Spartina alterniflora invasion increases soil microbial alpha diversity, alters microbial structure and composition in a mangrove wetland in southeastern China

Background. Soil microorganisms play a significant role in maintaining ecosystem functions and mediating biogeochemical cycles. As one of the most important ecosystems in the intertidal zone, mangrove ecosystem is highly productive and carbon rich. Mangrove ecosystems are vulnerable to exotic plant Spartina alterniflora which has vastly expanded in Zhangjiang River Estuary of China over the past decades. However, little is known about the soil microbial community alpha diversity and composition in response to S. alterniflora invasion in this mangrove wetland.