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Metagenomic Analysis: Alterations of Soil Microbial Community and Function due to the Disturbance of Collecting Cordyceps sinensis

Summary

This research examines how harvesting Cordyceps sinensis (a valuable medicinal fungus) affects the soil’s microscopic organisms on the Tibetan Plateau. While collection doesn’t reduce the total number of microbes, it significantly changes which types live in the soil and how they function. The study found that collection alters important soil processes related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling, suggesting that harvesting practices need to balance economic benefits with environmental health.

Background

Soil microorganisms are critical for Cordyceps sinensis occurrence, a medicinal fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Over-collection of Chinese Cordyceps has caused vegetation degradation and impacted its sustainable production. The effects of collection-related disturbance on soil microbial communities have not been previously reported.

Objective

To determine variations in soil physicochemical properties and microorganisms across different regions of the Tibetan Plateau and assess the impact of Chinese Cordyceps collection on soil microbial communities, diversity, and function.

Results

Collection showed no alteration in alpha-diversity but significantly affected beta-diversity and community composition. Thaumarchaeota and Crenarchaeota were dominant archaeal phyla with altered DNA repair and sulfur metabolism pathways. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Nitrospirae were dominant bacterial phyla with enhanced secondary metabolite biosynthesis but suppressed ribosome and carbon metabolism.

Conclusion

Chinese Cordyceps collection clearly affects microbial community function by altering community structure and is closely related to changes in C, N, P and enzyme activities. Balancing cordyceps production with soil microbiology is essential for sustainable management of these ecosystems.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39456745, DOI: 10.3390/ijms252010961
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