Slope aspect moderates soil nematode responses to converting subtropical forests into chestnut plantations during the early growing season

Abstract

Land-use change is increasingly altering the structure and function of soil fauna. However, how forest conversion shapes the functional composition and diversity of soil nematode communities is still poorly understood in subtropical forests. This study investigated the response of soil nematode communities to the conversion of natural forests into chestnut (Castanea henryi) plantations, with particular attention to the role of slope aspect in subtropical forest ecosystems. Our results showed that converting natural forests into chestnut plantations led to a pronounced reduction in soil nematode density, diversity (Shannon–Wiener index), and genus richness by 67.6%, 12.2%, and 24.4%, respectively, particularly on north-facing (shady) slopes. Additionally, soil nematode co-occurrence networks in chestnut plantations were reduced robustness compared with natural forests by 60.7%. South-facing (sunny) slopes increased total nematode and omnivore-predator abundance by 36.9% and 71.9%, respectively, and amplified the negative impact on herbivorous nematodes from land conversion. These findings emphasize the critical role of considering slope aspect in chestnut plantation management to mitigate negative impacts on soil nematode communities and maintain soil health in subtropical forests.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

forest soil / land use change / natural forest / soil fauna / soil food web.

Highlight

	● Chestnut plantations reduced the abundance and diversity of soil nematodes.
	● Chestnut plantations decreased soil nematode community stability.
	● Sunny slopes supported greater total nematode and omnivore-predator abundances.
	● Sunny slopes showed a greater reduction in herbivorous due to chestnut plantations.

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