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Geologically younger ecosystems are more dependent on soil biodiversity for supporting function

Author

Listed:
  • Jiao Feng

    (Huazhong Agricultural University
    Huazhong Agricultural University)

  • Yu-Rong Liu

    (Huazhong Agricultural University
    Huazhong Agricultural University
    Huazhong Agricultural University)

  • David Eldridge

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Qiaoyun Huang

    (Huazhong Agricultural University
    Huazhong Agricultural University)

  • Wenfeng Tan

    (Huazhong Agricultural University
    Huazhong Agricultural University)

  • Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo

    (Av. Reina Mercedes 10)

Abstract

Soil biodiversity contains the metabolic toolbox supporting organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in the soil. However, as soil develops over millions of years, the buildup of plant cover, soil carbon and microbial biomass may relax the dependence of soil functions on soil biodiversity. To test this hypothesis, we evaluate the within-site soil biodiversity and function relationships across 87 globally distributed ecosystems ranging in soil age from centuries to millennia. We found that within-site soil biodiversity and function relationship is negatively correlated with soil age, suggesting a stronger dependence of ecosystem functioning on soil biodiversity in geologically younger than older ecosystems. We further show that increases in plant cover, soil carbon and microbial biomass as ecosystems develop, particularly in wetter conditions, lessen the critical need of soil biodiversity to sustain function. Our work highlights the importance of soil biodiversity for supporting function in drier and geologically younger ecosystems with low microbial biomass.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiao Feng & Yu-Rong Liu & David Eldridge & Qiaoyun Huang & Wenfeng Tan & Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, 2024. "Geologically younger ecosystems are more dependent on soil biodiversity for supporting function," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48289-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48289-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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