Multiple diversity facets of crucial microbial groups in biological soil crusts promote soil multifunctionality

Aim: Microbial diversity is one of the most important factors for maintaining the performance of multiple functions in soils (multifunctionality). However, existing studies typically consider taxonomic richness or Shannon diversity of the entire community. We know little about the connection network of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity facets and their collective impact on multifunctionality. In this study, the linkages of diversity effects within functional groups were disentangled in drylands.

Location: The central Tibetan Plateau.

Time period: Present.

Major taxa studied: Phototrophs and diazotrophs (mainly cyanobacteria).

Methods: Given the carbon- and nitrogen-limited nature of drylands, we conducted a high throughput sequencing of C/N-fixing functional groups from biocrusts and evaluated multiple diversity facets (i.e., richness, evenness, and phylogeny-related trait dissimilarity), together with seven crucial variables of soil functioning to calculate multifunction...