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Negative to positive shifts in diversity effects on soil nitrogen over time

Author

Listed:
  • Xinli Chen

    (Lakehead University)

  • Han Y. H. Chen

    (Lakehead University
    Fujian Normal University)

  • Eric B. Searle

    (Lakehead University)

  • Chen Chen

    (Lakehead University)

  • Peter B. Reich

    (University of Minnesota
    Western Sydney University)

Abstract

Soil nitrogen (N) availability is of critical importance to the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Plant diversity continues to decline globally due to habitat conversion and degradation, but its influence on soil N remains uncertain. By conducting a global meta-analysis of 1,650 paired observations of soil N in plant species mixtures and monocultures from 149 studies, we show that, on average across observations, soil total N is 6.1% higher in species mixtures. This mixture effect on total N becomes more positive with the number of species in mixtures and with stand age. The mixture effects on net N mineralization rate and inorganic N concentrations shift from negative in young stands to positive in older stands with greater positive effects in more-diverse mixtures. These effects of mixtures were consistent among cropland, forest and grassland ecosystems and held across climate zones. Our results suggest that plant diversity conservation not only enhances the productivity of current vegetation but also increases soil N retention that will sustain the productivity of future vegetation.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinli Chen & Han Y. H. Chen & Eric B. Searle & Chen Chen & Peter B. Reich, 2021. "Negative to positive shifts in diversity effects on soil nitrogen over time," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 4(3), pages 225-232, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:4:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1038_s41893-020-00641-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-020-00641-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Xinli Chen & Peter B. Reich & Anthony R. Taylor & Zhengfeng An & Scott X. Chang, 2024. "Resource availability enhances positive tree functional diversity effects on carbon and nitrogen accrual in natural forests," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Sun, Xiaolei & Yang, Xiaosong & Hu, Zhengyi & Liu, Fulai & Xie, Zijian & Li, Songyan & Wang, Guoxi & Li, Meng & Sun, Zheng & Bol, Roland, 2024. "Biochar effects on soil nitrogen retention, leaching and yield of perennial citron daylily under three irrigation regimes," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).

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