Functional traits in soil-living oribatid mites unveil trophic reorganization in belowground communities by introduced tree species

Abstract

Biodiversity loss and its potential threat on ecosystem functions call for a critical evaluation of human impacts on forest ecosystems. Management practices based on stand diversification offer a possible solution to biodiversity loss due to monoculture plantations, and these practices often involve planting introduced tree species. Although introduced non-native tree species may provide high economic returns, they may also form novel ecosystems and threaten local biodiversity, but this has been little studied. Here, we combined a taxonomic and trait-based approach and investigated communities of oribatid mites (Oribatida, Acari) across forest types of both native and introduced tree species in Northern Germany. Both trophic and life-history traits of oribatid mites were evaluated using native European beech (Fagus sylvatica) as reference, compared to native Norway spruce (Picea abies), introduced Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and beech-conifer mixtures. The abundance and diversity of oribatid mites were generally similar among monocultures of European beech, Norway spruce and Douglas fir. By contrast, species and trait compositions of oribatid mite communities were shifted to include more primary decomposers and more surface-living oribatid mites in Douglas fir, resulting in a trophic reorganization with less predators than in European beech forests. These results suggest that oribatid mites maintain a similar level of trait diversity regardless of forest type, but the changes in trophic guild composition and vertical distribution indicate greater availability of litter-based resources in Douglas fir than in European beech forests. The similar abundance and diversity of oribatid mite communities in Douglas fir mixed stands as in native European beech forests points to mixed forests as a promising management option for future forestry. Overall, our trait-based analyses provided insights into the changes of soil biota composition, revealing the impact of introduced tree species on the structure and functions of soil animal communities.