Biodiversity loss belowground has multiple ecosystem consequences

Background/Question/Methods

The current condition of global biodiversity loss has become a major concern as evidence mounts indicating it will have repercussions for the ecosystem processes modern society depends upon. So far, almost all studies focused on the ecological consequences of above ground biodiversity loss, ignoring that the majority of Earths biodiversity is hidden below ground. Soil organisms are known to be instrumental in numerous ecosystem processes, from nutrient cycling to plant coexistence and productivity, yet the impact of belowground biodiversity loss is unresolved. We manipulated soil biodiversity along a gradient and assessed  multiple ecosystem functions including plant community and nutrient cycling characteristics. 

Results/Conclusions

We were able to demonstrate that soil biodiversity loss suppresses plant diversity, nutrient cycling, and nutrient retention in experimental grassland microcosms. The average response of all measured ecosystem functions (ecosystem multifunctionality) exhibited a strong positive linear relationship to indicators of soil biodiversity. Our results demonstrate the simplification and loss of belowground biodiversity can disrupt key ecological processes required for maintaining the services ecosystems provide society.