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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.05.05.722867

Tree diversity intensifies soil microorganism-tree interactions

Zhang, H.·Zhang, N.·Bruelheide, H.·Liu, X.·Li, S.·Yang, Z.·Cai, Y.·Klein, A. M.·Seitz, S.·Scholten, T.·Oelmann, Y.
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Abstract

O_LIA productivity-driven higher nutrient demand of trees in diverse mixtures is frequently reported. Yet, it remains unclear how tree diversity influences microorganisms-plants interactions, in which microbes facilitate tree nutrient acquisition in exchange for carbon (C) to meet the resource demand of both. C_LIO_LIUsing a long-term tree diversity experiment in the subtropics, we assessed microbial investment in C-, nitrogen (N)-, and phosphorus (P)-acquiring enzymes in litter and mineral soil, testing the effects of tree species richness and mycorrhizal type (arbuscular (AM)- vs. ectomycorrhizal (EcM)-associated tree species). C_LIO_LIWith increasing tree species richness, microbial investment in C acquisition decreased, while investment in N and/or P acquisition increased in litter and in mineral soil. In mineral soil of AM-associated tree mixtures, ecoenzymatic stoichiometry revealed a shift from microbial investment in C toward P acquisition as tree species richness increased. C_LIO_LIOur findings suggest that tree diversity strengthens microbe-tree interactions in terms of C-for-nutrient exchange. This highlights the key role of soil microorganisms, particularly in AM symbiosis, shaping tree diversity-biogeochemical feedbacks. C_LI

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Zhang, H., Zhang, N., Bruelheide, H., Liu, X., Li, S., Yang, Z., Cai, Y., Klein, A. M., Seitz, S., Scholten, T., Oelmann, Y.. 2026-05-07. Tree diversity intensifies soil microorganism-tree interactions. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.05.722867

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