It is well established that forest type can have a profound impact on soil physicochemical properties but the associated changes in soil microbial communities and the mechanisms by which soil quality is improved by various plantations are not fully understood. In this study, soil physicochemical properties and microbial and enzyme activities were investigated in four forest types–Castanopsis hystrix pure forests (CHPF), C. hystrix–Pinus elliottii mixed forests (CHPEF), C. hystrix–Michelia macclurei mixed forests (CHMMF), and C. hystrix–Myti...