A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has unveiled critical findings on how multitrophic organisms adapt to phosphorus (P) limitation in subtropical ecosystems. Led by Prof. Wang Kelin from the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, their study highlights the importance of these interactions in mitigating P limitations, which significantly impact agricultural sustainability and the integrity of forest ecosystems.
Published in the Journal of Advanced Research, the study addresses the challenges posed by phosphorus limitation, a key factor that constrains agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability in subtropical regions. The research team focused on how various organisms interact at different trophic levels to mobilize soil phosphorus, an essential nutrient for plant growth.
The researchers established a north-south transect across contrasting lithological conditions in subtropical Southwest China, comparing areas with carbonate (karst) rocks to those with clastic (non-karst) rocks. This approach allowed them to investigate how multitrophic biodiversity influences the mobilization of soil phosphorus during the transition from cropland to forest.
Their findings revealed that long-term fertilization practices in both karst and non-karst croplands led to an increase in the accumulation of moderately labile and stable phosphorus pools. However, this also weakened the biological capacity for phosphorus mobilization. When croplands were converted to forest, the labile phosphorus fraction in karst soils increased by 43.8%, while the moderately labile and stable phosphorus fractions decreased significantly by 79.1% and 36.6%, respectively. In contrast, non-karst soils demonstrated a 62.6% decrease in moderately labile phosphorus and a 34.8% drop in stable phosphorus.
The study highlights that multitrophic biodiversity and phosphorus activation capacity were significantly greater in karst regions than in their non-karst counterparts. Forest restoration in karst areas notably enhanced the interactions among phosphate-mobilizing bacteria, mycorrhizal plants, and nematodes. This synergy facilitated biological phosphorus mobilization and uptake, which in turn reduced phosphorus precipitation caused by calcium and magnesium, effectively alleviating phosphorus limitations.
The research team underscored the fragility of karst ecosystems, which are especially vulnerable to human-induced disturbances such as tillage and deforestation. Such activities can lead to species loss and disrupt essential multitrophic interdependencies. Prof. Zhao Jie, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the importance of transitioning towards sustainable agricultural practices. He stated, “Reducing mineral phosphorus inputs and enhancing legacy phosphorus mobilization through biological pathways are critical to promoting agricultural sustainability and supporting the recovery of degraded ecosystems under global change.”
This research not only sheds light on the complex interactions within subtropical ecosystems but also provides valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance soil fertility and ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental changes. The study represents a significant step forward in understanding the intricate relationships that govern nutrient dynamics in these vital ecosystems.
For further details, refer to the work by Xionghui Liao et al., titled “Multitrophic biodiversity drives soil phosphorus mobilization in subtropical ecosystems,” published in the Journal of Advanced Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2025.11.002.
