Soil nitrogen-related functional genes undergo abundance changes during vegetation degradation in a Qinghai-Tibet Plateau wet meadow

Our research investigates how the degradation of meadows affects the tiny organisms in soil that help plants use nitrogen, which is essential for their growth. In the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, a region known for its unique ecosystems, we found that as meadows deteriorate-due to climate change and human activities-the number of these beneficial organisms significantly decreases. This decline could reduce soil fertility, impacting plant life and the overall health of the ecosystem. Understanding these changes helps us grasp how environmental pressures influence soil and plant health. Such knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to preserve these vulnerable ecosystems and ensure they continue to sustain biodiversity and provide resources for local communities.