This study investigated the relationship between tree diversity, soil microbial communities, and ecosystem functioning in a subtropical forest in China. The researchers found that increased tree diversity led to a significant increase in microbial biomass, bacterial diversity, and physiological potential. Microbial biomass and physiological potential, but not diversity, were the key drivers of microbial respiration. While soil chemical properties strongly influenced the microbial community, tree diversity primarily enhanced respiration by increasing microbial biomass. The study highlights the importance of microbial biomass over diversity in regulating soil carbon dynamics.

Rémy Beugnon, Jianqing Du, Simone Cesarz, Stephanie D. Jurburg, Zhe Pang, Bala Singavarapu, Tesfaye Wubet, Kai Xue, Yanfen Wang, Nico Eisenhauer