Mineralogy of Manganese Oxide Minerals in Iron Manganese Nodules of Several Main Soils in China

X-ray diffraction and selective chemical dissolution methods were used to investigate the composition of Mn oxide minerals in Fe-Mn nodules of several main types of soils in China. The changes of relative intensity of X-ray diffraction patterns were studied both before and after chemically selective dissolution. It was found that lithiophorite was a common Mn oxide in all examined Fe-Mn nodules. Todorokite, however, was a predominant Mn oxide in Fe-Mn nodules in caf-aquic Vertisols of Linyi, Shandong Province. The Fe-Mn nodules of arp-udic Luvisols in Wuhan and Zaoyang, Hubei Province, contained birnessite and vernadite. Hollandite was found in Fe-Mn nodules of alt-udic Ferrisols of Yizhang, Hunan Province; arp-udic Luvisols of Zaoyang, Hubei Province; and cal-aquic Vertisols of Linyi, Shandong Province. The Fe-Mn nodules in alt-udic Ferrisols of Guiyang, Hunan Province, had a few coronadites. Mineralogy of Mn oxide minerals in soil Fe-Mn nodules was related to soil environment, soil types and quantities of relevant cations.

Effect of Oxalic Acid on Potassium Release from Typical Chinese Soils and Minerals

Oxalic acid plays an important role in improving the bioavailability of soil nutrients. Batch experiments were employed to examine the influences of oxalic acid on extraction and release kinetics of potassium （K） from soils and minerals along with the adsorption and desorption of soil K^＋. The soils and minerals used were three typical Chinese soils, black soil （Mollisol）, red soil （Ultisol）, and calcareous alluvial soil （Entisol）, and four K-bearing minerals, biotite, phlogopite, muscovite, and microcline. The results showed that soil K extracted using 0.2 mol L^-1 oxalic acid was similar to that using 1 mol L^-1 boiling HNO3. The relation between K release （y） and concentrations of oxalic acid （c） could be best described logarithmically as y = a ＋ blogc, while the best-fit kinetic equation of K release was y = a ＋ b√t, where a and b are the constants and t is the elapsed time. The K release for minerals was ranked as biotite 〉 phlogopite 〉〉 muscovite 〉 microcline and for soils it was in the order： black soil 〉 calcareous alluvial soil 〉 red soil. An oxalic acid solution with low pH was able to release more K from weathered minerals and alkaline soils. Oxalic acid decreased the soil K^＋ adsorption and increased the soil K^＋ desorption, the effect of which tended to be greater at lower solution pH, especially in the red soil.

A Preliminary Stndy on Identification of Clay Minerals in Soils with Reference to Reflectance Spectra

The characteristics of the reflectance spectra of clay minerals and their influences on the reflectancespectra of soils are dealt with in the paper. The results showed that dominant clay minerals in soils couldbe distinguished in light of the spectral-form parameters of the reflectance spectra of soils, thus making itpossible to develop a quick method to determine clay minerals by means of reflectance spectra of soils in thelab. and providing a theoretic basis for retnote sensing of clay minerals in soils with a high resolution imagingspectrometer.

Antioxidant compounds and minerals in tomatoes by Trichodermaenriched biofertilizer and their relationship with the soil environments

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer（BioF/compost）on antioxidants and minerals in ripe tomatoes and soil health improvements in terms of nutrient availability and microbial populations.The study was comprised of six treatments：control（zero input）;recommended doses of NPK（135.5,45.6 and 22.9 kg ha^-1,respectively）;100%BioF/compost;75%BioF/compost＋25%N;50%BioF/compost＋50%N;and 25%BioF/compost＋75%N.The recommended doses of P and K were used in the last three treatments.It was found that the application of 100%BioF/compost enhanced plant growth,leaf greenness,and produced 12.9%higher yield compared to the recommended doses of NPK and other treatments.Mineral contents（P,K,Ca,Mg,Cu,Fe,Mn and Zn）in tomato roots,shoots and fruits and antioxidant compounds,i.e.,ascorbic acid,β-carotine,and lycopene were increased significantly in fruits fertilized with100%BioF/compost.The high efficiency of Trichoderma compost might be the result of its potential of nutrient solubilization and harboring soil microorganisms.Collectively,BioF/compost increased soil fertility and favored growth of microbes in the rhizosphere which ultimately contributed to higher yield,antioxidant,and mineral concentrations in tomatoes.Thus,Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer may reduce application of chemical fertilizers and therefore,can be considered as a noble practice in sustainable agriculture.

Main Clay Minerals in Soils of Fujian Province, China

The clay minerals of more than 200 soil samples collected from various sites of Fujian Province were studied by the X-ray diffraction method and transmission electron microscopy to study their distribution and evolution. Montmorillonite was found in coastal solonchak, paddy soils derived from marine deposit, lacustrine deposit and river deposit, and some latentic red soil, red soil and yellow soil with a low weathering degree. Chlorite existed mainly in coastal solonchak and paddy soil developed from marine deposit. 1.4 nm intergradient mineral appeared frequently in yellow soil, red soil and latentic red soil. The content of l.4 nm intergradient mineral increased with the decrease of weathering degree from latentic red soil to red soil to yellow soil. Hydrous micas were more in coastal solonchak, paddy soils derived from marine deposit, lacustrine deposit and river deposit, and purple soil from purple shale than in other soils. Kaolinite was the most important clay mineral in the soils in this province. The higher the soil weathering degree, the more the kaolinite existed. From yellow soil to red soil to latentic red soil, kaolinite increased gradually. Kaolinite was the predominant clay mineral accompanied by few other minerals in typical latentic red soil. Tubular halloysite was a widespread clay mineral in soils of Fujian Province with varying quantities. The soil derived from the parent rocks rich in feldspar contained more tubular halloysite. Spheroidal halloysite was found in a red soil and a paddy soil developed from olivine basalt. Gibbsite in the soils in this district was largely 'primary gibbsite' which formed in the early weathering stage. Gibbsite decreased with the increase of weathering degree from yellow soil to red soil to latentic red soil. Goethite also decreased in the same sequence while hematite increased.

Influence of Clay Minerals on Some Soil Fertility Attributes: A Review

Clay minerals constitute an important component of the soil system and knowledge of their role in soil fertility is imperative for sustainable soil management and productivity. The aim of this work is to overview the influence of clay minerals on some major soil fertility attributes. The rationale for carrying out this work is that most soil fertility studies rarely incorporate soil mineralogy. Clay minerals, through their physical and chemical properties, affect soil fertility by controlling nutrient supplies and availability, through the sequestration and stabilization of soil organic matter, by controlling soil physical properties through microaggregate formation, by influencing soil acidity and controlling soil microbial population and activity. The main processes involved in these relationships are dissolution-precipitation and adsorption-desorption processes, alongside mechanisms involving the formation of short-range-ordered phases. Although the determination of soil mineralogical properties is very costly and time-consuming, information about a soil’s mineralogy is imperative for a holistic understanding and proper management of soil fertility. Therefore, the development of rapid, low-cost, reliable and efficient techniques of soil mineralogical analysis, directly applicable to soil fertility investigations, constitutes a major challenge. Also, future research should investigate the relationships between clay minerals and soil nitrogen vis-à-vis sequestration and stabilization. Lastly, clay minerals should be considered in studies dealing with soil quality assessment, especially in the choice of soil quality indicators.

Adsorption of Cadmium by Soil Colloids and Minerals in Presence of Rhizobia

Experiments were conducted to study the adsorption of Cd on two soil colloids (red soil and yellow- brown soil) and three variable-charge minerals (goethite, noncrystalline Fe oxide and kaolin) in the absence and presence of rhizobia. The tested strain Rhizobium fredii C6, tolerant to 0.8 mmol L-1 Cd, was selected from 30 rhizobial strains. Results showed that the isotherms for the adsorption of Cd by examined soil colloids and minerals in the presence of rhizobia could be described by Langmuir equation. Within the range of the numbers of rhizobial cells studied, the amount of Cd adsorbed by each system increased with increasing rhizobial cells. Greater increases for the adsorption of Cd were found in red soil and kaolin systems. Rhizobia influence on the adsorption of Cd by examined soil colloids and minerals was different from that on the adsorption of Cu. The presence of rhizobia increased the adsorption sanity of soil colloids and minerals for Cd, particularly for the goethite and kaolin systems. The discrepancies in the influence of rhizobia on the adsorbability and affinity of selected soil colloids and minerals for Cd suggested the different interactions of rhizobia with various soil components. It is assumed that bacterial biomass plays an important role in controlling the mobility and bioavailability of Cd in soils with kaolinite and goethite as the major colloidal components, such as in variable-charge soil.

Effects of Organic Anions on Phosphate Adsorption and Desorption from Variable-Charge Clay Minerals and Soil

Effects of citrate and tartrate on phosphate adsorption and desorption from kaolinite, goethite, amorphous Al-oxide and Ultisol were studied. P adsorption was significantly decreased as the concentration of the organic anions increased from 10-5 to 10-1 M. At 0.1 M and pH 7.0, tartrate decreased P adsorption by 27.6% - 50.6% and citrate by 37.9 - 80.4%, depending on the kinds of adsorbent. Little Al and/ or Fe were detected in the equilibrium solutions, even at the highest concentration of the organic anions. Effects of the organic anions on phosphate adsorption follow essentially the competitive adsorption mechanism.The selectivity coefficients for competitive adsorption can be used to compare the effectiveness of different organic anions in reducing P adsorption under given conditions.Phosphate desorption was increased by 3 to 100 times in the presence of 0.001 M citrate or tartrate compared to that in 0.02 M KC1 solution alone. However, for all the soil and clay minerals studied the amount of P desorbed by citrate or tartrate was generally lower than or close to that of isotopically exchangeable P. The effect of organic anions on phosphate desorption arises primarily from ligand exchange.

Key minerals influencing apple quality in Chinese orchard identified by nutritional diagnosis of leaf and soil analysis

We investigated the correlation between leaf/soil minerals and fruit quality in apple trees grown in orchards,with the ultimate goal of improving the latter.Leaf mineral nutrients;soil nutrients in the 0-20,20-40,and 40-60 cm layers;and fruit quality traits in 32 apple orchards in China were monitored for 2 years.Significant factors associated with fruit quality were identified via correlation analysis.An analysis of leaf data revealed that leaf nitrogen（N） and leaf magnesium（Mg） levels were extremely high in 75 and 89%of the orchards,respectively.In the Bohai Gulf region,94%of the orchards showed significantly higher values than the standard.The soil pH values of the orchards in eastern China like eastern Shandong or Liaoning were lower than 7.0,while the pH values in the Loess Plateau of northwestern China like Shaanxi were much higher than 7.Soil alkali-hydrolyzable N levels in 47%of the orchards were lower than the optimal level of 70 mg kg^-1.Generally,the soil alkali-hydrolyzable N levels of orchards in the Bohai Gulf region were significantly higher than those in the Loess Plateau region.The available P levels in the orchards of the Bohai Gulf region were up to three times higher than those of the Loess Plateau region.However,although the available potassium（K） in most orchards was sufficient（51.39-309.94 mg kg^-1）,leaf K content in 73%of the orchards was low,possibly due to fruit bagging or fruit overload.Approximately 63%of the orchards in Shandong and 29%of the orchards in Shannxi showed leaf Fe deficiencies.In the Loess Plateau,most orchards showed high leaf Ca levels,a strong correlation was observed between leaf and soil phosphorus/potassium（P/K）content and fruit organic acid content.The amounts of fruit soluble sugar or fructose were positively correlated with soil calcium/potassium（Ca/K） levels and leaf calcium/boron（Ca/B） levels in most orchards.The excessive leaf N levels caused by the extensive application of N fertilizers had a negative effect on fruit quality in most apple orchards in China.P,K,Ca,and B were key minerals associated with fruit quality.

Effects of environmental factors on classification of loessderived soils and clay minerals variations, northern Iran

Land-use type under different topographic conditions and human activities affects soil development. We investigated the effects of land-use,topography and human activity on soil classification changes in the Toshan watershed in northern Iran.Seven representative pedons derived from loess parent materials were studied on different land-uses and topographic positions. The studied pedons in forest(FO) on backslopes and footslope were classified as Calcic Haploxeralfs and Typic Haploxeralfs, respectively. The soils in abandoned lands(AB) and orchards(OR), where formerly under natural forests, located on the shoulder and backslopes positions were classified as Calcic Haploxeralfs and Vertic Haploxeralfs, respectively.Well-developed argillic horizons as indicators for higher degrees of soil evolution were observed in more-stable areas under the natural forest or less disturbed areas. Clay lessivage through these soil profiles have led to formation of Typic or Calcic Haploxeralfs, while under croplands(CP) were classified as Typic Calcixerepts. Conversion of sloping deforested areas to CP along with inappropriate management have accelerated soil erosion, resulting in unstable conditions in which decalcification and formation of developed soils cannot occur. Paddy cultivation in flat areas has caused to reduced conditions and formation of Typic Haplaquepts.Because of unfavorable conditions for chemical weathering(e.g. lower water retention compared to more-stable areas) no vermiculite was detected in the CP. The results showed that evolution and classification of the studied soils were strongly affected by land-use type, topography and management.

Soil and Vegetation Spectral Coupling Difference (SVSCD) for Minerals Extraction from Hyperion Data in Vegetation Covered Area

Remote sensing data have been widely applied to extract minerals in geologic exploration, however, in areas covered by vegetation, extracted mineral information has mostly been small targets bearing little information. In this paper, we present a new method for mineral extraction aimed at solving the difficulty of mineral identification in vegetation covered areas. The method selected six sets of spectral difference coupling between soil and plant(SVSCD). These sets have the same vegetation spectra reflectance and a maximum different reflectance of soil and mineral spectra from Hyperion image based on spectral reflectance characteristics of measured spectra. The central wavelengths of the six, selected band pairs were 2314 and 701 nm, 1699 and 721 nm, 1336 and 742 nm, 2203 and 681 nm, 2183 and 671 nm, and 2072 and 548 nm. Each data set's reflectance was used to calculate the difference value. After band difference calculation, vegetation information was suppressed and mineral abnormal information was enhanced compared to the scatter plot of original band. Six spectral difference couplings, after vegetation inhibition, were arranged in a new data set that requires two components that have the largest eigenvalue difference from principal component analysis(PCA). The spatial geometric structure features of PC1 and PC2 was used to identify altered minerals by spectral feature fitting(SFF). The collecting rocks from the 10 points that were selected in the concentration of mineral extraction were analyzed under a high-resolution microscope to identify metal minerals and nonmetallic minerals. Results indicated that the extracted minerals were well matched with the verified samples, especially with the sample 2, 4, 5 and 8. It demonstrated that the method can effectively detect altered minerals in vegetation covered area in Hyperion image.

Adsorption Kinetics of Pb^(2+) and Cu^(2+) on Variable Charge Soils and Minerals: Ⅱ. Equations for Describing Experimental Data

Different mathematical methods, including linearization, differential, integration and nonlinear least squares approximation (Newton-Marquardt method), were used to fit different kinetic equations, such as zero-order, first-order (i. e, membrane diffusion), second-order, parabolic-diffusion, Elovich, two-constant equations, to the experimental data of Pb2+ and Cu2+ adsorption on variable charge soils and kaolinite. Assuming each M2+ occupied two adsorption sites, two more equations, the so-called surface second-order equation and third-order equation were derived and compared with the above equations according to the fitting results, which showed that the second-order equation and surface second-order equation, being one equation in different expressions under some conditions, were better than the other equations in describing the Pb2+ and Cu2+ adsorption kinetics, and the latter was the best.

Adsorption of Acid Phosphatase on Minerals and Soil Colloids in Presence of Citrate and Phosphate

The aim of this work was to study the influence of phosphate and citrate, which are common inorganic and organic anions in soils, on the adsorption of acid phosphatase by kaolin, goethite and the colloids separated from yellow-brown soil (YBS) and latosol (LS) in central-south China. The YBS colloid has the major clay mineral composition of 1.4 nm mineral, illite and kaolinite while the LS colloid mainly contains kaolinite and oxides. The adsorption isotherm of acid phosphatase on the examined soil colloids and minerals fitted to the Langmuir model. The amount of enzyme adsorbed in the absence of ligands was in the order of YBS colloid > LS colloid > kaolin ≈ goethite. In the presence of phosphate or citrate, the amounts of the enzyme adsorbed followed the sequence YBS colloid > kaolin > LS colloid > goethite. The presence of ligands also decreased the binding energy between the enzyme and soil colloids or minerals. With the increase of ligand concentration from 10 mmol L-1 to 400 m mol L-1, different behaviors for the adsorption of enzyme were found in the colloid and mineral systems studied. A sharp decrease in enzyme adsorption was observed on goethite while gradual decreases of enzyme adsorption were recorded in the two soil colloid systems. However, no any decrease was found for the amount of enzyme adsorbed on kaolin at higher ligand concentrations. When phosphate or citrate was introduced to the system before the addition of enzyme, the ligands usually enhanced the adsorption of enzyme. The results obtained in this study suggested the important role of kaolinite mineral in the adsorption of enzyme molecules in acidic soils in the presence of various ligands.

Adsorption Kinetics of Pb^(2+) and Cu^(2+) on Variable Charge Soils and Minerals:Ⅰ.Technique

A new technique for studying the adsorption kinetics of heavy metals,Pb^2+ and Cu^2+,on variable charge surfaces was established with two selective electrodes and microcomputer control system.Feasibility of the technique,including interference of other ions (mainly Fe^3+ and Al^3+),response time of electrodes,and the pH range of testing,was studied.Comparision with the most widely used miscible displacement technique,which was considered insufficient in studying 30-minute rapid reactions,at present time showed that the new technique was more advantageous in testing in situ,easy to operate,and economic.

Adsorption of Acrylonitrile on Some Soils and Minerals from Aqueous Solutions

Equilibrium and kinetic studies have been made on the adsorption of acrylonitrile(CH2= CHCN) on three soils and four minerals from aqueous solutions. It was shown that the organic matter was the major factor affecting the adsorption process in the soils. The conformity of the equilibrium data to linear type(one soil) and Langmuir type(two soils) isotherms indicated that different mechanisms were involved in the adsorption. This behavior appears to be related to the hydrophobicity of soil organic matter due to their composition and E4/ E6 ratio of humic acids. The adsorption kinetics were also different among the soils, indicating the difference in porosity of organic matter among the soils, and the kinetics strongly affected the adsorption capacity of soils for acrylonitrile.Acrylonitrile was slightly adsorbed from aqueous solutions on pyrophyllite with electrically neutral and hydrophobic nature, and practically not on montmorillonite and kaolinite saturated with Ca. However, much higher adsorption occurred on the zeolitized coal ash, probably caused by high organic carbon content(1 07g/ kg).

Amplification of plasmid DNA bound on soil colloidal particles and clay minerals by the polymerase chain reaction

Polymerase chain reaction （PCR） was used to amplify a 600-base pair （bp） sequence of plasmid pGEX-2T DNA bound on soil colloidal particles from Brown soil （Alfisol） and Red soil （Ultisol）, and three different minerals （goethite, kaolinite, montmorillonite）. DNA bound on soil colloids, kaolinite, and montmorillonite was not amplified when the complexes were used directly but amplification occurred when the soil colloid or kaolinite-DNA complex was diluted, 10- and 20-fold. The montmorillonite-DNA complex required at least 100-fold dilution before amplification could be detected. DNA bound on goethite was amplified irrespective of whether the complex was used directly, or diluted 10- and 20-fold. The amplification of mineral-bound plasmid DNA by PCR is, therefore, markedly influenced by the type and concentration of minerals used. This information is of fundamental importance to soil molecular microbial ecology with particular reference to monitoring the fate of genetically engineered microorganisms and their recombinant DNA in soil environments.

Potassium forms in calcareous soils as affected by clay minerals and soil development in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province,Southwest Iran

Potassium（K） is known as one of the essential nutrients for the growth of plant species. The relationship between K and clay minerals can be used to understand the K cycling, and assess the plant uptake and potential of soil K fertility. This study was conducted to analyze the K forms（soluble, exchangeable, non-exchangeable and structural） and the relationship of K forms with clay minerals of calcareous soils in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest Iran. The climate is hotter and drier in the west and south of the province than in the east and north of the province. A total of 54 pedons were dug in the study area and 32 representative pedons were selected. The studied pedons were mostly located on calcareous deposits. The soils in the study area can be classified into 5 orders including Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols, Alfisols and Vertisols. The main soil clay minerals in the west and south of the study area were illite, chlorite and palygorskite, whereas they were smectite, vermiculite and illite in the north and east of the province. Due to large amount of smectite and high content of organic carbon in soil surface, the exchangeable K in surface soils was higher than that in subsurface soils. It seems that organic matter plays a more important role than smectite mineral in retaining exchangeable K in the studied soils. Non-exchangeable K exhibited close relationships with clay content, illite, vermiculite and smectite. Although the amount of illite was the same in almost all pedons, amounts of structural and non-exchangeable K were higher in humid regions than in arid and semi-arid regions. This difference may be related to the poor reservoir of K~＋ minerals like palygorskite and chlorite together with illite in arid and semi-arid regions. In humid areas, illite was accompanied by vermiculite and smectite as the K~＋ reservoir. Moreover, the mean cumulative non-exchangeable K released by CaCl_2 was higher than that released by oxalic acid, which may be due to the high buffering capacity resulting from high carbonates in soils.

Approximation of some minerals in soil and forage as a function of non-conventional compost: A case study

In present study concentration of some metals (Magnesium, Nickel and Calcium) were determined in soil and different parts of Avena sativa treated with poultry waste grown in the pots. Nine different treatments of poultry waste were used: 0 (control), 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg/ha applied to soil as full doses before sowing, and 60, 90, 120, and 150 applied as two equal splits, 1st before sowing and the 2nd before flower instigation. The samples of soil were obtained after mixing the poultry waste with soil in each pot before sowing. Different parts (roots, leaves, and seeds) of plants were taken after 90 days of sowing and after grain filling. Samples of soil and forages were analyzed. Mg concentrations found both in soil and plants were non-significantly affected by treatments and were lower than the requirements of ruminants in forage crops, but above requirement of forages in soil. Soil and forage Ni was affected non-significantly from the treatments of poultry waste and soil and forage Ni levels were found to be lower than the toxic level for animals and forages. Soil Ca was affected non-significantly by treatments having far lower values than the requirements of both forage species and ruminants. The study showed that soil Mg was higher and Ca was lower than the requirements of forages, but forage Mg and Ca were not fulfilling the requirements of livestock indicating the non significant effect of poultry waste on their concentrations. From the results of this study it has been anticipated that various deficiency problems in livestock may be resulted as these elements play very important role in animals’ metabolic progression. Therefore, soil amendment with poultry manure along with other synthetic fertilizers for enhancing the levels of various minerals is acceptable. The soil amendment and specifically tailored mineral mixture with appropriate proportion of these elements is the dire needs for livestock consuming Avena sativa in pasture treated with poultry waste.

Characterization of Soil Clay Minerals of the River Nile Sediments, Sohag Region, Egypt： Decomposition of X-Ray Diffraction Patterns

Up till now all the clay mineral studies on the soils of the River Nile flood plain in Egypt could not trace the very rapid mineral change observed in these soils. So, the clay mineralogy of the River Nile flood plain soils in Sohag region, Egypt, has been studied using the method of numerical analysis of X-ray diffraction recordings （curve decomposition） as a new, powerful tool for precise mineral identification. The X-ray patterns of the studied soil clay fraction show that 2：1 clay minerals are much more abundant than kaolinite and that this clay fraction contains fair amounts of K-feldspar and quartz. XRD pattems obtained on the 〈 2 μm fraction of the River Nile sediments indicate the presence of smectite, mixed-layer illite-expanding minerals, kaolinite, mica-illite and chlorite. The decomposed XRD patterns reveal significant changes in the mineralogy of the clays. The major clay phases present in the 4-11 20 range are well crystallized illite （10 A）, poorly crystallized illite （10.2-10.4 A）, two mixed-layer I-S （illite/smectite） minerals, one with a peak near 13.5 A （rich-smectite） and the other near 11 A （rich-illite）.

The competition between Bidens pilosa and Setaria viridis alters soil microbial composition and soil ecological function

Bidens pilosa is recognized as one of the major invasive plants in China.Its invasion has been associated with significant losses in agriculture,forestry,husbandry,and biodiversity.Soil ecosystems play an important role in alien plant invasion.Microorganisms within the soil act as intermediaries between plants and soil ecological functions,playing a role in regulating soil enzyme activities and nutrient dynamics.Understanding the interactions between invasive plants,soil microorganisms,and soil ecological processes is vital for managing and mitigating the impacts of invasive species on the environment.In this study,we conducted a systematic analysis focusing on B.pilosa and Setaria viridis,a common native companion plant in the invaded area.To simulate the invasion process of B.pilosa,we constructed homogeneous plots consisting of B.pilosa and S.viridis grown separately as monocultures,as well as in mixtures.The rhizosphere and bulk soils were collected from the alien plant B.pilosa and the native plant S.viridis.In order to focus on the soil ecological functional mechanisms that contribute to the successful invasion of B.pilosa,we analyzed the effects of B.pilosa on the composition of soil microbial communities and soil ecological functions.The results showed that the biomass of B.pilosa increased by 27.51% and that of S.viridis was significantly reduced by 66.56%.The organic matter contents in the bulk and rhizosphere soils of B.pilosa were approximately 1.30 times those in the native plant soils.The TN and NO_(3)^(-)contents in the rhizosphere soil of B.pilosa were 1.30 to 2.71 times those in the native plant soils.The activities of acid phosphatase,alkaline phosphatase,and urease in the rhizosphere soil of B.pilosa were 1.98-2.25 times higher than in the native plant soils.Using high-throughput sequencing of the16S rRNA gene,we found that B.pilosa altered the composition of the soil microbial community.Specifically,many genera in Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were enriched in B.pilosa soils.Further correlation analyses verified that these genera had significantly positive relationships with soil nutrients and enzyme activities.Plant biomass,soil p H,and the contents of organic matter,TN,NO_(3)^(-),TP,AP,TK,and AK were the main factors affecting soil microbial communities.This study showed that the invasion of B.pilosa led to significant alterations in the composition of the soil microbial communities.These changes were closely linked to modifications in plant traits as well as soil physical and chemical properties.Some microbial species related to C,N and P cycling were enriched in the soil invaded by B.pilosa.These findings provide additional support for the hypothesis of soil-microbe feedback in the successful invasion of alien plants.They also offer insights into the ecological mechanism by which soil microbes contribute to the successful invasion of B.pilosa.Overall,our research contributes to a better understanding of the complex interactions between invasive plants,soil microbial communities,and ecosystem dynamics.