Biofertilizer outcompete chemical fertilizer in enhancing carbon sequestration in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) forests

Biofertilizers present an efficient alternative to chemical fertilizers, yet how they, together with native microbiome, affect carbon (C) sequestration and bamboo product yield in forest ecosystems remain unclear. This study investigated the differential impacts of chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer on C sequestration of Moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) ecosystem scale by examining vegetation C storage, soil organic C (SOC) pool, soil microbial community, and greenhouse gas emissions. The results revealed that both fertilizers increased vegetation C storage and SOC pool in the top soil (0–40 cm), with biofertilizer showing more pronounced effects than chemical fertilizer. Particularly, biofertilizer significantly increased the fungal-to-bacterial residue carbon ratio, indicating a shift toward fungal dominance rather than a sole increase in fungal residue carbon (FRC). While chemical fertilizer increased soil CO 2 and N 2 O emissions, biofertilizer significantly reduced N 2 O emissions and enhanced Moso bamboo forest C sequestration capacity compared to the control. Native microbiome responses to fertilizations showed that biofertilizer primarily influenced the taxonomic structure of the fungal community, while inducing notable functional changes within the bacterial community. These findings suggest that biofertilizers are more effective than chemical fertilizers in optimizing bamboo forest management and enhancing C sequestration. • Biofertilizer increased total C sequestration in Moso bamboo forests. • Biofertilizer increased vegetation C while reduced GHG emissions. • Biofertilizer outperformed chemical input in enhancing soil C sequestration. • Biofertilizer interaction with soil native community to improve soil environment.