Identification of groups of metabolically-active rhizosphere microorganisms by stable isotope probing of PLFAs

We combined microbial community phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses with an in situ stable isotope 13CO2 labelling approach to identify microbial groups actively involved in assimilation of root-derived C in limed grassland soils. We hypothesized that the application of lime would stimulate more rapid 13C assimilation and turnover in microbial PLFAs. Four and 8 d after label application, 18:1ω9, 18:2ω6,9 (fungal biomarkers) and 16:1ω7, 18:1ω7, 19:0cy (Gram-negative bacterial biomarkers) showed the most 13C enrichment and rapid turnover rates. This suggests that these microorganisms were assimilating recently-photosynthesized root C inputs to soils. Contrary to our hypothesis, liming did not affect assimilation or turnover rates of 13C-labelled C. 13C stable isotope pulse-labelling technique paired with analyses of PLFA microbial biomarkers shows promise for in situ investigations of microbial function in soils.