Both alpha and beta diversity of nematode declines in response to moso bamboo expansion in south China

Establishment of invasive plants in natural forest ecosystems can deplete forest vegetation and significantly affect soil biodiversity. However, its effects on the alpha and beta diversity of soil nematode are inadequately docu-mented and remain poorly understood. We collected 810 soil samples from three forest types (broadleaf forest, mixed bamboo forest, and homogeneous moso bamboo forest) at three locations in southern China. High-throughput sequencing technology was applied to explore the impact of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) invasion on nematode alpha and beta diversity as well as soil properties. Moso bamboo invasion was associated with lower levels of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available potassium, as well as increased soil pH. Both alpha and beta diversity of nematodes showed a gradual decline from broadleaf forest to bamboo forest (Ace index from 109.47 to 79.53 and Bray-Curtis index from 0.825 to 0.785). Forest type and site significantly affected nematode communities (P < 0.001). Our findings highlight the importance of protecting forest vege-tation diversity from invasive plants, thus helping preserve soil biodiversity and its underlying ecosystem ser-vices along with habitat complexity.

Automated summary

A study in southern China shows that invasive plants can affect the alpha and beta diversity of soil nematodes, leading to decreased levels of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available potassium, as well as increased soil pH. The findings highlight the importance of protecting forest vegetation diversity to maintain soil biodiversity and its ecosystem services.