Reduced microbial stability in the active layer is associated with carbon loss under alpine permafrost degradation
Minghui Wu, Shengyun Chen, Shengyun Chen, Jianwei Chen, Kai Xue, Shilong Chen, Shilong Chen, Xiaoming Wang, Tuo Chen, Shichang Kang, Junpeng Rui, Janice E. Thies, Richard D. Bardgett, Yanfen Wang
Abstract
Permafrost degradation may induce soil carbon (C) loss, critical for global C cycling, and be mediated by microbes. Despite larger C stored within the active layer of permafrost regions, which are more affected by warming, and the critical roles of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in C cycling, most previous studies focused on the permafrost layer and in high-latitude areas. We demonstrate in situ that permafrost degradation alters the diversity and potentially decreases the stability of active layer microbial communities. These changes are associated with soil C loss and potentially a positive C feedback. This study provides insights into microbial-mediated mechanisms responsible for C loss within the active layer in degraded permafrost, aiding in the modeling of C emission under future scenarios.