Forest diversification-induced depth difference in soil biodiversity mediates ecosystem multifunctionality in subtropical forests

We relate plant diversity and soil biodiversity (bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa) at different soil depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm) to SMF with 18 variables of ecosystem functions in a long-term field experiment using multiple complementary approaches from standardized field surveys to amplicon sequencing. Eighteen key ecosystem function indicators were classified into six functional groups : those involved with water regulation (SMC), nutrient supply and cycling (pH, SOC, AP, TC, TN, and TP), organic matter decomposition (BG (starch degradation), CBH (hemicellulose degradation), LAP (leucine peptide and aminopeptide hydrolysis), NAG (chitin degradation), and ACP (P mineralization)), plant productivity (above-ground biomass), belowground primary productivity (fine root biomass), and functional potential (abundance of genes related to C, N, P, S cycling and methane-metabolism).