Native Tree Species Research Articles

Native tree species prosper while exotics falter during gap-phase regeneration, but only where deer densities are near historical levels

Native tree species prosper while exotics falter during gap-phase regeneration, but only where deer densities are near historical levels

The first large-scale indoor tropical garden with Brazilian native tree species: Challenges and lessons

This commentary reports the challenges faced and lessons learned during the formation of the first large-scale tropical garden inside a building with native tree species in Brazil. This garden, set entirely over cement slab, is inside the Albert Einstein Education and Research Center (AEERC) – Campus Cecília and Abram Szajman in São Paulo city, and comprises 11 tree species, ten of which are native to the Atlantic Forest. The indoor environment, in the shape of an atrium, is controlled and isolated from the external environment, which imposes a unique and new habitat for those tree species, especially considering that this garden is shared with people during their daily activities. Over one year, we followed the growth and development of 95 trees and noticed that the acclimation potential varied among species as well as the susceptibility to pest and disease outbreaks and low temperature (due to an imbalance in the air conditioning system), which were identified as the main limiting factors. Among the species monitored, Lafoensia glyptocarpa was the most sensitive to mites, aphids and mealybugs, and effective and rapid phytosanitary management was crucial for maintaining a healthy garden. Aspidosperma polyneuron, Eriotheca candolleana, Holocalyx balansae, Poecilanthe parviflora and Euterpe edulis were the species with the most acclimation potential to the new environment, which was based on leaf area development. On the other hand, poor acclimation was observed for Calycophyllum spruceanum, which was replaced two years after the initial planting. As an important lesson, continuous monitoring of both plants and the environment is needed to enhance our knowledge and management of indoor tropical gardens.

Long‐term effects of intercropping on multi‐trophic structure and bio‐thermodynamic health of mixed Eucalyptus‐native tree plantations

Abstract The intercropping approach of Eucalyptus and native trees has been widely recommended, as an ideal replacement for monoculture Eucalyptus plantations (EUs), to ameliorate global biodiversity loss and mitigate environmental change. However, both suitable native tree species (NS) and the best intercropping ratio between Eucalyptus and native trees have not been determined. To fill this gap, a four‐level intercropping gradient of Eucalyptus urophylla planted with eight NS was set up (i.e., 20%NS, 30%NS, 40%NS, 50%NS), monitored and compared with a monoculture E. urophylla plantation (EU) and a randomly mixed plantation of nine NS in southern China. The results showed that, the intercropping ratio of Eucalyptus and native trees had a long‐term effect on tree layer structure and health status, and a cascading effect on the thermodynamic health state of soil microbes. Shade‐tolerant woody species are more suitable for intercropping with Eucalyptus. Intercropping plantations with not less than 30% native trees were more favourable for long‐term survival and growth of both planted Eucalyptus and native trees, and provided much more favourable conditions for the natural immigration of other native trees, which leads to a healthy plant community with significantly higher eco‐exergy than EU. The initial mixing ratio between Eucalyptus and high diversity native trees affected soil fertility through its long‐term effects on the biodiversity and bio‐thermodynamic state of trees and soil microbes. Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight the long‐term positive effect of the intercropping ratio of Eucalyptus and high diversity native trees on multi‐trophic biodiversity conservation, bio‐thermodynamic health development and soil fertility conservation. In the conversion of monoculture EUs to multi‐species plantations, it is recommended to mix more than 30% NS, which have different ecological niches with Eucalyptus.

Regional assessment of diversity and distribution of native tree species in South Asia

Regional assessment of diversity and distribution of native tree species in South Asia

Development of tree species in an agroforest system in Nova Xavantina, Mato Grosso, Central Brazil

As the arrangement of the species is fundamentally important to guarantee the effectiveness of agroforestry systems, it is important to test different combinations of species with varying levels of economic potential. The study was based on the analysis of the initial development of an agroforestry system formed by native tree species and other plants of economic interest, intercropped with green manure species under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Nova Xavantina in Mato Grosso, central Brazil. The study was conducted in an experimental plot on the Nova Xavantina campus of Mato Grosso State University. The plot was arranged in randomized blocks, in a simple agroforestry system of the alley type, with the plants arranged in rows, in a 4x2 factorial design (four fruit species x two legumes). The fruiting species included five trees – Bixa orellana, Spondias lutea, Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Rich, Pouteria ramiflora, and Theobroma grandiflorum, and the banana, Musa sp. (the “BRS Princesa” cultivar). Two combinations of legume species were tested – (i) Cajanus cajan and Vigna unguiculata,and (ii) Mucuna aterrima and Canavalia ensiformis. Tree growth was assessed based on four phytometric parameters – plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, and percentage survival, while for Musa, the parameters were height and pseudostem circumference, and the number of active leaves and shoots. Bixa orellana and S. lutea were the species best adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions found in the experimental plot, with all (100%) of the Bixa plants surviving throughout the study, and a survival rate of over 70% in S. lutea.

Ecological Benefits and Plant Landscape Creation in Urban Parks: A Study of Nanhu Park, Hefei, China

Plant landscape creation in urban parks is an important aspect of urban ecological construction under the goal of “carbon neutrality”. In this study, the plant community of Nanhu Park in Hefei City was considered the research subject, and its tree species’ composition and diameter at breast height (DBH) were analyzed. The ecological benefits of the park’s green space were evaluated using the i-tree Eco model, and the carbon sequestration, runoff retention, air pollution removal, and oxygen production benefits were quantified as economic values and combined with the landscape effect evaluation method. The results show that Nanhu Park is rich in tree species types, with 5871 trees of 41 species in 23 families and 32 native species, among which three species of Sapindus mukorossi, Eucommia ulmoides, and Triadica sebifera accounted for 43.7% of the total number of trees. The dominant tree DBH was intermediate (7.6–15.2 cm). In Nanhu Park, the economic benefits were ordered as follows: carbon sequestration > runoff retention > air pollution removal > oxygen production benefits. The dominant tree species strongly contributed to the total ecological benefit of urban park green space; the ecological benefit of individual trees was not positively correlated with the number of tree species; native tree species had better ecological and landscape effects, while plant communities with growth changes and hierarchical depth of landscape were more popular. The analysis of ecological benefits and landscape evaluation of urban park green space provide a theoretical basis for enhancing the plant landscape, thus providing a case reference for promoting the construction of park green space in Hefei.

Integrated Metabolomics, Transcriptome and Functional Analysis Reveal Key Genes Are Involved in Tree Age-Induced Amino Acid Accumulation in Torreya grandis Nuts

Torreya grandis is native Chinese tree species of economic significance, renowned for its long lifespan and the rich nutritional value of its nuts. In this study, we analyzed the morphological characteristics, metabolites, associated gene expressions, and regulatory mechanism in nuts from young (10 years old) and old (1000 years old) T. grandis trees. We observed that the length, width, and weight of nuts from older trees were considerably greater than those from younger trees. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the concentrations of 18 amino acids and derivatives (including histidine and serine) in nuts from older trees were markedly higher than those in nuts from younger trees. Transcriptome and metabolomic correlation analysis identified 16 genes, including TgPK (pyruvate kinase), TgGAPDH (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase), and others, which exhibit higher expression levels in older trees compared to younger trees, as confirmed by qRT-PCR. These genes are associated with the biosynthesis of histidine, glutamic acid, tryptophan, and serine. Transient expression of TgPK in tobacco led to increased pyruvate kinase activity and amino acid content (histidine, tryptophan, and serine). Additionally, dual-luciferase assays and yeast one-hybrid results demonstrated that TgWRKY21 positively regulates TgPK expression by directly binding to the TgPK promoter. These findings not only demonstrate the nutritional differences between nuts from young and old trees but also offer fresh insights into the development of nutritional sources and functional components based on nuts from old trees, enriching our understanding of the potential benefits of utilizing nuts from older trees.

Growth and quality of Geronggang (Cratoxylum arborescens) seedling in different types of growing mediums and containers

Geronggang (Cratoxylum arborescens) is one of native tree species of tropical peat swamp forest which has a good potency both planted for rehabilitation and industrial purposes. Nevertheless, before this tree species can be cultivated on a large scale, much silviculture knowledge and technology must be accessible, including the technique of seedling propagation. This study evaluated the growth and quality of geronggang seedlings grown in different mediums and containers. The seedling was grown in topsoil (M1) and peat (M2) medium with three containers (C1 = plastic pot (volume (v) = 120 mL); C2 = plastic pot (v = 300 mL) and C3 = polybag (v = 400 mL)). As the control, the seedling was also grown in topsoil + compost medium combined with polybag (M3C3). Growth (height (H), collar diameter (D), and biomass) and morphological ((shoot/root (S/R), D/H) and Dickson quality index (DQI)) attributes of the seedling and medium properties were observed. Peat medium had better results than topsoil (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the seedlings grown in peat medium had the highest performance. M2W3 was the treatment with adequate quality to be outplanted at nine months, with H, D, S/R, H/D, and DQI were 25.4 cm, 3.6 mm, 6.94, 1.37, and 0.36, respectively. The results indicated that using peat alone as a medium in geronggang seedling propagation was relatively time-consuming.

The impact of native trees, Cordia africana and Ficus sur, and the economically valuable Manihot esculenta on soil chemical properties in an agroforestry system

Native trees in agroforestry systems sustain soil properties by building up and recycling nutrients in a sustainable manner. This manuscript aimed to assess the impact of different agroforestry species on soil chemical properties. Soil samples were collected from within and outside the canopy zones of native tree species (Cordia africana, Ficus sur) and a perennial tuber crop (Manihot esculenta) in agroforestry systems at three different elevations. The results showed that, the soil chemical properties were significantly better within the canopy zones of all agroforestry species compared to outside. However, there was insignificant difference in pH between the soil inside and outside the canopy of Manihot esculenta. With a few exceptions, the evaluated soil chemical parameters exhibited minimal variations between Cordia africana and Ficus sur. Interestingly, Manihot esculenta had the least positive impact on soil chemical properties in the agroforestry system, indicating that native tree species enhance soil chemical properties more effectively than the tuber crop. The influence of agroforestry species on soil chemical properties remained consistent across all elevation ranges, suggesting that elevation does not alter the effects of agroforestry species on soil properties. In general, native trees, Cordia africana, and Ficus sur, positively contribute to soil chemical properties, while Manihot esculenta has a negative impact, particularly on cation exchange capacity, soil pH, and available potassium in comparison to the native tree species. These findings highlight the importance of using native tree species in agroforestry systems to promote healthy soil chemical properties and enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems.

Conservation of native tree species in the agroforest of rice-based agroecosystems will contribute to sustainable agriculture

Conservation of native tree species in the agroforest of rice-based agroecosystems will contribute to sustainable agriculture

Shading and species diversity act as safety nets for seedling survival and vitality of native trees in dryland forests: Implications for restoration

Restoring degraded dryland requires a diverse mix of trees and shrubs with suitable characteristics. Unfortunately, many restoration projects have failed in tropical drylands due to monoculture plantations or a lack of understanding regarding specific species requirements like shading. Therefore, the central question is whether species diversity and shading can improve seedling survival and vitality in dryland conditions. We conducted a tree diversity experiment in northern Ethiopia as part of the International Diversity Experiment Network with Trees (IDENT). We used 17,280 seedlings from 9 native dry Afromontane tree and shrub species, distributed across 270 plots in three replication blocks. Each block contains a shading treatment (shaded versus non-shaded) with three levels of species richness: one-, two- and four-species mixtures with varying levels of functional diversity (FD) categorized as low, medium, and high. Survival and vitality data of the seedlings were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and linear mixed-effects models (LMMs). After two growing seasons, the overall seedling survival rate was 84%. We found significantly higher seedling survival, vitality, and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) in shaded conditions, irrespective of the tree diversity level. However, increasing species richness did improve seedling vitality in non-shaded conditions, but its impact diminished in shaded situations. The findings from this study suggest that careful selection of tree species, appropriate shading, and optimal levels of species diversity can greatly enhance the survival and performance of seedlings. This is particularly important for the successful restoration of dryland forests.

Shoot Flammability Patterns in Native and Exotic Street Tree Species at the Wildland–Urban Interface of Eastern Australia

Street trees provide ecosystem services such as heat mitigation, improved community well-being, and biodiversity conservation. At the wildland–urban interface (WUI), high-flammability street trees also provide a conflicting ecosystem disservice, heightening risks of wildfire spread into urban areas. We addressed this service–disservice conflict by assessing shoot flammability patterns in 10 street tree species, to identify low-flammability species that can potentially mitigate wildfire risks at the WUI. We found significant differences among species in flammability attributes including time-to-flame (TTF), flame duration (FD), number of flaming events (nF), and flame temperature (FT), and identified low-flammability species for each attribute. Overall, species’ rankings from least to most flammable differed considerably across the four attributes. For example, native water gum (Tristaniopsis laurina) had the slowest TTF, but had the longest FD. Among nine shoot traits, we found that high leafing intensity was the most frequent trait correlated with flammability. In particular, high leafing intensity was significantly related to fast TTF and high FT. Lack of coordination among flammability attributes suggests that, in general, selection of low-flammability street tree species should consider how each flammability attribute differentially contributes to wildfire spread risk. Nonetheless, native Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) emerged as a potential candidate for further exploration as a low-flammability street tree as it had comparatively long TTF, short FD, and low nF. We found no consistent evidence that exotic species were less flammable than native species, and suggest that native trees be the focus of further research to identify low-flammability street trees.

Long-term growth and xylem hydraulic responses of Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. to climate in a moist tropical forest of Bangladesh

Climate change is a serious concern around the world, particularly in tropical regions including Bangladesh. Yet, how tree growth and hydraulic behavior of Bangladeshi native tree species changed in response to past climate variability and changes have not been adequately understood. We developed the first ring-width and vessel chronologies of Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. from a moist tropical forest of Bangladesh (Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctury, RKWS) to analyze the impact of inter-annual climate variability on tree growth and xylem hydraulic traits. The chronologies contained common environmental signals as shown by the values of expressed population signal (EPS) and other statistical parameters. Climate-growth analysis showed that maximum temperature (Tmax) favored tree growth at the end of the wet season (November). Among the vessel and hydraulic trait chronologies, number of vessels (NV) had significant positive relation with May minimum temperature (Tmin) and vessel density (VD) had a negative relationship with April Tmin. Precipitation had a negative relation with vessel density (VD), and the potential specific hydraulic conductivity (KS). Relative humidity (RH) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) had contrasting effects on vessel and hydraulic traits. On a regional scale, the ring-width index and vessel chronologies were correlated with both gridded land surface temperature and precipitation, but during different periods of the year. Linear mixed effect modeling revealed significant positive relationships between VD and Tmax implying a good acclimation potential of this tree to rising temperature. However, the absence of the generally expected trade-off between VD and DH calls for further studies on the hydraulic functions of this species in moist tropical forests.

Contrasting growth responses to drought in three tree species widely distributed in northern China

Tree species-specific responses to drought are urgently needed for assessing the impacts of current climate change on forest ecosystems. Here, we characterized the resistance, recovery, resilience, and growth recovery periods in response to different drought events based on tree-ring width index data (>30 years) for three tree species widely distributed in northern China, among which larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr) and Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litv.) are two major species used for afforestation, and birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.) is one of the most common natural tree species. Despite no significant effects of mild drought on tree growth, severe drought events significantly reduced the growth of all species, with contrasting species-specific responses. Larch trees had the lowest resistance and resilience among the three species, and Mongolian pine trees were more resistant but had a longer recovery period than birch trees. The drought responses varied with tree size. Large Mongolian pine and birch trees were more resistant but large larch trees were much more vulnerable than small trees during severe droughts. Smaller birch trees had higher resilience to severe droughts. Our study shows species-specific differences in drought responses and suggests that drought responses are tree-size dependent and drought-intensity associated, which further provides a guidance for selecting optimal cultivated tree species and designing forest managements in this region.

Resprouting and foliar functional traits driving the invasiveness of Eriobotrya japonica in a secondary cloud forest

Resprouting of non-native tree invaders is a threat to tropical montane cloud forests and particularly to periurban forests. Resprouting is a common response of trees to disturbance in many ecosystems; however, little is known about the resprouting of woody exotic species with shade-tolerant characteristics that can slowly invade those forests. Furthermore, resprouting of woody invaders is a complex challenge for the control of invasive species since it is a major driver of reinvasion and persistence. In this study, we focus on the resprouting ability of a potential invader, Eriobotrya japonica, in a periurban cloud forest reserve of Xalapa, Mexico. We experimentally cut trees and juveniles in the secondary forest and clipped seedlings at the forest edge, and assessed resprout number, dimensions, emergence position, survival, and leaves per resprout. We then determined foliar traits of the newly produced leaves (leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf mass area (LMA), leaf dry mass content (LDMC), and thickness). Our results show that resprouting occurred within a month in both tree stumps and clipped seedlings. Resprout survival was 50-80% in stumps, and 63-88% in clipped seedlings. Resprouts were produced mostly in the upper 5 cm below the cut. Leaf number was positively related to dimensions of the longest resprout. Some leaf traits of E. japonica were similar to those of shade-tolerant trees, but there is a combination of strategies since the species presents higher LA and thicker leaves than other native tree species, yet its LMA and LDMC are within the range presented by shade-tolerant species. Eriobotrya japonica is a woody invasive that partly behaves as a shade-tolerant tree and resprouts profusely and rapidly from stumps and clipped seedlings. Its resprouting ability is therefore a key trait by which to explain the invasive potential of this woody species.

Management of the mycorrhizal and rhizobial associations to mitigate the negative effects of Grevillea banksii on the development of Dalbergia trichocarpa an endemic tree species

This study aims to improve the development of Dalbergia trichocarpa, a Malagasy native tree species, on a soil invaded by Grevillea banksii, an invasive plant species in eastern part of Madagascar, by inoculating seedlings with mycorrhizal fungal, Rhizophagus irregularis and AMFn strains or rhizobial STM609 and Rn strains, or a mixed rhizobial-mycorrhizal strains. After five months of growth, the results showed that single or dual inoculation boosted significantly the development of D. trichocarpa, compared to control treatments and all parameters measured were markedly different between the time periods of plant invasions. Indeed, the dry mass of aerial biomass was significantly higher in inoculated seedlings than in control seedlings. It was also observed that the number of nodules and the arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization rates of D. trichocarpa increased significantly with inoculated plantlets. However, soil inoculated with the rhizobial strain STM609 alone showed a significantly high global soil microbial activity and the dual inoculation has promoted the soil acid phosphatase activity. These results suggest that dual inoculation with rhizobial and arbuscular mycorrhizal strains was significantly beneficial to the growth, nodulation and mycorrhizal colonization rates of D. trichocarpa in the soil overgrown by G. banksii, an invasive exotic plant species. Thus, this biotechnology can be used for restoration of degraded ecosystems in Madagascar with native tree species.

Сomparative analysis of the species abundance and structure of plant communities involving &lt;i&gt;Rhamnus cathartica&lt;/i&gt; in Belarus and in the midwestern regions of the USA

The history of intentional introduction of Rhamnus cathartica L. into the Midwestern regions of the USA is briefly described. The species abundance and structure of plant communities, in which Rhamnus cathartica, a native species for Belarus and invasive in the USA grows, has been studied. We compared the studied parameters (floristic description of the monitoring plots, field enumeration of Rhamnus cathartica individuals, average height, projective coverage of the accompanying herb species) at two permanent sample plots in Belarus and three permanent sample plots in the Midwestern regions of the USA. The data confirmed the hypothesis of increased competitiveness of non-native species in the secondary range (EICA). In American populations, compared to Belarusian populations, Rhamnus cathartica has larger sizes, higher seed production, higher number of juvenile individuals, and higher total number of individuals in the population up to the formation of single-species thickets. Invading Rhamnus cathartica into natural plant communities in the USA reduces the number of herbaceous species 8 times! As control measures, the Minnesota Arboretum has begun balding the areas invaded by Rhamnus cathartica, removing juvenile plants (one to five years old) and replanting native tree species.

California’s native trees and their use in the urban forest

California’s urban forest is composed of both native and non-native species. These trees improve the quality of life of urban residents and mitigate the effects of climate change by buffering local microclimates. A species’ native status is often defined at the scale of the state’s political boundaries, which doesn’t reflect its actual native range. Here we define the list of 95 tree species native to California, create digital range maps for each species, provide native species lists for every city in California, and analyze trends in native tree species in the state’s urban areas. We found that California’s urban areas have relatively few tree species that are native within a given city’s boundaries. Even though non-natives outnumber natives in all California cities, opportunities for more native tree diversity are slim as most cities have less than four native species that aren’t already growing as urban trees. California’s cities face a hotter and drier future, threatening existing urban forests and the benefits they provide residents. We explore different options for tree selection based on the goal of growing healthy and resilient urban forests into the future.

Key structural factors and their thresholds for promoting bird diversity in spruce-dominated production forests of central Europe

Many of native forests in Europe have been transformed into even-aged production forests of commercially attractive conifers. In recent decades, a moderate shift back to a more native tree species composition accompanied by the maturation of some close natural stands has been evident in the Czech Republic. We aimed to investigate the effects of increasing age and contribution of native tree species on bird species and to identify the potential critical thresholds of these factors in central European forests. For this purpose, bird monitoring and forest structure measurements were carried out at 120 plots in production forests and 20 forest reserves located on 20 study sites throughout the Czech Republic. These plots covered gradients of native tree species contribution and stand age. Birds were counted during the 2018, 2019 and 2020 breeding seasons using passive acoustic monitoring, followed by subsequent computer analysis of the recordings. We assessed relationships between differences in bird species composition and structural and environmental factors. We also used generalised additive models (GAMs) to investigate the effects of individual structural and environmental factors on birds, taking into account their occurrence frequencies and habitat preferences. Our results convincingly documented, that dissimilarities in bird species composition, especially species turnover, strongly coincided with differences in the share of conifer basal area and stand age. The effect of tree species composition on the bird species turnover reflected the habitat preferences of individual species. In addition, we found that some cavity-nesting species were strictly associated with stands with a low contribution of conifers and high stand age. The presence of forest older than at least 125, but sometimes up to 280 years is a critical factor for rare and old-growth bird species. Conversely, the high contribution of conifers (more than app. 60 % of basal area) inhibited the occurrence of the species-rich communities, especially the birds associated with close natural stands. Therefore, increasing the area of mature close-natural stands would be beneficial for bird diversity, especially for rare species. In central Europe, however, the rotation length of forest stands is usually less than 120 years in order to maximise timber production. Forest management practices should therefore support the maturation of forest stands and the transformation of tree species composition towards more native broadleaved forest stands. These measures are essential for the protection of species-rich bird communities, especially old-growth-associated birds, in central Europe.

Effects of Mycorrhizal and Extraradical Hyphae of Subtropical Native Tree Species on Soil Enzyme Activities and Their Stoichiometric Ratios

We aimed to study the effects of mycorrhizal and extraradical hyphae on soil physical and chemical properties and enzyme activity characteristics in a subtropical plantation and to explore its indicative effect on the effectiveness of soil nutrients. In this study, three native afforestation tree species, Cunninghamia lanceolata, Schima superba, and Liquidambar formosana, with different biological characteristics, root functional traits, and nutrient acquisition strategies in subtropical regions were selected as the research objects. Based on the method of in-growth soil cores, the nylon mesh with different pore sizes was used to limited the root system and hypha into the soil column. The soil physical and chemical properties of five kinds of hydrolase related to the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycles were determined in this study. The correlation of different tree species, roots, and mycelia with soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activity, and stoichiometric ratios was analyzed. The results revealed that mycorrhizal treatment significantly affected the soil total carbon (TC) and pH but had no significant effect on hydrolase activity and its stoichiometric ratio. Tree species significantly affected soil physical and chemical properties, soil β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), β-1,4-glucosidase (βG), and cellobiohydrolase (CB) activities and soil enzyme stoichiometric ratios. The soil enzyme activity and stoichiometric ratio of the Chinese fir forest had higher values than in monoculture broad-leaved stands of both Schima superba and Liquidambar formosana. There was no significant interaction effect of mycorrhizal treatments and tree species on all soil properties, enzyme activities, and stoichiometric ratios. In addition, the soil enzyme activity and stoichiometric characteristics were mainly affected by the pH. In this study, the soil enzyme activity ratios In(BG + CB):In(AP) and In(NAG + LAP):In(AP) were lower values than the global scale, while the ratios of In(βG + CB):In(NAG + LAP) were higher than the average, indicating that the soil microorganisms in this area were limited by C and P. Moreover, the soil enzyme activity and chemical metrology characteristics were mainly affected by the pH change. In conclusion, differences in litter quality and root functional traits of tree species affected the soil enzyme activity and its stoichiometric characteristics through the shaping of the forest environment by organic matter input, and the influence of pH was the main regulating factor.