplot of the first two CCA axes showing the relationships between soil bacterial (A) and fungal (B) communities with environmental variables.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.g005

Discussion

Changes in soil physicochemical and vegetation properties during desertified system restoration

The restoration of desertified landscapes is a critical practice with profound implications for ecological stability and environmental health.

The results of this study support the first hypothesis. Our results revealed that plant species richness and aboveground biomass increased significantly during desertified system restoration. An increase in plant species not only enriches the ecological structure but also enhances the resilience and functionality of an ecosystem [51]. An increase in biomass leads to a substantial accumulation of litter and contributes to carbon sequestration [4, 52].

The substantial increase observed in the content of clay particles is in agreement with the findings of Su et al. [53] and Yuan et al. [54], suggesting that restoration efforts can effectively modify soil texture and improve its physical properties. With respect to soil nutrients, a significant increase in organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available nitrogen occurred, which is in agreement with the reports of Li et al. [55], Zhang et al. [56] and Li et al. [57]. These enhancements in soil fertility are crucial for providing favorable environments for plant growth and metabolic processes. The increased plant species richness and biomass, along with the improved soil texture and nutrient status, collectively suggest that the restoration strategies implemented in our study were effective to a considerable extent. These positive changes contribute to the restoration and improvement of ecosystem health and functionality [58].

However, in contrast to some previous studies, we found a significant decrease in pH. For example, Zhang et al. [56] and Qi et al. [59] reported relatively stable or slight increases in pH values during restoration processes. The reasons for this discrepancy might be attributed to differences in soil types, initial soil conditions, geographical locations, and the specific restoration techniques employed. In this study, the decrease observed in soil pH might also be related to plant growth during desertified system restoration. The restoration of vegetation results in an increase in root exudates or litter input from plants and subsequently, an increase in the input of organic acids [60]. In such a situation in which, the input of organic acids increases, the soil pH tends to decrease [61].

The impact of desertified system restoration on microbial diversity and composition

The present study revealed the diverse responses of bacterial and fungal communities to the restoration of desertified land, which does not support the second hypothesis. This finding is highly significant as it adds a substantial layer of complexity to our comprehension of ecological succession under harsh and challenging environments.

Our results revealed that the alpha diversity indices of bacteria significantly increased in fixed dunes in comparison with those in mobile dunes, contrary to the decreasing trend observed in the fungal diversity indices. This is partially in line with the findings of Sun et al. [62], who reported that soil bacterial and fungal communities presented distinct recovery patterns during ecosystem restoration. The significant increase in bacterial diversity may suggest that restoration provides improved niches and resources for bacterial growth and proliferation [63]. A more diverse and abundant bacterial community can enhance the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling [64, 65].

Proteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial phylum in our study area, which is consistent with previous reports in similar ecosystems [21]. The significant increase in the relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi in fixed dunes indicated their potential role in the stabilization and improvement of soil conditions. These phyla are often associated with shifts in soil fertility and structure [66]. For example, Actinobacteria are known for their ability to produce antibiotics and enzymes that can break down complex organic compounds, contributing to nutrient availability [67]. Acidobacteria are involved in the decomposition of organic matter [68], whereas Gemmatimonadetes and Chloroflexi can play roles in carbon cycling and soil aggregation, respectively [69, 70]. In contrast, the higher relative abundance of Firmicutes in mobile dunes could be attributed to their adaptability to the harsher and more fluctuating conditions of these dunes [71]. Firmicutes are often associated with resistance to desiccation and extreme temperatures, allowing them to survive and persist in unstable dune environments [71].

For fungi, the dominance of Ascomycota and its greater abundance in fixed dunes than in mobile dunes aligns with the observations of Wang et al. [72]. Fungi play crucial roles in the decomposition of organic matter, in symbiotic relationships with plants, and in the formation of mycorrhizal associations that increase nutrient uptake [73]. The relatively high abundance of Ascomycota in fixed dunes could contribute to soil nutrient cycling and structural maintenance [74].

The changes in bacterial and fungal diversity and composition suggest a shift in ecological processes and functions with dune fixation. The increase in certain bacterial and fungal phyla in fixed dunes might contribute to nutrient cycling and soil organic matter decomposition, facilitating the establishment of a more stable ecosystem [75, 76]. This can lead to improved soil water holding capacity, increased soil porosity, and better soil aeration, all of which are essential for plant growth and the overall health of an ecosystem.

The present study revealed significant changes in bacterial and fungal community structures associated with vegetation restoration. Several previous studies have emphasized the intimate connection between vegetation and microbial communities [77, 78]. For example, Shanmugam and Kingery [79] demonstrated that alterations in plant composition can lead to corresponding shifts in microbial community structure. Understanding this connection helps in predicting and manipulating microbial communities for better ecosystem functioning.

NMDS, ADONIS, ANOSIM and MRPP analysis provided clear evidence of the differences in soil bacterial and fungal community structures between mobile and fixed dunes. Similar findings were reported in a study by Wang et al. [72], highlighting the profound impact of ecological restoration on soil microbial communities. These findings indicate that dune stability plays a crucial role in shaping microbial community composition. Developing targeted restoration strategies on the basis of dune type is crucial, as it helps in preserving and enhancing the unique microbial communities associated with each type of dune.

Influence of environmental factors on the soil microbial community

Plant species richness was found to be the most important factor driving soil bacterial and fungal communities, suggesting the crucial role of plant diversity in shaping microbial communities [80]. This implies that maintaining a high level of plant diversity is crucial for fostering a balanced and functional soil microbial community. The mechanism underlying this relationship is likely complex. A rich plant community provides a diverse array of root exudates, which contain different compounds that selectively support the growth and metabolism of specific microbial taxa [81]. Additionally, different plant species create a mosaic of microenvironments within the soil, influencing factors such as soil moisture, aeration, and nutrient availability. This heterogeneity in the soil environment promotes the coexistence of a diverse range of bacterial and fungal species [82].

In addition to plant species richness, soil pH is an important variable driving soil microbial community structure. Previous research has elucidated the intricate relationship between soil pH and microbial communities in various contexts [83, 84]. Soil pH affects the availability of essential nutrients for microbial growth. At high pH values, nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace elements are less accessible to microorganisms due to changes in solubility and chemical forms [85]. Moreover, pH influences the charge and structure of soil colloids [86], which in turn affects the adsorption and desorption of nutrients and the ability of microorganisms to absorb them. The physiological and biochemical processes within microbial cells are also pH dependent. Different microbial species have specific pH optima for enzyme activities and metabolic pathways. Additionally, pH can influence competition and interaction among microbial species [87], as some species may be better adapted to certain pH conditions, thus altering community composition.

The recognition of plant species richness and pH as major determinants emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and management of these factors in restoration efforts. Maintaining a diverse plant community and optimal pH levels is essential for promoting a balanced and functional microbial community, which is critical for soil fertility and ecosystem resilience. A diverse microbial community associated with a rich plant community and suitable soil pH can more easily withstand environmental disturbances and adapt to changing conditions [88].

Conclusions

In this study, we focused on the effects of desertified system restoration on the soil microbial community in the Hulun Buir Sandy Land, China. We found that desertified system restoration led to significant changes in both vegetation and soil properties. Compared with mobile dunes, plant species richness and aboveground biomass increased. With respect to soil characteristics, the soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and clay content increased in fixed dunes, soil pH decreased. The values of bacterial diversity indices, such as the Chao1 and Shannon indices, significantly increased, whereas the fungal diverisity indices exhibited the opposite trend. The bacterial and fungal community structures changed significantly. Environmental factors, namely, plant species richness and pH, were identified as the major determinants of the soil bacterial and fungal communities. Our study provides valuable insights for formulating effective restoration strategies and maintaining the long-term health of ecosystems. However, more studies are needed to further explore the complex interactions that occur between soil microorganisms and the environment in the context of desertification. This knowledge will be essential for sustainable land management and the successful restoration of desertified areas.

Supporting information

S1 Table. Detailed vegetation and soil properties of mobile and fixed dunes.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.s001

(DOCX)

S2 Table. Soil bacterial and fungal alpha-diversity indices in mobile and fixed dunes.

The alpha diversity indices were based on the OTU richness (Chao 1 index) and diversity (Shannon diversity) indices.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.s002

(DOCX)

S3 Table. Relative abundance greater than 1% of soil bacterial phyla in mobile and fixed dunes.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.s003

(DOCX)

S4 Table. Relative abundance greater than 1% of soil fungal phyla in mobile and fixed dunes.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309188.s004

(DOCX)

Acknowledgments

We thank the reviewers and the editor for helpful comments on this manuscript.

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