The Influence of Multitrophic Soil Biodiversity on Carbon Stabilization

The role of multitrophic diversity in regulating soil carbon dynamics remains unclear, yet understanding these dynamics is essential for enhancing soil health and carbon storage. This study examines how tree mycorrhizal diversity and soil community complexity influence soil carbon sequestration. We hypothesize that greater soil community complexity and the presence of both arbuscular (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) enhance carbon stabilization. To test this, biodiversity was manipulated by (1) pairing tree species associated with AMF, EMF, or both, and (2) establishing four levels of soil complexity: microbes alone, microbes with mesofauna, microbes with mesofauna and macrofauna, and all previous levels with earthworms. Treatments were fully crossed and incubated in ecotrons for 140 days. Soil carbon responses are currently being assessed across free and occluded particulate organic matter and mineral-associated organic matter fractions. Ongoing carbon content analyses may provide valuable insights into how multitrophic biodiversity shapes soil carbon dynamics, with implications for soil management and carbon storage.