Abstract: Different mycorrhizal tree species play important roles in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling, with consequences on the cycling and availability of N and P mainly through microorganisms, litter decomposition, and root exudates. To understand the difference of N and P cycles between arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species and ectomycorrhizal tree species, we clarified the characteristics of soil N and P availability of different mycorrhizal tree species, and analyzed the abiotic and biological factors of mycorrhizal tree species affecting soil N and P availability by summarizing previous studies. The results show that mycorrhizal types of tree species significantly affect soil N and P availability. Specifically, soil N availability of arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species is higher than that of ectomycorrhizal tree species, while soil P availability of ectomycorrhizal tree species is higher than that of arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species in acidic soils. Furthermore, arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species tend to generate litter with higher quality (low carbon:nitrogen ratio, and low lignin) and promote microorganisms that can quickly mineralize organic matter (saprophytic fungi), leading to rapid nutrient cycling rate and high availability of soil inorganic N. By contrast, ectomycorrhizal tree species promote soil inorganic P availability by inducing broad enzymatic capabilities and more root exudation. Future works should analyze the changes in soil N and P availability of different mycorrhizal tree species in combination with functional traits and phylogenetic history of tree species.

Key words: arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species, ectomycorrhizal tree species, nitrogen availability, phosphorus availability, microorganism, litter