Effects of Bamboo Expansion on Soil Enzyme Activity and Its Stoichiometric Ratios in Karst Broad-Leaved Forests

The expansion ratio of bamboo forests has significantly influenced soil nutrient cycling in broad-leaved forests through alterations in vegetation composition. However, the extent to which varying expansion ratios of bamboo within broad-leaved forest areas (MRB) affect soil enzyme activities and stoichiometric ratio in karst regions with yellow limestone soil remains poorly understood. Therefore, we examined five MRB levels (<20%, 20-40%, 40-60%, 60-80%, and >80%) and three soil depths (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm) to analyze variations in soil microbial resource limitation within a field experiment conducted in a karst region. The results revealed showed that root morphology was significantly less developed at both low (<20%) and high (≥80%) expansion ratios than at moderate expansion ratios (40-60%) and exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing soil depth. The soil TC (46.43 g·kg^-1), SOC (80.05 g·kg^-1) and N:P (0.96) reached their highest values in the 40-60% MRB, whereas the pH (4.61), BD (0.42 g·cm^-3), AN (20.28 g·kg^-1) and C:N (45.51) were lowest at 0-20 cm. Moreover, the CBH and the E_C:N ratio at 40-60 cm depth in the 0-20% MRB were significantly 2.64 and 1.31 times greater than those at 0-20 cm depth in the 40-60% MRB. Mantel and structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses revealed that soil enzyme activity and stoichiometric ratios are indirectly influenced by soil bulk density (β = -0.156) and root characteristics (β = -0.630). Overall, both C and P limitations are present at the lowest MRB (<20%), whereas other MRB ranges exhibit only P limitation without C limitation. Our results highlight that soil nutrient availability in karst regions of Southwest China is influenced by vegetation structure. These findings provide a scientific foundation for achieving the green and sustainable management of bamboo forests within broad-leaved forest ecosystems.