Forest Soil Microbes

This project presents an integrated multi-omics and geochemical dataset from a subtropical red soil erosion region in southern China, investigating the mechanisms of soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization during vegetation succession. We collected surface soil samples (0-10 cm) from four distinct vegetation restoration stages representing a successional gradient: unrestored control (CK), Pinus massoniana monoculture (CF), mixed conifer-broadleaf forest (MF), and mature broadleaf forest (BF). The dataset includes: (1) shotgun metagenomic sequences providing comprehensive microbial community genomic information; (2) detailed soil geochemical profiles featuring SOC fractionation data (via sequential chemical extraction), iron speciation analysis, nutrient concentrations, and carbon-degrading enzyme activities; and (3) derived microbial functional gene profiles related to carbon cycling pathways. This resource enables exploration of the critical linkages between vegetation-mediated changes in iron mineralogy and microbial functional traits that govern SOC persistence, offering valuable data for research in soil biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, and ecosystem restoration science.