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Differential contributions of plant- and microbial-derived carbon to soil organic carbon under perennial and annual herbaceous species in a temperate desert grassland, Northwest China

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  • Zexin Teng

    (College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, P.R. China
    Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, P.R. China)

  • Yuying Liu

    (College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, P.R. China
    Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, P.R. China)

  • Ümüt Halik

    (College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, P.R. China
    Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, P.R. China)

  • Jianing He

    (College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, P.R. China)

Abstract

Desert grasslands are critical carbon sinks in arid regions, where herbaceous species selection plays a vital role in ecosystem restoration. While plant life cycle (annual vs. perennial) is known to affect soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, its influence on SOC molecular composition remains poorly understood. This study examined the accumulation and environmental drivers of plant- and microbial-derived carbon biomarkers (lignin phenols and amino sugars) across the 0-40 cm soil profile under four desert herbaceous species: perennial Karelinia caspica (Pall.) Less. and Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin., annual Chenopodium glaucum L. and Salsola lanata (Pall.) Botsch. Plant-derived C contributed more to SOC (9-15%) than microbial-derived C (3-8%), with contributions differing significantly between plant life cycles. These differences were shaped primarily by edaphic factors: plant-derived C accumulation was mainly regulated by pH, whereas microbial-derived C was affected by labile organic carbon (LOC), elemental stoichiometry (C/N, C/P), electrical conductivity, and pH. Our results indicate that herbaceous species influence SOC sequestration through divergent plant and microbial pathways. Perennial species, especially K. caspica and G. inflata, enhance SOC storage more effectively and should be prioritised in desert grassland restoration.

Suggested Citation

  • Zexin Teng & Yuying Liu & Ümüt Halik & Jianing He, 2026. "Differential contributions of plant- and microbial-derived carbon to soil organic carbon under perennial and annual herbaceous species in a temperate desert grassland, Northwest China," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 72(6), pages 389-402.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:72:y:2026:i:6:id:127-2026-pse
    DOI: 10.17221/127/2026-PSE
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    References listed on IDEAS

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