Tree Species Mixing Enhances the Diversity-Function Relationship in Subtropical Cunninghamia lanceolata Plantations

Forest biodiversity enhances ecosystem functionality and underpins sustainable forest management by improving soil nutrient cycling. As a representative sustainable management practice, tree species mixing (TSM) increases this functionality by regulating of plant-soil nutrient interactions. This study compared the effects of TSM management on stand features, plant diversity, and soil microbial properties across different developmental stages of Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations.