Belowground Tritrophic Food Chain Modulates Soil Respiration in Grasslands

摘要: Abstract Edaphic biota significantly affects several essential ecological functions such as C-storage, nutrient turnover, and productivity. However, it is not completely understood how belowground animal contribution to these changes in grasslands subject different land use types. A microcosm experiment was carried out test the effect of a tritrophic food chain on CO2 release from grassland soils. Soil collected three differently managed systems (meadow, pasture, mown pasture) located distinct German regions that cover north-south gradient approximately 500 km. The comprised natural edaphic microflora, nematodes, predatory gamasid mites. experimental design involved full factorial combination presence absence nematodes Nematodes increased emissions most treatments, but extent this varied with type. fact grazing by stimulated metabolic activity microflora over wide range soils highlighted critical impact microfauna ecosystem services associated soil organic matter dynamics. Gamasids slightly amplified microbial activity, only pastures. This probably due control nematode abundance. addition also augmented environmental conditions nematode-induced modulation respiration need for including differences while evaluating fauna processes. To conclude, differential response investigated management suggests adverse effects intensification important processes atmospheric C-release could potentially be reduced using methods preserve features web.