Microbial carbon use and associated changes in microbial community structure in high-Arctic tundra soils under elevated temperature

In the high-Arctic, increased temperature results in permafrost thawing and primary production. This fresh plant-derived material is predicted to prime microbial consortia for degradation of organic matter stored tundra soils. However, effects warming plant input on community structure hardly known. We assessed use glycine, a readily available C N source, cellulose, long C-biopolymer, by prokaryotic fungal communities using DNA-SIP soils incubated at 8 °C or 16 °C. Glycine addition contributed mainly instantaneous carbon priming soil decomposition, particularly under elevated temperature. By contrast, cellulose was linked dominant active communities, with potential stabilization Our findings stress importance type relation metabolism high-Arctic their consequences cycle response global warming.