Rhizosphere microbial dynamics driven by soil nutrients in quartz mining area revegetation

Abstract Introduction Vegetation restoration is a crucial aspect of ecosystem recovery and functional reconstruction in mining areas, with rhizosphere soil microorganisms playing a synergistic role in promoting healthy plant growth. Objectives To investigate the effects of rhizosphere soil environmental factors on rhizosphere microorganisms during the ecological restoration process in mining areas, this study focused on five dominant revegetation species: Paspalum wettsteinii , Eleusine coracana , Tephrosia candida , Dodonaea viscosa , and Syzygium cumini . Methods Using soil nutrient measurement techniques and high‐throughput microbial sequencing, we conducted a synchronous analysis of the rhizosphere soil environmental quality and microbial community structure of these plants. This approach aims to elucidate the inherent plant–microbe relationships and provide a foundation for understanding the rhizosphere microecological interaction processes driven by specific plants in mining areas. Results Our results showed that Dodonea viscosa rhizosphere had the highest organic matter and nitrogen content. Microbial analysis showed Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Chloroflexi were the dominant bacteria, with Ascomycota as the predominant fungus. Paspalum wettsteinii rhizosphere exhibited the highest microbial richness, while T. candida showed the greatest bacterial diversity. Soil total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and organic matter were the key factors driving microbial community structure. Regulating these nutrients can strategically enhance beneficial microbial communities and improve restoration outcomes. Conclusion In conclusion, sowing D. viscosa and E. coracana during vegetation restoration in mining areas can enhance soil microbial species diversity and activity, promoting the healthy development of the soil system.