Different mechanisms underlying divergent responses of autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration to long-term throughfall reduction in a warm-temperate oak forest

Abstract Background There are many studies on disentangling the responses of autotrophic (AR) and heterotrophic (HR) respiration components soil (SR) to long-term drought, but few have focused mechanisms underlying its responses. Methods To explore impact prolonged drought AR HR, we conducted 2-year measurements CO 2 effluxes in 7th 8th year manipulated throughfall reduction (TFR) a warm-temperate oak forest. Results Our results showed TFR decreased which was positively related bacterial richness. More importantly, some taxa such as Novosphingobium norank Acidimicrobiia , fungal Leptobacillium were identified major drivers HR. In contrast, increased due fine root biomass production. The accompanied by HR appeared counteract each other, subsequently resulted unchanged SR under TFR. Conclusions study shows that respond opposite directions Soil microorganisms roots account for respective divergent This highlights contrasting should be taken into when predicting future droughts.