Effects of thinning and native ground covers on soil microbial community diversity in Picea asperata plantations within giant panda habitats

Thinning plays a crucial role in enhancing the giant panda habitat quality through reducing plant density in artificial coniferous forests, thereby improving the under story environment and facilitating the necessary ecological conditions for bamboo growth. Nevertheless, thinning also unavoidably disrupts or even devastates the initial soil environment and native ground covers. Considering the elevated altitude and low temperature, restoring the original ecological balance becomes challenging after such disturbances. Thus, a comprehensive study on the interplay among thinning, native vegetation, and soil microorganisms is imperative.