Fig. 2: Microbial physiological traits and mineral-associated SOC (MA-SOC) formation in the microcosm experiment. | Nature Communications

Fig. 2: Microbial physiological traits and mineral-associated SOC (MA-SOC) formation in the microcosm experiment.

From: Fast-decaying plant litter enhances soil carbon in temperate forests but not through microbial physiological traits

Fig. 2

a Linear relationship (±SE; n = 16) between the litter quality index (PC1 in Fig. S1A) and the microbial physiological trait index (PC1 in Fig. S1B) after 15 days (Early stage: R2 = 0.14; P = 0.16) and 100 days (Intermediate stage: R2 = 0.38; P = 0.01) of decomposition, (b) lack of a relationship (P > 0.96) between the microbial physiological trait index and litter-derived MA-SOC after 30 (Early) and 185 days (Intermediate), and (c) path analysis showing the direct and indirect effects of the litter quality index (Litter quality) on the percentage of added litter C recovered in mineral-associated SOC (Litter-derived MA-SOC). Indirect effects of litter quality are mediated through the microbial physiological trait index. Numbers above and below paths represent standardized coefficients during early- and intermediate-stage decomposition, respectively, with significance levels indicated (*p < 0.1, **p < 0.05, and ***p < 0.01). Thickness and color of lines correspond to coefficient magnitude and direction, respectively. Total and indirect effects of litter quality on soil C formation are also summarized with standardized coefficients.

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