Topography modulates effects of nitrogen deposition on microbial resource limitation in a nitrogen-saturated subtropical forest

Background:Nitrogen(N)saturation theory proposes that an ecosystem might switch from N limitation to carbon(C),phosphorus(P),or other nutrient limitations if it receives continuous N input.Yet,after N limitation is removed,which nutrient is the most limited and whether topography modulates such change is rarely tested at a microbial level.Here,we conducted a two-year N addition experiment under two different topography positions(i.e.a slope and a valley)in a N-saturated subtropical forest.Soil enzyme activity was measured,and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry indexes were calculated as indicators of microbial resource limitation.Results:In the valley,two-year N addition changed the activity of all studied enzymes to various degrees.As a result,microbial C limitation was aggravated in the valley,and consequently microbial decomposition of soil labile organic C increased,but microbial P limitation was alleviated due to the stoichiometry balance.On the slope,however,N addition did not significantly change the activity of the studied enzymes,and did not alter the status of microbial resource limitation.Conclusions:These results indicate that C is a more limited element for microbial growth than P after removing N limitation,but we also highlight that topography can regulate the effect of N deposition on soil microbial resource limitation in subtropical forests.These findings provide useful supplements to the N saturation theory.