The global contribution of soil mosses to ecosystem services

Soil mosses are among the most widely distributed organisms on land. Experiments and observations suggest that they contribute to terrestrial soil biodiversity function, yet their ecological contribution has never been assessed globally under natural conditions. Here we conducted comprehensive global standardized field study quantify how influence 8 ecosystem services associated with 24 functional attributes across wide environmental gradients from all continents. We found greater carbon sequestration, pool sizes for key nutrients organic matter decomposition rates but a lower proportion of soil-borne plant pathogens than unvegetated soils. Mosses especially important supporting multiple where vascular-plant cover is low. Globally, potentially support 6.43 Gt more in layer do bare The amount up six times annual emissions any altered land use globally. largest positive soils occurs perennial, mat turf mosses, less-productive ecosystems sandy Our results highlight life functions need conserve these healthy nutrient cycling, pathogen control globe, according survey without mosses.