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Plant functional groups shape biodiversity-soil functions relationships under climate change
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  • Ramesha Jayaramaiah,
  • Catarina Martins,
  • Eleonora Egidi,
  • Catriona Macdonald,
  • Jun-Tao Wang,
  • Hongwei Liu,
  • Peter Reich,
  • Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo,
  • Brajesh Singh
Ramesha Jayaramaiah
University of Western Sydney
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Catarina Martins
University of Western Sydney
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Eleonora Egidi
Western Sydney University
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Catriona Macdonald
University of Western Sydney
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Jun-Tao Wang
Western Sydney University
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Hongwei Liu
Western Sydney University
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Peter Reich
University of Michigan
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Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiologia de Sevilla
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Brajesh Singh
University of Western Sydney

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Biodiversity-function relationships in ecosystems are known to be driven by environmental conditions, including climate change. Plant functional groups (PFGs), specifically their evolutionary history, nitrogen-fixation capacity or photosynthetic-pathway likely play a critical role in shaping microbial communities and their impact on ecosystem functions, but experimental evidence is limited. Here, we simultaneously manipulated plant and microbial diversity in a microcosm study to investigate their interactions and impact on soil functions during drought. Our results highlight the dominant role of PFGs in explaining the effects of biodiversity loss on soil functions. Microbial diversity loss significantly influenced microbially-driven soil N and P pools and processes, with PFGs moderating these effects, especially under drought. Our findings offer crucial mechanistic insights for ecosystem management in the face of climate change, emphasizing the significance of PFGs in shaping soil functions and their resilience. This study underscores the importance of considering above- and belowground biodiversity, for preserving belowground functions in changing environments.
27 Oct 2023Submitted to Ecology Letters
02 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
02 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor
02 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned