Article
Soil Science
Yuhui Li, Xu Han, Bing Li, Yingbin Li, Xiaofang Du, Yixin Sun, Qi Li, Martijn Bezemer
Summary: Soil addition is widely used in the restoration of degraded ecosystems, but its impact on multiple ecological functions of degraded grasslands and the role of the amount and type of soil inoculum is unclear. Two parallel experiments were conducted to examine the effects of two different donor soil types and two amounts of donor soil addition on degraded grassland restoration. The results showed that soil addition promoted the restoration of degraded grassland, especially with higher amounts of soil added. Both biotic and abiotic factors increased ecosystem multifunctionality, with fungal richness and network complexity having the strongest positive effects. The study highlights the importance of fungal communities in soil for improving ecosystem multifunctionality in the restoration of degraded grassland.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weina Wang, Huanjun Liu, Lifei Chen, Kadri Koorem, Yingchao Hu, Liang-Jun Hu
Summary: This study examined the effects of natural restoration on the soil microbial community in a sodic-saline grassland in China. The results showed that natural restoration significantly improved the salinization of the grassland and altered the microbial community structure. However, the effects on bacterial and fungal abundance and diversity were different. Bacterial diversity did not change significantly, while fungal diversity increased in the topsoil. Model-selection analysis further confirmed that the changes in soil microbial structure were related to the adaptation of bacteria to improved soil salinity and fungi to improved soil fertility.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yu Liu, Chengxiang Ding, Xingfu Li, Derong Su, Jing He
Summary: Recent studies have found different patterns of soil microbial assembly based on taxonomy, habitat and region, but little is known about the dominant factors involved. To address this, we compared microbial diversity and community composition in a arid ecosystem in northwest China. Analyses including null model and variance partitioning analysis were used to determine the main driving factors. The results showed that community assembly processes were more diverse among taxonomic categories, with biotic interactions being the dominant driving factor. Network analysis revealed significant correlations with microbial diversity and community dissimilarity. The study highlights the importance of biotic interactions in shaping soil microbial communities.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Hui Wei, Yusong Deng, Liwen Lin, Jinyue Wang, Juan Huang
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between soil structure and nutrient content during vegetation restoration in a karst peak-cluster depression. The results show that vegetation restoration enhances the formation of larger soil aggregates and increases the content of organic matter and nutrients. The composition of soil aggregates determines the distribution of nutrients.
Article
Ecology
Daniel Hernandez-Carrasco, David Cunillera-Montcusi, Maria Anton-Pardo, Miguel Canedo-Arguelles, Maria Bas-Silvestre, Jordi Compte, Stephanie Gascon, Xavier D. Quintana, Dani Boix
Summary: Ecological recovery is often evaluated based on species diversity and composition, but recent studies suggest that considering biotic interaction networks can enhance long-term recovery success. In this study, we analyzed zooplankton community recovery in newly created lagoons using beta diversity approaches and inferred interaction networks. We found that differences in community structure between new and old lagoons increased over time, and the overall interaction network was more complex in new lagoons. Interestingly, the network structure in old lagoons became more complex after restoration.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Guiyao Zhou, Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja, Nico Eisenhauer, David J. Eldridge, Shengen Liu, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
Summary: The biodiversity of overstorey trees and understorey plants in mature forests contribute differently to the soil microbiome and ecosystem multiservices. Overstorey diversity plays a crucial role in controlling soil-borne pathogens, while understorey plant biodiversity is critical for explaining soil nutrient availability, tree production, and soil-plant mutualistic relationships.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Barrera, Ian S. Acuna-Rodriguez, Gabriel I. Ballesteros, Cristian Atala, Marco A. Molina-Montenegro
Summary: This study described the bacterial composition of Biological Soil Crusts (BSC) found in Maritime Antarctica and revealed their positive effects on soil moisture, nutrient levels, enzymatic activity, and the growth and performance of Colobanthus quitensis. The results suggest that BSCs play a crucial role in soil development and act as ecosystem engineers in the terrestrial Antarctic ecosystem.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Haobo Ya, Bo Jiang, Yi Xing, Tian Zhang, Mingjie Lv, Xin Wang
Summary: This article comprehensively summarized the occurrence and sources of microplastics in terrestrial soil, as well as the eco-toxicological effects of microplastics in soil ecosystems. Future challenges of research on microplastics include developing new techniques and standards for analyzing microplastics, studying the contribution of microplastics to antibiotic resistance genes migration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Robin L. Chazdon, Donald A. Falk, Lindsay F. Banin, Markus Wagner, Sarah J. Wilson, Robert C. Grabowski, Katherine N. Suding
Summary: The distinction between active and passive restoration methods is primarily based on the timing and extent of human interventions, with a variety of restoration approaches typically used in projects to aid ecosystem recovery and prevent further degradation. Recognizing a broader range of restoration interventions is beneficial in enhancing restoration efforts and understanding nature's intrinsic recovery potential.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xueyan Lu, Lu Wen, Haoyu Sun, Tao Fei, Huan Liu, Sina Ha, Shiming Tang, Lixin Wang
Summary: Anthropogenic activities have increased phosphorus deposition and affected the carbon cycle in grassland ecosystems. A meta-analysis of 41 studies and 75 independent study sites worldwide found that phosphorus addition significantly increased soil respiration in grasslands, but the response varied among different grassland ecosystem types.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Remote Sensing
Zhengdong Wang, Bingfang Wu, Zonghan Ma, Miao Zhang, Hongwei Zeng, Leidong Yang
Summary: This study used satellite spectral data to measure and analyze the response of the spectral characteristics of biological soil crusts (BSCs) to different succession states, moisture conditions, and growth patterns. The results showed that succession, moisture, and growth were the main factors affecting the spectra of BSCs. It was also found that different types of BSCs can be distinguished to determine the degree of succession in a specific climate context. The study emphasized the importance of considering precipitation in monitoring areas to avoid the effects of dry and wet BSC variations on remote sensing monitoring. Multiple spectral indices can be used to determine the coverage of different BSC types in mixed pixels. The findings of this study provide a basis for using satellite spectral information to monitor BSCs and guide regional ecological management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chengwei Duan, Xilai Li, Chengyi Li, Pengnian Yang, Yu Chai, Wenyin Xu
Summary: It is important to study the relationship between microbial diversity and multifunctionality. We investigated the alpha and beta diversity of bacteria and fungi, as well as soil multifunctionality, in different restoration succession stages. The results showed that soil pH and moisture were crucial limiting factors in the natural restoration succession stages, and soil moisture mediated the microbial diversity-multifunctionality relationships.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kate M. Buckeridge, Jennie R. McLaren, Michelle C. Mack, Edward A. G. Schuur, Joshua Schimel
Summary: Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTS) are increasing due to thermal erosion of soil and vegetation after ground ice thaw. The recovery of plant biomass after RTS is crucial for maintaining Arctic carbon stocks. In this study, we investigated the potential sources of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to support shrub growth in Alaskan RTS. We found that multiple mechanisms may have contributed to mid-successional shrub growth, including sustained N-cycling, N leaching from undisturbed tundra, uninvestigated sources of N-2-fixation, and deep mineral soil N stocks.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min Wang, Qinghua Liu, Xueyong Pang
Summary: Roadside slope restoration techniques generally enhance restoration effectiveness, but the recovery rate may vary over space and time. Synthetic techniques and species selection have more positive impacts on restoring slopes compared to erosion control, seed spraying, and substrate amelioration. Factors such as vegetation condition, soil quality, and species diversity were found to be negatively correlated with restoration time.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Lingfei Yu, Wenjuan Sun, Yao Huang
Summary: Grazing exclusion has positive effects on plant and topsoil carbon accumulation, but its effects may change due to altered soil water conditions under climate change.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Marina Dacal, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Jesus Barquero, Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Antonio Gallardo, Fernando T. Maestre, Pablo Garcia-Palacios
Summary: The study revealed that soil respiration rates are influenced by temperature, but are also affected by soil development stage and properties. Different soil types and development stages can alter the magnitude of temperature effect on soil respiration.
Article
Ecology
Miguel Berdugo, Blai Vidiella, Ricard V. Sole, Fernando T. Maestre
Summary: With ongoing climate change, the probability of exceeding aridity thresholds in drylands and experiencing abrupt ecosystem changes is higher than ever. By identifying different mechanisms causing aridity thresholds and potential amplification mechanisms, we can develop specific hypotheses to bridge knowledge gaps and focus on monitoring and adapting to abrupt ecosystem changes in global drylands.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aymen Moghli, Victor M. Santana, Santiago Soliveres, M. Jaime Baeza
Summary: Thinning and plantation in overstocked pine stands can enhance ecosystem attributes such as disturbance regulation, biodiversity conservation, and food production. These effects are mainly driven by aboveground attributes and may not affect belowground attributes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jaime Madrigal-Gonzalez, Arantzazu L. Luzuriaga, Adrian Escudero, Pablo Ferrandis, Joaquin Calatayud
Summary: Recent research has shown that the relationship between species richness and abundance varies depending on climate conditions. In more productive climates, richness determines abundance, while in harsh conditions, abundance determines richness. This study examines how temporal climate fluctuations affect this relationship in ephemeral plant assemblages and finds that the dominance of either hypothesis depends on the variability of the climate. The results also indicate that rising temperatures can alter this relationship, thus impacting the diversity and ecosystem functions of annual plant communities.
Article
Plant Sciences
Belen Acuna-Miguez, Jose Miguel Olano, Fernando Valladares, Miguel Garcia-Hidalgo, Andres Bravo-Oviedo
Summary: The interaction of land-use changes and climate change in the Mediterranean Region has an impact on forest resilience. This study assesses the biomass allometry and tree resilience to drought events in Juniperus thurifera trees in both coarse roots and stems in two different stages of a forest expansion gradient. The results show a trade-off between resistance and recovery in mature forests, while the transition zone exhibits higher values in both organs.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mario Blanco-Sanchez, Steven J. Franks, Marina Ramos-Munoz, Beatriz Pias, Jose Alberto Ramirez-Valiente, Adrian Escudero, Silvia Matesanz
Summary: Adaptive evolution and phenotypic plasticity are important mechanisms for species to cope with climate change. This study assessed two gypsum Mediterranean species and found that they exhibit different strategies and genetic variation in response to drought. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential adaptive responses of edaphic specialists to climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jaime Madrigal-Gonzalez, Joaquin Calatayud, Juan A. Ballesteros-Canovas, Adrian Escudero, Luis Cayuela, Laura Marques, Marta Rueda, Paloma Ruiz-Benito, Asier Herrero, Cristina Aponte, Rodrigo Sagardia, Andrew J. Plumptre, Sylvain Dupire, Carlos I. Espinosa, Olga V. Tutubalina, Moe Myint, Luciano Pataro, Jerome Lopez-Saez, Manuel J. Macia, Meinrad Abegg, Miguel A. Zavala, Adolfo Quesada-Roman, Mauricio Vega-Araya, Elena Golubeva, Yuliya Timokhina, Guillermo Banares de Dios, Inigo Granzow-de la Cerda, Markus Stoffel
Summary: Global tree abundance is influenced by latitudinal variables, tree size, and self-thinning strategies. Previous studies have overlooked the role of local competition in regulating climate and soil effects on tree density. By analyzing forest inventories from 23 well-conserved areas worldwide, we found that the productivity patterns of tree density are evident as large trees become dominant. To ensure accurate estimates and understand the implications, global assessments of tree abundance should consider the interaction between latitudinal sources of variability and local biotic influences.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ana L. Peralta, Adrian Escudero, Marcelino de la Cruz, Ana M. Sanchez, Arantzazu L. Luzuriaga
Summary: This study finds that key functional traits influence the spatial patterns of individual species in annual, gypsophilous plant communities, and these effects are influenced by soil surface structure and climate conditions. Seedling populations exhibit clustered spatial patterns that persist in the adult stage, indicating that short-distance dispersal is an adaptive trait for soil specialists. The functional strategies of species are connected to the spatial distribution of plants, with certain traits being associated with clustered or random patterns.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anna Edlinger, Gina Garland, Samiran Banerjee, Florine Degrune, Pablo Garcia-Palacios, Chantal Herzog, David Sanchez Pescador, Sana Romdhane, Masahiro Ryo, Aurelien Saghai, Sara Hallin, Fernando T. T. Maestre, Laurent Philippot, Matthias C. C. Rillig, Marcel G. A. van Der Heijden
Summary: Organic carbon and aggregate stability are important aspects of soil quality when considering soil’s potential as a carbon sink in agriculture. This study evaluated the impact of various factors, including climatic conditions, soil properties, and agricultural practices, on soil organic carbon and aggregate stability across a large geographical gradient in Europe. The findings highlighted the significant role of land use, aridity, and calcium content in determining soil aggregation and organic carbon storage.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Fernando Pulido, Bastien Castagneyrol, Francisco Rodriguez-Sanchez, Yonatan Caceres, Adara Pardo, Eva Moracho, Johannes Kollmann, Fernando Valladares, Johan Ehrlen, Alistair S. Jump, Jens-Christian Svenning, Arndt Hampe
Summary: By conducting a meta-analysis on global populations of plants and animals, it was found that marginal populations perform significantly worse than central populations, especially those at low latitudes. This performance difference is likely to be influenced by global climate change, and changes in demographic rates of marginal populations can serve as early-warning signals for range shifts.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew A. Bowker, Kyle D. Doherty, Henry S. Grover, Anita J. Antoninka, Rebecca A. Durham, Philip Ramsey
Summary: Mosses are excluded from most native plant materials programs, but recent efforts have been made to propagate them for ecological restoration. Field re-entry and establishment of mosses have proven challenging, possibly due to their lack of field readiness. Mosses propagated outdoors with only one initial fall irrigation event showed less cover loss compared to other methods. Addition of abscisic acid also induced a subtle difference in cover loss. However, all treatments declined to trace level moss cover after 3 years, indicating the need for methodologies that resemble field conditions.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Javier Palomino, Pablo Garcia-Palacios, Gerlinde B. B. De Deyn, Laura Beatriz Martinez-Garcia, Sara Sanchez-Moreno, Ruben Milla
Summary: Plant domestication has led to changes in leaf litter quality, affecting decomposition and soil decomposer communities. Domesticated litters decompose faster and have different impacts on soil bacteria, fungi, and nematodes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Pablo Garcia-Palacios, Mark A. Bradford, David J. Eldridge, Miguel Berdugo, Tadeo Saez-Sandino, Yu-Rong Liu, Fernando Alfaro, Sebastian Abades, Adebola R. Bamigboye, Felipe Bastida, Jose L. Blanco-Pastor, Jorge Duran, Juan J. Gaitan, Javier G. Illan, Tine Grebenc, Thulani P. Makhalanyane, Durgesh Kumar Jaiswal, Tina U. Nahberger, Gabriel F. Penaloza-Bojaca, Ana Rey, Alexandra Rodriguez, Christina Siebe, Alberto L. Teixido, Wei Sun, Pankaj Trivedi, Jay Prakash Verma, Ling Wang, Jianyong Wang, Tianxue Yang, Eli Zaady, Xiaobing Zhou, Xin-Quan Zhou, Cesar Plaza
Summary: This study compared soil samples from urban and natural ecosystems and found that the soil microbiome is an essential driver of soil carbon in urban greenspace under warming. This research is significant in highlighting the importance of considering the soil microbiome in urban management strategies to maintain soil carbon and related ecosystem services.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yong Zhang, Xiaoli Cheng, Kees Jan van Groenigen, Pablo Garcia-Palacios, Junji Cao, Xunhua Zheng, Yiqi Luo, Bruce A. Hungate, Cesar Terrer, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Jorgen Eivind Olesen, Ji Chen
Summary: Anthropogenic nitrogen loading affects the abundance of soil ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria, leading to changes in soil nitrification. Climate is the most important factor determining the response of the ammonia-oxidizing community to nitrogen loading, and it affects nitrification indirectly through its influence on the ammonia-oxidizing community.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eugenie Mas, Herve Cochard, Janisse Deluigi, Margaux Didion-Gency, Nicolas Martin-StPaul, Luna Morcillo, Fernando Valladares, Alberto Vilagrosa, Charlotte Grossiord
Summary: Mixing species with contrasting resource use strategies can reduce forest vulnerability to extreme events. The impact of species diversity on seedling hydraulic responses to heat and drought, including mortality risk, is largely unknown. This study assesses how species interactions modulate heat and drought impacts on hydraulic traits and mortality timing, highlighting the potential of diversity to alter the effects of extreme events.
