Abstract: Alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is one of the regions with richest and most concentrated species and genetic genes in the alpine ecosystems, as well as a hot and sensitive area of global biodiversity. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has received more and more attention due to its importance, and relevant research is increasing year by year. Soil microorganisms are a crucial factor affecting ecosystem functions in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In this review, we introduce the composition and types of soil microorganisms in grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and assess the functional groups and influencing factors of soil microorganisms, and their responses to climate warming, alterations of precipitation regime and increased nitrogen deposition, aiming to deepen the understanding of grassland soil microorganisms on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Key words: Qinghai-Tibet Plateau grassland, soil microorganisms, functional group, climate change.