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Background and Aims <p>Soil acidity can promote the formation of tree root mats, which are dense layers of fine roots near the soil surface. Although well documented in acidic soils of tropical rainforests, their occurrence and ecological roles in temperate forests remain unclear. In acidic soils, root mats may serve as important habitat for soil microarthropods, which play key roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. To improve our understanding of belowground processes in temperate acidic soil ecosystems, this study investigated root mat development driven by soil acidity and its impact on the abundance and community composition of soil microarthropods.</p> Methods <p>We conducted fieldwork in monoculture stands of <i>Chamaecyparis obtusa</i> (a coniferous species) located on acidic soils, where root mat development varied across two surface geology types: gravel and granite. We measured the thickness of the litter layer, root mat, and A horizon, collected soil core samples, and extracted soil microarthropods for analysis.</p> Results <p>The root mat thickness and area-based fine root mass in the layer consisting of the litter layer and root mat were greater in gravel, which had more acidic soils, than in granite. The area-based fine root mass was negatively correlated with soil pH (H<sub>2</sub>O). Root mat development positively affected the area- and volume-based abundance of epiedaphic species of Collembola and several taxonomic groups, including predatory species.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings indicate that soil acidity enhances root mat formation, potentially promoting distinct microarthropod communities in highly acidic temperate soils.</p>

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Tree root mat development as a response to highly acidic soil shapes distinct soil microarthropod community

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月7日

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  • Ryota Hayashi,
  • Saori Fujii,
  • Tomohiro Yoshida,
  • Yasuhiro Hirano,
  • Tetsuya Iriyama,
  • Toko Tanikawa

摘要

Background and Aims

Soil acidity can promote the formation of tree root mats, which are dense layers of fine roots near the soil surface. Although well documented in acidic soils of tropical rainforests, their occurrence and ecological roles in temperate forests remain unclear. In acidic soils, root mats may serve as important habitat for soil microarthropods, which play key roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. To improve our understanding of belowground processes in temperate acidic soil ecosystems, this study investigated root mat development driven by soil acidity and its impact on the abundance and community composition of soil microarthropods.

Methods

We conducted fieldwork in monoculture stands of Chamaecyparis obtusa (a coniferous species) located on acidic soils, where root mat development varied across two surface geology types: gravel and granite. We measured the thickness of the litter layer, root mat, and A horizon, collected soil core samples, and extracted soil microarthropods for analysis.

Results

The root mat thickness and area-based fine root mass in the layer consisting of the litter layer and root mat were greater in gravel, which had more acidic soils, than in granite. The area-based fine root mass was negatively correlated with soil pH (H2O). Root mat development positively affected the area- and volume-based abundance of epiedaphic species of Collembola and several taxonomic groups, including predatory species.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that soil acidity enhances root mat formation, potentially promoting distinct microarthropod communities in highly acidic temperate soils.