Dataset for sustained superiority of biochar over straw for enhancing soil biological-phosphorus via the mediation of phoD-harboring bacteria in subtropical Moso bamboo forests

Straw and biochar are commonly used to enhance soil organic carbon in subtropical Moso bamboo forests. However, their effects on soil biological-phosphorus (P) remain unclear, even though P limitation is common in these forests. This study investigates the impact of these amendments on soil biological-P through a two-year trial with three treatments: control, straw, and biochar addition. We measured soil biological-P fractions, including enzyme-, citrate-, CaCl2-, and HCl-extractable P, along with the activities of alkaline phosphatase, and the abundance and community structures of phoD-harboring bacteria at 3, 12, and 24 months post-treatment. Results revealed that both straw and biochar increased soil biological-P fractions. Straw addition caused a rapid enhancement of biological-P, which then declined after 3 months, showing no difference from the control. Conversely, biochar provided a sustained improvement in biological-P over the long-term. Positive correlations were found between abundance of phoD-harboring bacteria and principal component one of the four biological-P fractions, as well as between phoD abundance and alkaline phosphatase activity, indicating that these bacteria are key in regulating biological-P. Furthermore, dominant phoD-harboring bacterial genera primarily governed the regulation of biological-P, rather than rare genera. Overall, this study highlights the potential of straw and biochar as organic amendments for enhancing soil biological-P dynamics. Biochar shows promise for long-term improvements in soil biological-P. These findings contribute to our understanding of soil nutrient dynamics and inform sustainable management practices in Moso bamboo forests.