Data from: Nitrogen-transforming microorganisms potentially facilitate the invasion of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) into evergreen broadleaf forests

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) invasions into broadleaf forests can
cause serious ecological problems, such as reducing biodiversity and
disrupting community succession. An elevated soil NH4+/NO3- ratio has been
identified as a potential mechanism that facilitates Moso bamboo invasion.
However, it remains unclear whether and how this change is the result of
the modification of soil nitrogen-transforming microorganisms by
bamboo. Here, we collected soil from evergreen broadleaf forests
that were either uninvaded or heavily invaded by Moso bamboo. We then
compared the effects of soil origin on: (1) the growth of two common
broadleaf tree species,Castanopsis fissa and Schima superba; (2) the soil
nitrogen content and nitrogen transformation rates; and (3) the key
microbial functional genes involved in nitrogen fixation, nitrification,
and denitrification. By showing the significantly increased NH4+/NO3-
ratio in bamboo-invaded forest and the negative impact of this increase on
the growth of the study plants, our study offers the first comprehensive
synthesis of the positive feedback mechanisms of Moso bamboo invasion,
with a focus on the instrumental role of nitrogen transformation
processes.