Habitat-driven ecological strategies shape Chinese pine functional traits and rhizosphere metabolites in Qinling Mountains, China.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Plant functional traits (PFTs) and rhizosphere soil metabolites (RSMs) play crucial roles in the connection between plants and soil environments, influencing plant ecological adaptation processes. However, the strategies and driving factors underlying their variation in different habitats are poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, we investigated P.tabuliformis population traits and RSMs in two habitats, assessed trait and metabolite variations, and analyzed how traits and metabolites were associated with plant strategies.

Results

The first principal component analysis (PCA) axis of the PFTs reflected trade-offs in traits linked to habitat: ridge habitat Chinese pine populations had high leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and fine root tissue density (FRTD)

SUBMITTER: Yang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12668977 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature