Abstract
Traditionally, conservation and management of mountain pastures has been managed solely on the basis of visible biota. However, microorganisms play a vital role for the functioning of the soil ecosystem and, hence, pasture sustainability. Here, we studied the links between soil microbial (belowground) community structure (using amplicon sequencing of prokaryotes and fungi), other soil physicochemical and biological properties and, finally, a variety of pasture management practices. To this aim, during two consecutive years, we studied 104 environmental sites characterized by contrasting elevation, habitats, bedrock, and pasture management; located in or near Gorbeia Natural Park (Basque Country/Spain). Soil pH was found to be one of the most important factors in structuring soil microbial diversity. Interestingly, we observed a striking correlation between prokaryotic, fungal and macrofauna diversity, likely caused by interactions between these life forms. Further studies are needed to better understand such interactions and target the influence of different management practices on the soil microbial community, in face of the significant heterogeneity present. However, clearing of bushes altered microbial community structure, and in sites with calcareous bedrock also the use of herbicide vs. mechanical clearing of ferns.
Highlights
Mountain areas cover approximately 27% of the world’s terrestrial area and play important ecological roles globally and locally, including carbon sequestration and retention of biodiversity (UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 2002; IPCC, 2007)
We propose a theoretical meta-model illustrating how the dynamics of the studied ecosystem is determined by an interplay of soil parameters, above- and belowground community structure and activity
We focus on five general questions regarding biodiversity, ecosystem function and the impact of management practices in the studied area: (Q1) How do abiotic soil parameters influence below- and aboveground community structure? Here we consider nutrients, carbon, soil compaction and pH
Summary
Mountain areas cover approximately 27% of the world’s terrestrial area and play important ecological roles globally and locally, including carbon sequestration and retention of biodiversity (UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 2002; IPCC, 2007). The maintenance of these ecosystems is vital for mountain ranching, an activity of significant socio-economic and cultural importance to mountainous and semi-mountainous regions in Europe and elsewhere. A cessation of activity in areas with a long pastoral tradition is causing a loss in biodiversity as shrubs spread (Montalvo et al, 1993; Watkinson and Ormerod, 2001). A simple example is clearing of shrubs, frequently carried out to improve pasture quality
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