Tree species influence soil carbon quality but not total storage across horizons: European beech on Dystric Cambisol and Norway spruce on Entic Podzol

Abstract

Tree species influence below-ground soil chemistry and microbial communities, both of which are key drivers of soil formation. The study compared soils under native European beech and first-generation non-native Norway spruce growing at the same site. Soil under beech was classified as Dystric Cambisol, whereas soil under spruce had developed into Entic Podzol. The objective was to link soil chemical processes with microbial community composition and the resulting quantity and quality of soil organic carbon (SOC) across soil horizons. Soil pH and concentrations of available cations and anions were measured together with dissolved organic carbon (DOC), represented by low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMMOA; ion-exchange chromatography). SOC quantity and functional group composition were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Microbial abundance and community composition were assessed by 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and droplet digital PCR. Total carbon contents did not differ between soils, but DOC showed horizon-specific differences, with quinate strongly enriched under spruce. More pronounced differences were observed in carbon quality and its vertical distribution. Elevated concentrations and specific forms of Si, Al, P, and S under spruce indicated progressing podzolization, a process absent under beech. Distinct soil conditions and carbon sources supported contrasting microbial communities. Higher pH and labile carbon availability under beech promoted Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota , distinguished particularly in the L horizon. In contrast, spruce soils, especially the H horizon were enriched in fungi and metabolically versatile Actinomycetota. Increased abundance of erm resistance genes under spruce also suggested a more competitive microbial environment. Tree species effects on soil properties were detectable throughout the soil profile but weakened with depth. Overall, differences in soil chemistry, microbial communities, and enzymatic activities reflect contrasting decomposition and carbon sequestration pathways, with implications for ecosystem resilience and microbial diversity.