Soil enzyme stoichiometry is tightly linked to microbial community composition in successional ecosystems after glacier retreat

Soil enzyme stoichiometry has been proposed to reflect microbial resource limitation. However, this view overlooks the profound variations in microbial community composition and soil abiotic properties that may also affect enzyme stoichiometry. In successional subalpine ecosystems after glacier retreat, we found that the stoichiometry of soil carbon-, nitrogen- and phosphorus-acquisition enzymes was strongly associated with the microbial community composition. Soil abiotic properties (pH and soil organic matter quality) may also affect enzyme stoichiometry directly, or indirectly through microbial community composition. In contrast, microbial resource status was weakly related to enzyme stoichiometry. Thus, precautions should be taken when using enzyme stoichiometry as an indicator of microbial resource limitation. The close relationship between microbial community composition and enzyme stoichiometry suggests that genetic potential is linked to the enzyme activity in subalpine soils.

Automated summary

The stoichiometry of soil carbon-, nitrogen- and phosphorus-acquisition enzymes in subalpine ecosystems after glacier retreat is strongly associated with microbial community composition, with soil abiotic properties potentially influencing enzyme stoichiometry. Microbial resource status was found to have a weaker relationship with enzyme stoichiometry, suggesting caution when using enzyme stoichiometry as an indicator of microbial resource limitation. This close relationship between microbial community composition and enzyme stoichiometry indicates a link between genetic potential and enzyme activity in subalpine soils.