Microbes, enzyme activities and nutrient characteristics of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils under four shrubs in Xining Nanshan, Prefecture, China

Afforestation is the most effective method of revegetation and choosing suitable afforestation tree species is regarded as a key performance criterion. In this study, 4 shrub species (Nitraria tangutorum, Caragana korshinskii, Berberis vernae and Caragana brevifo1ia, planted in Xining Nanshan, Prefecture, China in 2009) were studied to measure microbial abundance, enzyme activities and nutrient characteristics of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. The results indicated that the soil improvement effect of B. vernae and C. korshinskii were better than the other 2 species, indicating that they may be suitable for afforestation in Xining Nanshan. The B. vernae and C. korshinskii could be selected as afforestation tree species to help improve soil fertility and make contributions to revegetation. The N. tangutorum was not suitable for afforestation in Xining Nanshan. Our research could provide important basic data and theoretical support for choosing suitable afforestation tree species for revegetation by artificial afforestation in Xining Nanshan.