Linking rock outcrop size and distance to soil multifunctionality in mountain ecosystems DOI Creative Commons
Jiangnan Li, Sixing Chen, Xianwen Long

et al.

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 31, 2025

Abstract Rock outcrops, prevalent in mountain ecosystems worldwide, occupy space and exhibit distinct physical chemical properties compared with soil. Therefore, it is theorized that these significantly affect soil functions. However, previous studies have either overlooked rocks entirely or only considered the proportion of rock covered, leaving a gap understanding outcrops' distance size on ecological processes ecosystem To address this, we conducted field study to evaluate effects outcrops surrounding multifunctionality. A total 31 varying sizes were selected categorized into five diameter classes: 0–1 m, 1–2 2–3 3–4 m 4–5 m. Plant litter samples collected at two distances (0–20 cm 20–50 cm) capture direct influence while minimizing interference from broader environmental factors. Five functions assessed multifunctionality: nutrient provisioning, microbial growth efficiency, organic matter (SOM) decomposition, cycling plant‐microbe symbiosis. Our results suggested multifunctionality efficiency greater closer (approximately 17% 24% higher, respectively) than further (20–50 outcrops. Although plant increased increasing rocks, effect exhibited convex hump‐shaped curve. Soil around medium‐sized (i.e. 2–4 m) was approximately 40%–60% smaller m). Nutrient SOM decomposition showed similar trends. Further analysis exchangeable calcium carbon emerged as most important intermediary variables connecting Overall, near benefits extra resources such litter, rainfall, atmospheric deposition nutrients released weathering, which may directly contribute its high multifunctionality; however, excessively large hinder contributing Future surveys models should incorporate factors enhance assessment accuracy. Read free Plain Language Summary for this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

Linking rock outcrop size and distance to soil multifunctionality in mountain ecosystems DOI Creative Commons
Jiangnan Li, Sixing Chen, Xianwen Long

et al.

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 31, 2025

Abstract Rock outcrops, prevalent in mountain ecosystems worldwide, occupy space and exhibit distinct physical chemical properties compared with soil. Therefore, it is theorized that these significantly affect soil functions. However, previous studies have either overlooked rocks entirely or only considered the proportion of rock covered, leaving a gap understanding outcrops' distance size on ecological processes ecosystem To address this, we conducted field study to evaluate effects outcrops surrounding multifunctionality. A total 31 varying sizes were selected categorized into five diameter classes: 0–1 m, 1–2 2–3 3–4 m 4–5 m. Plant litter samples collected at two distances (0–20 cm 20–50 cm) capture direct influence while minimizing interference from broader environmental factors. Five functions assessed multifunctionality: nutrient provisioning, microbial growth efficiency, organic matter (SOM) decomposition, cycling plant‐microbe symbiosis. Our results suggested multifunctionality efficiency greater closer (approximately 17% 24% higher, respectively) than further (20–50 outcrops. Although plant increased increasing rocks, effect exhibited convex hump‐shaped curve. Soil around medium‐sized (i.e. 2–4 m) was approximately 40%–60% smaller m). Nutrient SOM decomposition showed similar trends. Further analysis exchangeable calcium carbon emerged as most important intermediary variables connecting Overall, near benefits extra resources such litter, rainfall, atmospheric deposition nutrients released weathering, which may directly contribute its high multifunctionality; however, excessively large hinder contributing Future surveys models should incorporate factors enhance assessment accuracy. Read free Plain Language Summary for this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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