Soil nematode diversity is structured by vegetation turnover and trait-mediated dispersal limitation.
Soil nematode alpha- and gamma-diversity are driven by plant diversity and trait-mediated dispersal limitation, with local assembly shaping beta-diversity across scales.
- Why it matters: Understanding the factors that structure soil nematode diversity is vital for conserving soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions amid global environmental changes.
- What they did: The study analyzed 691 soil samples from seven forest plots along a montane transect, measuring plant diversity, soil properties, nematode traits, and community composition to identify drivers of nematode diversity.
- The result: Findings reveal that plant diversity enhances nematode alpha- and gamma-diversity, while body width-dependent dispersal limitation influences beta-diversity, emphasizing the role of functional traits in community assembly.