Root mixing effects on belowground decomposition depend on mycorrhizal type

Lei Jiang, Stephan Hättenschwiler, Ning Ma, Jiajia Zheng, Wenhui Shi, Yeqing Ying, Shenggong Li, Han Yan and Liang Kou ()
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Lei Jiang: Zhejiang A&F University, State Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources
Stephan Hättenschwiler: IRD, CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE
Ning Ma: Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Ecosystem Science Data Center, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research
Jiajia Zheng: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, College of Resources and Environment
Wenhui Shi: Zhejiang A&F University, State Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources
Yeqing Ying: Zhejiang A&F University, State Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources
Shenggong Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Ecosystem Science Data Center, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research
Han Yan: Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin
Liang Kou: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, College of Resources and Environment

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract While there has been significant progress in understanding how species mixing affects leaf litter decomposition, the consequences for belowground root decomposition remains less known. This represents a critical knowledge gap, as roots are key contributors to soil carbon input. Here, we experimentally assess absorptive root decomposition in 138 paired-species combinations from 57 tree species, revealing significant non-additive mixing effects in 70% of all root combinations, with the majority of them decomposing faster than predicted from single species. Notably, non-additive effects occur only in mixtures containing at least one ectomycorrhizal species, with no net mixture effects in combinations of two arbuscular mycorrhizal species. We further find that these root mixing effects are associated with dissimilarities in condensed tannins across all mycorrhizal types and with nitrogen concentration when only ectomycorrhizal species are present. Overall, these root mixing effects are three times stronger than those documented for leaf litter decomposition in past studies. Collectively, our findings suggest that tree species mixing effects on decomposition are particularly robust belowground, especially in forests with ectomycorrhizal species of contrasting root chemistry. Absorptive root decomposition may have an essential role in how tree species mixing affects soil carbon and nutrient dynamics.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65163-7

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