Soil multifunctionality and temporal variability of nutrients across vigor classes in wild apple trees (Malus sieversii).

ABSTRACT: Malus sieversii, a Tertiary relict and primary progenitor of the cultivated apple, is experiencing severe habitat degradation in China's Tianshan Mountains. To understand how soil ecosystem functions respond to tree vigor decline, we monitored surface soils beneath the canopy of wild apple trees monthly from April to October. Trees were classified into three vigor classes based on the percentage of dead branches: Vigor Class I (<20%), Vigor Class II (40-60%), and Vigor Class III (>80%). Soil multifunctionality (SMF) and temporal variability of nutrients (TVN) were derived from seven key nutrient indicators. Soils under Vigor Class II trees exhibited the lowest SMF and highest TVN, indicating maximal functional instability during intermediate degradation. While SMF peaked and TVN rea

SUBMITTER: Gu CQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12832858 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature