Woody Plant Encroachment Significantly Alters Grassland Soil Microbial Community: A Global Meta‐Analysis

Abstract

Aim Woody plant encroachment is reshaping grassland ecosystem functions worldwide. While its aboveground impacts are well documented, how this process alters microbial communities—key drivers of belowground processes—remains poorly understood. We aimed to (1) quantify the general effects of global woody plant encroachment on soil microbial community attributes in grasslands and (2) identify the abiotic and biotic factors driving these changes. Location Global grassland ecosystems. Time Period 2000–2024. Major Taxa Studied Soil microbial communities (bacteria, fungi). Methods We conducted a meta‐analysis of 241 paired observations to evaluate changes in microbial composition, diversity, biomass, activity and enzyme activity under woody plant encroachment. Results Woody plant encroachment significantly altered soil properties. Woody plant encroachment also promoted a comprehensive increase in microbial community diversity, biomass, microbial activity and enzyme activity, as well as changes in community composition. The nitrogen‐fixing status of the encroaching species (biotic factor) significantly affected microbial responses: encroachment by nitrogen‐fixing plants resulted in a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, fungal richness, microbial biomass phosphorus and phosphatase activity compared to non‐nitrogen‐fixing plants. In addition, abiotic factors, such as mean annual temperature, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were identified as key factors driving microbial responses. Specifically, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature and elevation jointly regulated the effects of woody plant encroachment on soil microbial community attributes by influencing plant and soil properties. Main Conclusions This meta‐analysis demonstrated that woody plant encroachment significantly reshaped soil microbial communities in grassland ecosystems. Our findings highlight the role of abiotic factors (climate, elevation, organic carbon and total nitrogen), and biotic factors (nitrogen‐fixing status) in mediating the response of soil microbial communities. These insights contribute to a better understanding of belowground ecological processes and provide valuable guidance for grassland management and predictions of biogeochemical cycles under global change.

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