Microtopography mediates the community assembly of soil prokaryotes on the local-site scale

Microtopography effects on pedogenesis in the mudstone-derived soils of the hilly mountainous regions

“…Among the five major soil forming factors, topography does not contribute new substances to the soil formation process. However, it strongly influences the physicochemical properties of soils by affecting the redistribution of water, soil materials, and nutrients 2 – 4 . The variations in water characteristics, combined with intense erosion, impact the redistribution of soil materials and elements during soil formation.…”

“…Within the influence of microtopography, the rainfall distribution pattern and surface operation mode are completely different. In addition, microtopography can control a series of geomorphic processes, such as collapse, transportation, and accumulation, to alter the spatial redistribution of light, heat, water, nutrients, and soils in a small area, thus affecting vegetation growth 3 , 4 , 19 . The redistribution of water and soil material caused by microtopography is the main factor in soil spatial variation and an poses an obstacle to the utilisation of soil resources 13 , especially in hilly mountainous regions.…”

“…The redistribution of water and soil material caused by microtopography is the main factor in soil spatial variation and an poses an obstacle to the utilisation of soil resources 13 , especially in hilly mountainous regions. Several studies have demonstrated the close relationship between small-scale landscape topography and soil physicochemical properties such as soil compactness index (bulk density, clay and clay/organic matter ratio) 7 , pH 3 , weathering degree 20 – 22 , clay mineral composition 23 , and microbial community abundance 4 , 24 . These factors should be considered in small-scale environmental analysis 13 .…”