Summary
This experimental study demonstrates that soil microbiome diversity and the complexity of microbial ecological networks positively predict ecosystem multifunctionality in grassland systems. Microcosms with reduced bacterial and fungal richness and underdeveloped microbial networks exhibited lower capacity for multiple nutrient cycling functions simultaneously, attributable to both reduced functional redundancy and reduced functional uniqueness. The findings emphasise that extinction of complex ecological associations within soil microbial communities—particularly interactions between fungal and bacterial taxa—can materially impair ecosystem performance.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in experimental microcosms rather than in situ field conditions, limiting direct applicability to United Kingdom grassland management. However, the mechanistic findings regarding microbiome structure and function are likely relevant to UK grassland and arable soil health strategies, though field validation under UK pedoclimatic conditions would strengthen evidence for policy adoption.
Key measures
Microbiome diversity (richness), microbial network complexity, ecosystem multifunctionality (multiple nutrient cycling functions), functional redundancy (taxa supporting the same function), functional uniqueness (diversity of taxa supporting different functions)
Outcomes reported
The study manipulated soil microbiomes in experimental grassland microcosms and measured how microbial diversity, network complexity, and functional composition influenced ecosystem multifunctionality (nutrient cycling processes). Microcosms with reduced microbial richness and poorly developed microbial networks exhibited the lowest multifunctionality.
Topic tags
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