Linking Microbial Communities and Organic Matter Dynamics in Longjing and Fuding Tea Ecosystems

Tea ( Camellia sinensis ) is widely cultivated worldwide. This study explores the effects of different tea varieties on soil organic matter (SOM) content and microbial communities in tea plantations, providing insights for the green development of the tea industry. We conducted a comparative analysis using metagenomic sequencing to evaluate disparities in SOM content and microbial community composition among a 12‐year mature Fuding tea (FD) plantation, Longjing 43 tea (LJ) plantation, and virgin land (VL). Compared with VL, the soil respiration rate, temperature, moisture, and organic matter in LJ and FD plantations increased significantly, with LJ showing the highest SOM content. Bacterial diversity and richness were highest in LJ while fungal diversity and richness decreased. Tea plantation construction alters the SOM content and microbial diversity, with LJ showing the greatest increase in SOM. This study provides new insights for tea plantation management and bacterial fertilizer development.