Characteristics and Driving Factors of Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities of Chinese Fir Provenances

Abstract

Rhizosphere bacteria affect the diversity of soil functions, playing important roles in the growth and expansion of Chinese fir. Understanding the driving factors of rhizosphere bacterial distribution is imperative when comparing bacterial diversity and composition under different Chinese fir provenances. We investigated the growth of Chinese fir belts and the effects of climate, geographic location, and soil nutrients. Using 16S rDNA next-generation sequencing analysis, the bacterial communities of 16 Chinese fir provenances were compared. The bacterial compositionsof Dechang, Junlian, Shangrao, Zhenxiong, Yangxin, Xinyang, Luotian, and Tianmushan provenances weredistinct from others. Generally, higher-latitude provenances showed more biomarkers (LDA = 2). Rhizosphere bacterial α-diversity was the highest in Hunan Youxian and lowest in Henan Xinyang (p < 0.05). From south to north, bacterial α-diversity initially increased and then decreased. From east to west in the middle belt, bacterial α-diversity followed a “W” trend, with the eastern middle belt having the highest values, especially near Hunan, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces. Amongst environmental factors, soil nutrient content (Mg, P and K) and stoichiometric ratio (Ca/Mg, K/Ca and N/P), along with precipitationrate primarily controlled rhizosphere bacterial diversity. Soil pH had a significant impact on the relative abundance of rhizosphere soil bacteria. Our findings offer insight into the evolution of Chinese fir and provide a scientific basis for soil microbial community improvement of Chinese fir provenances.