Responses of microbial functional genes associated with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling to pioneer vegetation in a bauxite residue disposal area

Pioneer vegetation species colonization represents a nature-based solution for the ecological restoration of bauxite residue disposal sites. However, the microbial processes driving nutrient cycling during early vegetation succession remain poorly understood. In this study, metagenomic sequencing was employed to examine shifts in microbial functional genes related to carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycling during ecosystem succession, from biological soil crusts to herbaceous and shrubby vegetation.