Microbial properties in tropical montane forest soils developed from contrasting parent material—An incubation experiment

Background Soil microbes are key drivers of carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, their properties influenced by the relationship between resource demand availability. Aims Our objective was to investigate patterns microbial controls understand whether they differ soils derived from geochemically contrasting parent material tropical montane forests. Methods We measured biomass C (MBCSoil), potential extracellular enzyme activity (pEEA), assessed investments acquisition at beginning end a 120-day laboratory incubation experiment using developed three (i.e., mafic, mixed sediment, felsic) soil depths (0–70 cm). Results found that MBCSoil pEEA were highest mafic material. Microbial investment sedimentary rocks lowest felsic propose our findings related strength mineral-related stabilization mechanisms varying quality. No predominant nitrogen (N) observed, whereas phosphorus (P) subsoils. lower subsoils indicating relatively high availability, can substantially participate limit storage if moisture oxygen conditions suitable. Geochemical substrate quality important on per unit organic (MBCSOC), particularly after exhaustion labile fast C, is, incubation. Conclusion Although cannot reflect real-world conditions, it allowed us how affect properties. conclude is an driver forests despite advanced weathering degree soils.