Tree species dramatically reshape the functional traits of Collembola community in a subtropical forest common garden

Abstract

Collembola predominates soil fauna community of subtropical forests, where they play essential roles in the soil detrital network. Diverse tree species can reshape the functional traits of Collembola communities by altering habitat conditions and food availability, yet little is known about this process. In June 2023, we investigated the structural composition and functional traits of Collembola in the litter and soil layers under six tree species in a subtropical forest common garden. A total of 543 Collembola individuals were captured, belonging to six families, with higher abundance observed in forests dominated by phoebe (Michelia macclurei), fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), and pine (Pinus massoniana) compared to other forests. Among functional traits, sensory and dispersal traits of Collembola were significantly more pronounced in fir and Sapindus saponaria forests than in Castanopsis carlesii forests. The highest functional diversity indices of Collembola were recorded in fir forests relative to other forest types. Statistical analysis revealed that Collembola dispersal and sensory traits are primarily influenced by litter calcium content and soil organic matter, highlighting their adaptive responses to key environmental factors. This study adopted a functional trait-based approach to explore how tree species affect the community structure and functional traits of Collembola.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

soil fauna / functional diversity index / species diversity / community characteristics / common garden / functional traits

Highlight

	● The litter and soil properties shaped by tree species directly influence the species diversity of collembolan communities.
	● The collembolans beneath Sapindus saponaria species exhibit better dispersal capabilities and sensory functions.
	● Fir forests promote diverse resource utilization strategies and complementarity, fostering a more complex Collembola community.
	● The calcium content in litter and soil organic matter are the primary controlling factors of the traits of Collembola.

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