Tree species mixing affects soil microbial functioning indirectly via root and litter traits and soil parameters in European forests

Plant community composition influences soil microbial communities through plant trait variations that lead to changes in nutrient and organic carbon inputs into the by root exudates litter. Although litter living roots are known influence functioning independently, their relative effects rarely measured simultaneously naturally occurring communities. Here, we sought evaluate how forest floor absorptive affect broad functions of communities, this may be influenced tree species mixing. To do so, litter, were sampled from mono-specific three-species mixed stands four mature, natural ecosystems across Europe. The direct mixing, its indirect via traits, parameters on biomass, catabolic activity diversity, denitrification analysed. Results did not show mixture but suggest traits above-ground parameters. Mixed forests composed any three modified influencing availability resource acquisition. Tree mixing also diversity fertility physicochemical properties. Our findings an present heterotrophic different ranging Mediterranean boreal forests. study contributes a better mechanistic understanding modification properties represented beyond simple number consideration, potentially A free Plain Language Summary can found within Supporting Information article.