PLFA Profiling of Microbial Community Structure and Seasonal Shifts in Soils of a Douglas-fir Chronosequence |
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Authors: | Jennifer Moore-Kucera Richard P Dick |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;(2) School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1085, USA |
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Abstract: | The impact and frequency of forest harvesting could significantly affect soil microbial community (SMC) structure and functioning.
The ability of soil microorganisms to perform biogeochemical processes is critical for sustaining forest productivity and
has a direct impact on decomposition dynamics and carbon storage potential. The Wind River Canopy Crane Research Forest in
SW, WA, provided a unique opportunity to study a forest chronosequence and the residual effects of harvesting on the SMC in
comparison to old-growth forests. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of clear-cutting and stand age on
temporal dynamics of SMC and physiological stress markers using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiling. Soil microbial PLFA
profiles were determined seven times over 22 months (Nov. 02 to Sep. 04) in old-growth coniferous forest stands (300–500 years)
and 8 (CC8)- or 25 (CC25)-year-old replanted clear-cuts. PLFA patterns of the SMC shifted because of clear-cutting, but seasonal
temporal changes had greater shifts than differences among stand age. The microbial biomass (total PLFA) and bacterial, fungal,
and selected other PLFAs were significantly reduced in CC8 but not in CC25 sites relative to the old-growth sites. An increase
in stress indicators PLFA ratios of saturated/monsaturated and (cy17:0 + cy19:0)/(16:1ω7 + 18:1ω7)] in late summer was related
to water stress. Although the canopy and litter input are quite different for a 25-year clear-cut compared to virgin old-growth
forest, we conclude that the composition of the microbial communities, 25 years after clear-cutting, has recovered sufficiently
to be much more similar to old-growth forests than a recent clear-cut at this Pacific Northwest forest site. The study shows
the potential of PLFA analysis for profiling microbial communities and their stress status under field conditions, but wide
temporal shifts emphasize the need for sampling over seasons to fully interpret ecosystem management impacts on microbial
populations. |
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