Data from: Tree functional strategies and soil microbial communities regulate forest ecosystem services

Forests provide key ecosystem services. However, the role of tree
functional strategies and soil microbial communities in supporting
multiple ecosystem services remains unclear. To bridge this gap, we
conducted a field experiment involving monocultures of 28 tree species
with diverse functional traits and their associated soil microbial
communities. We assessed multiple indicators of ecosystem services to gain
insights into their interrelationships. Our study revealed strong
connections between tree functional traits, soil microbial communities,
and ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, water retention, and
ecosystem productivity. Broadleaved trees had a negative impact on
nutrient cycling rates but positively influenced ecosystem productivity
compared to coniferous trees. Deciduous trees are positively associated
with ecosystem water availability compared to evergreen trees. Tree
species with resource-acquisitive strategies were associated with faster
nutrient cycling rates. Furthermore, trees forming ectomycorrhizal
associations increased nutrient cycling and multifunctionality (i.e.
multiple ecological functions and services) compared to trees with
arbuscular mycorrhizal associations. More importantly, leaf nitrogen
content indirectly influenced multifunctionality by affecting the ratio of
fungi-bacteria and soil microbial composition. Synthesis and applications.
This research highlights the role of tree functional strategies and soil
microbial community composition in influencing the ecosystem services of
subtropical forests, and provides important information on which
functional groups may be planted to promote particular bundles of
ecosystem services.