Summary
This global meta-analysis demonstrates that conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural land induces significant taxonomic homogenisation of soil bacterial communities, primarily through expansion of the geographic ranges of certain taxa in croplands. Whilst overall functional diversity remained unchanged, specific functional genes related to nitrogen fixation, phosphorus mineralisation and nutrient transport were depleted in croplands. The findings highlight a critical consequence of land-use change on soil microbial structure and nutrient cycling capacity below ground.
UK applicability
These findings are likely applicable to UK arable farming, where conversion of semi-natural grasslands and woodlands to intensive crop production has historically reduced soil microbial diversity. The depletion of phosphorus mineralisation genes may be particularly relevant to UK soil management, where organic phosphorus availability influences crop nutrition and farm productivity.
Key measures
Taxonomic diversity and phylotype abundance in soil bacteria; functional gene composition (nitrogen fixation, phosphorus mineralisation and transport); proportion of phylotypes increased (23%) or decreased (20%) by land conversion; geographic range expansion of taxa in croplands
Outcomes reported
The study quantified changes in soil bacterial community composition and functional diversity following conversion of natural ecosystems to cropland, using 1185 continental soil samples and a global meta-analysis of over 2400 samples across six continents.
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