Mixing Machilus pauhoi with Cerasus campanulata improves soil P availability and changes the soil G+/G- in a mid-subtropical region of China

Aims Broad-leaved tree species are important group building tree species of typical zonal vegetation in subtropical China. Yet, the impacts of mixed broad-leaved plantations on microbial community and enzymatic stoichiometry are not well understood. Methods We evaluated soil microbial community structure and enzymatic stoichiometry using rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil samples of Machilus pauhoi from three forest plantation (pure M. pauhoi forest (CK), M. pauhoi with Cerasus campanulata mixed forest (MC), M. pauhoi with Manglietia glauca mixed forest (MM)) in subtropical China. Results P concentration of rhizosphere soil in MC was higher than that in CK, and soil TC, TN, SOC, DOC of non-rhizosphere soil in MC were higher than those in MM. Different mixed plantations had significant effects on G + /G − , being its value lower in MC than in CK and MM. The microbial P limitation in rhizosphere soil was higher than that in non-rhizosphere soil. The relative microbial C limitation did not change significantly amongst different treatment. Soil TC, TN, SOC and DOC are critical factors affecting the microbial community structure. Conclusion Mixing with Cerasus campanulata is more beneficial to reducing soil P deficiency and improving soil microbial community structure of young M. pauhoi afforestation in a mid-subtropical region of China.