Summary
This controlled microcosm study experimentally simplified soil biological communities to demonstrate that significant reductions in bacterial richness (45.9%) and eukaryotic richness (82.9%), including loss of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, result in decreased ecosystem multifunctionality, reduced leek productivity, and impaired soil nutrient retention. The findings demonstrate a strong positive correlation (R = 0.79) between soil biodiversity and multifunctionality, with mineral fertiliser application proving an ineffective substitute for natural soil biological processes. Notably, mineral fertiliser reduced plant nitrogen uptake from decomposing organic matter by 38.8%, suggesting that chemical inputs impair natural nutrient acquisition pathways.
UK applicability
The findings support evidence-based arguments for soil biodiversity conservation in UK arable and horticultural systems, particularly regarding the role of mycorrhizal networks and bacterial communities in nutrient cycling. The research also suggests that soil biodiversity conservation may be more cost-effective for maintaining ecosystem functions than reliance on inorganic fertiliser inputs. However, as a controlled microcosm study, direct application to field conditions in UK soils would require validation under variable climatic and soil management conditions typical of British agriculture.
Key measures
Soil bacterial and eukaryotic richness (alpha-diversity); ecosystem multifunctionality index (R = 0.79 correlation with biodiversity); plant productivity (leek yield); soil nutrient retention capacity; nitrogen uptake from litter decomposition; indicator taxa (Paraflabellula, Micolunatus, Bacillus) identified via random forest analysis; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal presence/absence
Outcomes reported
The study measured the effects of experimentally simplified soil microbial communities on ecosystem multifunctionality, plant productivity (leek), soil nutrient retention, and nitrogen uptake under conditions with and without mineral fertiliser application. Soil alpha-diversity was reduced by 45.9% in bacteria and 82.9% in eukaryotes, with complete removal of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Ecosystem multifunctionality was quantified through multiple functions including nutrient cycling and nutrient retention capacity.
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