Multiple elements of soil biodiversity drive ecosystem functions across biomes

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Soil Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The intricate relationship between soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions remains largely unclear.
• Understanding this connection is vital for predicting the impacts of biodiversity loss on ecosystem sustainability and human well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between soil biodiversity and multiple ecosystem functions.
• To explore the role of soil biodiversity in mediating the relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality.

Main Methods:

• A global observational study combined with an experimental microcosm study.
• Analysis of soil biodiversity (bacteria, fungi, protists, invertebrates) and its correlation with ecosystem functions.

Main Results:

• Soil biodiversity is significantly and positively associated with nutrient cycling, decomposition, and plant production.
• Soil biodiversity influences the potential for pathogenicity and belowground biological warfare.
• Plant diversity's positive effect on multifunctionality is indirectly driven by soil biodiversity.

Conclusions:

• Soil biodiversity is essential for maintaining local and biome-wide soil functionality.
• Conservation and management programs must incorporate soil biodiversity.
• The connectedness and nature of soil microbial networks are key to maintaining ecosystem functions.