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Published on: March 21, 2025
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Deforestation impacts soil biodiversity and ecosystem services worldwide
Xinjing Qu1,2, Xiaogang Li1,2, Richard D Bardgett3
1Department of Ecology, State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
Summary
Deforestation significantly reduces soil biodiversity and ecosystem services by altering microbial communities and functions. Native forest loss threatens soil health, impacting nutrient cycling and carbon storage globally.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Deforestation is a global threat impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- The effects of deforestation on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of native forest conversion on soil properties, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions.
- To identify key factors regulating soil microbial responses to deforestation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a global dataset of 696 paired-site observations comparing native forests with converted land uses (plantations, grasslands, croplands).
- Assessment of soil properties, microbial community structure (bacteria and fungi), and soil functions (carbon storage, nutrient cycling, decomposition).
Main Results:
- Forest conversion led to increased bacterial diversity but more homogeneous fungal communities, with a rise in pathogens and decrease in symbionts.
- Significant reductions in carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and organic matter decomposition rates were observed.
- Soil pH and total phosphorus were primary regulators of microbial community responses; warmer, wetter forests showed higher vulnerability.
Conclusions:
- Loss of native forests to managed ecosystems severely threatens soil biodiversity and functioning.
- Deforestation impairs the soil's capacity to deliver essential ecosystem services.
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for global biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.
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