Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry reveals widespread soil phosphorus limitation to microbial metabolism across Chinese forests

Abstract Forest soils contain a large amount of organic carbon and contribute to terrestrial sequestration. However, we still have poor understanding what nutrients limit soil microbial metabolism that drives release across the range boreal tropical forests. Here used ecoenzymatic stoichiometry methods investigate patterns nutrient limitations within profiles (organic, eluvial parent material horizons) 181 forest sites throughout China. Results show that, in 80% these forests, microbes were limited by phosphorus availability. Microbial limitation increased with depth from forests as ecosystems become wetter, warmer, more productive, is affected anthropogenic nitrogen deposition. We also observed an unexpected shift latitudinal pattern lowest warm temperate zone (41-42°N). Our study highlights importance restoring predicting their sinks.