Cathaya argyrophylla, a National Class I protected plant and an endemic “living fossil” species in China, has fewer than 2 500 wild individuals. Over the past 40 years, extensive research have been conducted on its biological characteristics, genetic diversity, habitat requirements, and conservation strategies. However, C. argyrophylla wild populations continue to decline, presenting a severe conservation challenge. We reviewed the research progress on C. argyrophylla, analyzing its endangered status from aspects such as growth and reproduction traits, geographical distribution, and population dynamics. Additionally, we conducted surveys of fourteen wild populations in 2023 and found that C. argyrophylla seedlings are scarce, juvenile tree mortality rate is high, and population structure indicates a declining trend. This suggests that natural regeneration of C. argyrophylla is hindered, and the current conservation measures are insufficient to reverse the decline. Although progress has been made in seedling cultivation and ex situ conservation, there is still a significant gap in protecting the species’ genetic diversity, which requires urgent attention and improvement. Future research and conservation efforts should integrate multiple disciplines and apply new technologies, particularly high-throughput sequencing for conservation genomics, to reveal the endangerment mechanisms and adaptive potential of C. argyrophylla. Additionally, integration of multi-source remote sensing technologies is necessary to monitor population dynamics and habitat changes, which could provide more accurate data to support conservation of C. argyrophylla.

Conservation and restoration of endangered species represent a major challenge for humanity, requiring theoretical and practical guidance grounded in multidisciplinary perspectives and multi-platform technologies. Such efforts are essential to support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem productivity, and the sustainable development of local ecosystems. Focusing on endangered wild tree species along the coastal islands of Zhejiang Province, China, this paper reviews recent advances and existing limitations in their study and conservation. We propose an integrated conservation framework centered on near-natural habitat construction and population reintroduction, combining insights from global change ecology, dendrochronology, microbial ecology, population genetics, and conservation engineering. Future research should prioritize four key areas: (1) Mechanistic understanding, to elucidate adaptive genetic variation, population decline processes, and rhizosphere microbial functions; (2) Technological innovation, including efficient artificial propagation, quasi-natural cultivation, and microbial-assisted restoration; (3) Equipment development, such as integrated monitoring systems and early-warning tools for climate extremes; and (4) Applied demonstration, through the establishment of pilot sites for population recovery and habitat reconstruction. This framework provides a theoretical foundation, technical roadmap, and transferable model to advance biodiversity conservation in coastal ecosystems.

Aims Pinus squamata is a critically endangered species endemic to China, restricted to Qiaojia County, Yunnan Province. It faces significant challenges such as fragile habitats and difficulties in population recovery. Fungal communities play a vital role in the population maintenance and ecological adaptation of endangered plants. However, studies on the fungal community characteristics within the roots and rhizosphere of P. squamata are currently insufficient.
Methods This study used in-situ sampling and high-throughput sequencing to analyze the fungal community structures and their geographical patterns of both wild and cultivated populations of P. squamata. Additionally, it compared the fungal community structures of Pinus squamata with those of its neighboring plant species.
Important findings (1) There are significant differences in the fungal community structures within the roots and rhizosphere between the wild and cultivated populations of P. squamata. The fungal diversity in the wild populations is lower than that of the ex-situ conserved population. (2) In the wild populations, the fungal communities differ significantly between individuals in the west-slope and east-slope populations. (3) Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, such as species from the genera Sebacina, Russula, and Xanthoconium, dominate the root systems of P. squamata. Individuals in the west-slope population, which inhabit nutrient-poor soils, exhibit greater dependence on ECM fungi. (4) Pinus squamata shares some ECM fungi with neighboring tree species, highlighting the cooperative role of mycorrhizal fungal networks in resource sharing and ecological stability. This study reveals both abiotic and biotic factors influencing the fungal communities of P. squamata. Results of this study suggest that conservation efforts should combine inoculation with ectomycorrhizal fungi and improvement of the seedling soil to restore the critical ectomycorrhizal networks, thereby promoting the vision of integrated recovery of the “pine-fungus” system.

Aims The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List provides a monitoring basis to biodiversity conservation. The Red List Index (RLI), derived from the Red List assessments, is an indicator of the status of species and taxonomic groups at global, national, and regional scales. This study aims to analyze the RLI of Chinese higher plants based on the IUCN global assessment data.
Methods The RLI can be calculated using either national or global assessment data. While the Chinese Red List Index based on national assessment data (nRLI) for higher plants has previously been reported, this study focuses on calculating Chinese higher plant Red List Index based on global assessment data (gRLI), following the IUCN assessment framework. By partitioning species’ Extent of Occurrence (EOO) within China and outside China, we derived the gRLI based on global assessment data. We then compared the resulting Chinese higher plant gRLI with the figures from the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership (BIP), which derived a nation’s gRLI values relying only on a representative subset of Cycads.
Important findings Using the equal steps method, the gRLI for Chinese higher plants, was calculated as 0.946 7 based on IUCN assessment data only, 0.908 2 based on the IUCN and Chinese endemic species assessments, and 0.540 1 using solely Cycas, respectively. The BIP approach, relying only on Cycads, underestimates gRLI for Chinese higher plants, suggesting a taxonomical bias. This study highlights the importance of incorporating data as comprehensive as possible to generate more accurate and reliable gRLI results. By calculating a gRLI for Chinese higher plants that is comparable to those of other countries, this study provides essential baseline data to support evaluation of China’s progress and efforts toward international commitments.

Aims The rapid fluctuations of climate are increasingly altering the fate of species, exacerbating their vulnerability, leading to the loss of genetic diversity in many species, and even pushing some to the brink of extinction. Relict plants, having survived extreme climate changes since the Cenozoic era, carry a wealth of genetic information related to environmental adaptation. Investigating the genetic basis of their population-level environmental adaptation and their potential to cope with future climate change can provide valuable insights for biodiversity conservation.
Methods In this study, restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) was performed on 122 individuals from 18 populations of Pterocarya hupehensis, which is a Cenozoic relict plant distributed around the Sichuan Basin in China. Then, the ecological adaptation and genetic vulnerability of P. hupehensis were studied by landscape genomics. First, we use a latent factor mixed model (LFMM) and Pcadapt to detect selected sites. Second, a Mantel test based on linear models, redundancy analysis (RDA), gradient forest (GF), and generalized dissimilarity modelling (GDM) were used to investigate the response patterns of genetic variation to environmental gradients. Finally, based on the risk of non-adaptedness analysis (RONA), the vulnerability of the P. hupehensis was predicted for the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios in 2090.
Important findings A total of 398 single nucleotide polymorphism loci (SNPs) were significantly associated with the six climatic factors (isothermality, minimum temperature of coldest month, temperature annual range, mean temperature of wettest quarter, precipitation of wettest month, and precipitation seasonality). In addition, 177 of them were detected as selected SNPs. We found that precipitation seasonality was an important climatic factor affecting the genetic variation of P. hupehensis. A significant signal of isolation by environment (IBE) was detected, indicating that environmental factors account for more genetic variation than geographical factors. Under the SSP585 scenario in 2090, the genetic vulnerability of P. hupehensis was higher than that under SSP126 scenario. The precipitation seasonality has an important effect on the adaptative ability of the population in the northwest range of P. hupehensis. This study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the management and conservation strategies of vulnerable species in the face of future climate change, but also offers a new case study on how relict plants around Sichuan Basin may respond to future climate change.

Aims Nymphaea candida, an endangered species endemic to Xinjiang and classified as a National Class II Protected Wild Plant in China, faces a high risk of extinction, necessitating immediate conservation measures. This study aims to reveal its reproductive characteristics and explore factors associated with its endangered status from a reproductive biology perspective.
Methods This study systematically examined the flowering phenology, floral morphology, breeding system, pollination process, and seed germination characteristics of N. candida in natural populations.
Important findings The flowering period spanned from May to September, with individual flowers persisting for approximately 4 d, while stigmatic receptivity was limited to 1-2 d. Pollinators were primarily hoverflies (Syrphidae), but their visitation rates were low and further reduced by adverse weather conditions. Experimental data indicated a mixed breeding system in N. candida, predominantly outcrossing but self-compatible, with pollinator dependency for successful reproduction. Seed viability was determined to be (45.33 ± 4.29)%, yet germination rates under natural conditions were significantly lower (2.67 ± 1.63)% due to physical dormancy imposed by seed coat barriers. Reproductive limitations in N. candida arose from its floral traits, pollination challenges (e.g., limited pollinator availability and low visitation rates), and low seed viability. Environmental stressors (e.g., frequent rainfall) exacerbated pollination constraints. In unpredictable pollination environments, N. candida relied on autonomous self-pollination, which may result in inbreeding depression, thereby escalating its endangerment risk.

Aims This study aims to understand the geographical distribution of threatened species of genus Epimedium in China, and to provide the basis for resource conservation and utilization.
Methods The data of Chinese Virtual Herbarium (CVH), China National Specimen Information Infrastructure (NSII), the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (E), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (P) and Universitat Wien (WU) were used. The specimens of Herbarium of Institute of Medicinal Botany, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (IMD), which is not included in the sharing platform but abundant in Epimedium specimens, were also examined. At the same time, combined with our field investigations and literature review, the specimen information of 25 species and 1 variety of Epimedium in China were systematically collected to verify the specimen identification and geographical distribution, and to update the endangered status and criteria.
Important findings A total of 1 017 specimens of 428 numbers were examined, and only 666 specimens of 274 numbers (64.02%) were correctly identified. Nineteen taxa (73.08%) had found new distribution compared with the recorded of Flora of China. However, 6 species were currently known to be distributed only in the type locality. The three provinces with the highest abundance of threatened species were Sichuan (12 species), Hubei (7 species) and Guizhou (6 species and 1 variety). The endangered status or criteria of 22 taxa were suggested to be adjusted. Epimedium enshiense, E. reticulatum, E. fangii and E. parvifolium were suggested to be upgraded to Critically Endangered (CR). E. flavum, E. glandulosopilosum, E. mikinorii, E. sagittatum var. glabratum, E. truncatum and E. zhushanense were suggested to be upgraded to Endangered (EN). Epimedium simplicifolium and E. fargesii were suggested to be downgraded from Critically Endangered (CR) and Endangered (EN) to Vulnerable (VU), respectively. For another 10 species, the endangered status remained unchanged and only the criteria were adjusted. The main reasons for the endangerment of Epimedium were narrow distribution, habitat decline and population decrease. Errors in the identification of specimens of threatened species of Epimedium were prominent. Most species of this genus were distributed in narrow areas and were highly threatened. Therefore, the protection of species diversity should be paid more attention. The evaluation of endangered status and criteria is a dynamic process that requires long-term monitoring and constant updating.

Aims Rhododendron liboense, a rare plant species endemic to limestone mountains, currently persists in extremely small populations. Despite possessing significant ornamental and scientific value, this species faces critical conservation challenges from its fragile habitat and severely limited wild populations, creating an urgent imperative for comprehensive genetic studies to inform conservation strategies.
Methods This study employed double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) to obtain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 43 individuals from three distinct populations. Genetic diversity, population structure, and historical population dynamics were subsequently analyzed.
Important findings The study revealed relatively low genetic diversity in R. liboense (expected heterozygosity (H_e) = 0.139 62 ± 0.003 32, nucleotide diversity (π) = 0.157 64 ± 0.003 83) with moderate genetic differentiation between populations (genetic differentiation coefficient (F_ST) = 0.075 8). Analysis indicated that within-population variation (88.22%) exceeded between-population variation (11.78%). Structure analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis classified the three populations into two distinct genetic groups. Historical population dynamics analysis demonstrated a continuous increase in effective population size since the last glacial period, likely influenced by gradual climate warming conducive to species survival. Based on these findings and the population status, we recommend establishing two management units for in situ conservation and enhancing research on artificial breeding techniques to support ex situ conservation and reintroduction efforts for R. liboense.

Aims In recent years, resources of Glycine soja had decreased dramatically under human disturbance. This study aimed to reveal the resource recovery and role of Glycine soja in communities on abandoned farmland, evaluate its interspecific association with other species and the stability of the community, and provide a theoretical basis for resource conservation and community restoration of Glycine soja.
Methods In this paper, the quadrat method with 1 m × 1 m was used to investigate the herb communities on three abandoned farmlands near the river located in the suburbs of Shenyang City. The importance value, ecological niche width, the degree of ecological overlap and interspecific association of the major herbaceous plants in the communities, as well as the stability of the community were analyzed.
Important findings There were 65 species of herbaceous plants belonging to 20 families and 51 genera in the investigated community, among which annual plants accounted for 52.31%. Glycine soja was the most dominant species in the community, with the highest frequency (97.18%), coverage (49.75% on average), importance value (33.28) and niche width (B_L = 101.92, B_S = 4.75). The resource use overlap (O_ik) value (0.35) and niche similarity (0.30) between Glycine soja and Artemisia lancea were the largest, and the niche overlap between Glycine soja and Vigna minima was also large (O_ik = 0.34). χ² test and association coefficient (AC) results showed that there was a significant positive association between Glycine soja and Artemisia lancea, and a very significant negative association between Glycine soja and Humulus scandens. The correlation coefficient showed that Glycine soja had a positive association with Vigna minima, but a highly significant negative association with Setaria viridis, Persicaria orientalis and Echinochloa crusgalli. The overall niche overlap values of the important plants in the community were low (0-0.35). The variance ratio (VR) and statistic (W) of the total association were 0.87 and 122.16, indicating a negative association among the major plants in the community. The results of χ² test, AC, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient showed that there were mainly negative associations among species. The Euclidean distance between the coordinates of the intersection point and the coordinates of the stable point analyzed by M. Godron method was far, indicating that the community stability was relatively poor. However, the Euclidean distance of the community with a longer period of returning farmland to forest was closer than that of the community with a shorter period, suggesting that community stability increases with longer abandonment times.

Salweenia wardii, a rare and endangered protected plant in China, exists as an extremely small population in the arid valleys of the Hengduan Mountains. Its habitat is fragile and severely fragmented, and systematic research on its community-level ecological adaption mechanisms and conservation strategies remains lacking. Based on literature and field sample surveys, we initially delineated the geographical distribution range of S. wardii. Utilizing data from 28 survey plots collected between 2023 and 2024, we proposed a preliminary community classification scheme, accompanied by a detailed description of the community structure and species composition. The results showed that: (1) S. wardii communities were concentrated in Karuo District, Baxoi County, Lhorong County, and Zhag’yab County of Qamdo City, and formed dominant communities in Karuo Town, Gyari Township, Yongba Township, and Tonggar Town, with distribution altitudes ranging from 3 083 to 3 657 m (specimen records extending to 3 000-4 400 m). (2) A total of 74 vascular plants belonging to 28 families and 55 genera were recorded, mainly xerophytes in the families Gramineae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae. The life forms spectrum, dominated by deciduous shrubs and perennial herbs, along with floristic characteristics featuring the coexistence of pan-tropical and north-temperate components, reflected their adaptive strategies to seasonal droughts and the evolutionary features of the transitional zone in the Hengduan Mountains. (3) Based on variations in community structure and species composition, S. wardii Alliance could be classified into 6 association groups and 10 associations. (4) The population exhibited low natural regeneration capacity and relied on asexual reproduction for maintenance, necessitating urgent conservation measures. Our findings fill a gap in the taxonomic study of S. wardii and provide a scientific basis and practical guidance for regional biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Aims Litter quality plays an important role in regulating the magnitude and direction of soil priming effect. However, it remains unclear how the inputs of litter with different carbon to nitrogen ratios (C:N) affect soil priming effect.
Methods Cunninghamia lanceolata seedlings were ¹³C-labeled. To obtain low and high C:N of C. lanceolata leaves, stems, and roots, one half of the C. lanceolata seedlings were fertilized and another half were unfertilized. The priming effect is quantified by the difference in CO₂ emissions from native soil organic carbon (SOC) between soil amended with and without litter. Moreover, this research investigated the impacts of the input of low C:N and high C:N C. lanceolata leaves, stems, and roots on the soil priming effect and to clarify the mechanism via measuring soil microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and soil available nitrogen content.
Important findings After 180 days of incubation, the input of C. lanceolata leaves induced a positive priming effect at the early stage of incubation. However, over the entire incubation period (180 days), it had no significant effect on SOC mineralization. The input of low C:N of C. lanceolata roots decreased SOC mineralization by 10.1% and induced a negative priming effect. However, the addition of C. lanceolata roots high C:N of as well as the C. lanceolata stems had no significant effect on SOC mineralization. Different C:N (high vs. low) of the same organ of C. lanceolata had no significant effect on soil priming effect. The additions of litter with different C:N did not significantly affect soil microbial biomass carbon content and related C metabolic enzyme activities. The structural equation model showed that priming effect was mainly affected by ¹³C-microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil available nitrogen, microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and β-glucosidase. These factors could explain 30% of the variation of priming effect. Moreover, all factors (except for ¹³C-MBC) were negatively correlated with soil priming effect.

Aims Shrublands is an indispensable part of estimating carbon density in terrestrial ecosystems, and the expansion of shrublands is considered as one of the key drivers leading to the increase of carbon density in terrestrial ecosystems in China, but there are great uncertainties in the carbon sink capacities of shrublands. We aimed to estimate the carbon density and distribution characteristics of common shrublands in North China.
Methods The carbon density and distribution characteristics of two typical shrublands (Caragana jubata and Carpinus turczaninowii shrublands) in Dongling Mountain, Beijing, were measured based on the field investigation data and by employing allometric approach.
Important findings The results showed that the carbon density (427.59 t·hm^-2) of Caragana jubata shrubland was significantly higher than that of the Carpinus turczaninowii shrubland (178.19 t·hm^-2), in which the carbon storage of soil layer was the largest (98.53% and 81.31%), and the carbon storage were 421.29 t·hm^-2 and 144.89 t·hm^-2, respectively. Soil organic carbon was enriched in the 0-50 cm soil layer, and showed a decreasing trend with increasing soil depth. The organic carbon density in different soil layers of the Caragana jubata shrubland is higher than that of the Carpinus turczaninowii shrubland, mainly due to the lower temperature and smaller slope in the distribution area of Caragana jubata shrubland, which is conducive to the accumulation of organic matter. The contribution of the shrub layer and the arbor-shrub layer to the carbon density of the entire ecosystem were relatively small (1.27% and 17.77%), with values of 5.44 and 31.69 t·hm^-2, respectively. The carbon density of different organs in the arbor layer was in the order of trunk > root > branch > leaf, while the order of carbon density in the shrub layer was branch > root > leaf in both shrublands. Moreover, the carbon density of each organ in the shrub layer of Caragana jubata shrubland was significantly lower than that in the Carpinus turczaninowii shrubland. The herbaceous layer and litter layer contributed the least to the total carbon density of Caragana jubata and Carpinus turczaninowii shrublands (0.20% and 0.91%), with values of 0.86 and 1.62 t·hm^-2, respectively. The carbon density of the herbaceous layer (0.55 t·hm^-2) in Caragana jubata shrubland was significantly higher than that (0.35 t·hm^-2) in Carpinus turczaninowii shrublands. Moreover, carbon density of the aboveground and underground parts of the herbaceous layer in Caragana jubata shrubland was similar, while in Carpinus turczaninowii shrubland, the aboveground carbon density was significantly lower than that of the underground part. The carbon density of the litter layer (1.27 t·hm^-2) in Carpinus turczaninowii shrubland was significantly higher than that (0.31 t·hm^-2) in Caragana jubata shrubland.

Aims Alpine shrublands are crucial for global carbon cycle due to their substantial soil carbon storage and sensitivity to global changes. Twig and leaf litter play a crucial role in terrestrial ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling; however, less is known about their production and decomposition. Such a knowledge gap hinders accurate assessments of their contributions to soil carbon and nutrient cycling.
Methods This study investigated the annual production, decomposition rates, and carbon and nitrogen retention of twig and leaf litter in an alpine Sibiraea angustata shrubland ecosystem on the eastern margin of the Qingzang Plateau of China over a four-year period.
Important findings Results showed that: (1) Leaf litter production (138.94 g·m^-2·a^-1) was 4.41 times higher than twig litter production (31.48 g·m^-2·a^-1). (2) Decomposition rate of twig litter (K = 0.356·a^-1) was significantly slower than that of leaf litter (K = 0.522·a^-1). The proportion of recalcitrant fraction of twig litter during decomposition was 4.86 times higher than that of leaf litter (0.287 vs. 0.059, respectively). (3) Nitrogen release patterns differed between twig and leaf litter: leaf litter exhibited a net nitrogen release, while twig litter followed a pattern of “enrichment—stabilization— release”. (4) After four years of decomposition, the estimated annual carbon retention of twig and leaf litter was similar (3.85 g∙m^-2∙a^-1 for twig litter and 3.72 g∙m^-2∙a^-1 for leaf litter). However, leaf litter retained significantly more nitrogen than twig litter (0.11 g∙m^-2∙a^-1 vs. 0.06 g∙m^-2∙a^-1). This study highlights the complementary roles of twig litter in promoting carbon accumulation in alpine shrubland due to its slower decomposition. In contrast, leaf litter plays a more crucial role in alleviating soil nitrogen limitation due to its faster nitrogen release and higher nitrogen return. Our results provide valuable foundation for accurately assessing the contributions of twig and leaf litter to soil carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Aims In order to explore the effect of root-derived volatile compounds from Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) on the growth of neighboring plants under low phosphorus stress, a controlled indoor pot experiment was conducted.
Methods One-year-old seedlings of the same clonal line of Chinese fir were selected as the study subjects. The experiment was designed with two phosphorus supply treatments: a sufficient phosphorus supply treatment (1.0 mmol·L^-1 KH₂PO₄) and a no phosphorus supply treatment (0 mmol·L^-1 KH₂PO₄). n-decane, as an exogenous volatile organic compound, was applied to each pot to simulate the release of volatile organic compounds from the roots of Chinese fir. This allowed the assessment of the impact of root-exuded volatile organic compounds on various growth-related parameters of neighboring plants, including root morphology, physiological traits, and molecular-level changes.
Important findings Compared to the sufficient phosphorus supply treatment, the addition of n-decane significantly affected the root morphological of Chinese fir seedlings under no phosphorus supply treatment. In particular, root length was decreased by 37.4%, dry mass was reduced by 29.3%, and specific surface area was increased by 54.1%. Proteomic analysis of the roots revealed that under phosphorus deficiency, the addition of n-decane increased the expression of glycine synthase (glutamate-glyoxylate aminotransferase) by 1.3-fold, while decreased the expression of glycine dehydrogenase (threonine aldolase) significantly by 33.3%, leading to a accumulation of glycine. Glycine played a crucial role in the adjustment of root morphology. Regarding phosphorus utilization, compared to the adequate phosphorus treatment, n-decane addition resulted in a significant decrease in root phosphorus content by 15.1% under phosphorus-deficient conditions, but an increase in root phosphorus use efficiency by 19.0%. In conclusion, the addition of n-decane not only significantly enhances the phosphorus use efficiency in Chinese fir roots but also influences the regulation of root morphology by modulating glycine levels, which improves the adaptability of Chinese fir seedlings to phosphorus deficiency stress.

Aims Forest fires and soil microorganisms, along with their interactions, play a crucial role in shaping the soil environment in boreal forest ecosystems. The rhizosphere soil microbial community, recognised as one of the most sensitive bioindicators to environmental changes, offers critical insights into the stability of soil ecosystems. A comprehensive assessment of soil environmental stability in boreal forests necessitates a thorough understanding of the structural changes occurring in both rhizosphere and bulk soil microbial communities.
Methods This study focused on the rhizosphere soil of Larix gmelinii, a dominant tree species in the forests of northern China. The analysis of fungal and bacterial communities was conducted using ITS and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technologies to investigate the effect of forest fires on the dynamics of soil microbial communities.
Important findings (1) Forest fires significantly reduced soil organic carbon content (decreased by 40.0% in rhizosphere soil and 15.7% in bulk soil), total nitrogen content (decreased by 51.3% in rhizosphere soil and 38.9% in bulk soil), as well as the activity of β-1,4-glucosidase (decreased by 83.4% in rhizosphere soil and 72.7% in bulk soil) and β-1,4-N-acetylglucosamine glucosidase activity (decreased by 54.6% in rhizosphere soil and 13.4% in bulk soil), while dissolved inorganic nitrogen content increased significantly after the fire (increased by 21.1% in rhizosphere soil and 431.8% in bulk soil). (2) After fire, a significant decrease was observed in the Shannon Wiener index of fungi in the rhizosphere and bulk soils (decreased by 12.2% and 13.7%, respectively). Concurrently, a significant increase was observed in the Shannon-Wiener index of bacteria (increased by 8.8% and 10.2%, respectively). Further analysis revealed significant differences in the β-diversity of community structures of fungal and bacterial analysis between the rhizosphere and bulk soils. (3) Redundancy analysis shows that soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved inorganic nitrogen content, β-1,4-glucosidase activity, and β-1,4-N-acetylglucosamine activity are the primary factors influencing the composition of the fungal and bacterial community in the rhizosphere and bulk soils following fire. Structural equation modeling further elucidates the direct and indirect effects of forest fires on soil properties, enzyme activities, and microbial community structures. This study offers a valuable insight into the alterations in soil microbial community structure within the Da Hinggan Ling forest region after fire events, which is of great significance for the post-fire ecological restoration and the implementation of suitable protective and management measures.