Changes in the association between soil characteristics and woody plant diversity following the transformation of Karst mountainous forests into urban parks

Abstract

The transformation of mountainous karst forests into urban parks requires a detailed evaluation of its impact on existing ecosystems, particularly in terms of the interplay between soil characteristics and plant diversity. In this study, we examined the species diversity of woody plants and soil characteristics within three established urban parks in Guiyang, China. We analyzed how habitat modification and the age of these parks influence soil properties and the diversity of woody plants. Our study revealed that soil levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in artificial green spaces were significantly lower than in remnant forests. Woody plant alpha-diversity exhibited a negative correlation with potassium in remnant forests, but with phosphorus in artificial spaces. Interestingly, the associations between plant α-diversity and soil organic carbon and nitrogen were not significant in older parks, but were evident in newer ones. Furthermore, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content significantly influenced woody plant composition across these parks. Habitat type and soil properties impacted the compositional diversity of woody plants more than park age, with phosphorus exerting the most substantial effect. In order to balance human recreational activities with the conservation of native ecosystems, it is essential to develop strategic management plans that prioritize soil enrichment and the maintenance of biodiversity in urban mountain parks.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

urban mountain parks / transformation / soil properties / plant diversity / park age

Highlight

	● Soil nutrients are higher in remnant forests compared to artificial green spaces.
	● Woody plant diversity correlates negatively with potassium in forests and phosphorus in artificial spaces.
	● Plant diversityʼs connection with soil organic carbon and nitrogen is evident in newer parks, but not in older ones.
	● Phosphorus is a dominant factor influencing the compositional diversity of woody plants across different parks.

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