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Forest Type and Climate Outweigh Soil Bank in Shaping Dynamic Changes in Macrofungal Diversity in the Ancient Tree Park of Northeast China

Summary

This study examined mushroom diversity across different forest types in Northeast China’s Ancient Tree Park. Researchers found that mixed forests support the most diverse mushroom communities, and that weather conditions like rainfall and temperature significantly influence mushroom growth. Surprisingly, the fungal spores in soil were not the primary source of above-ground mushrooms, suggesting that mushroom spores travel and establish from other sources.

Background

Macrofungi play critical roles in ecosystem functioning through nutrient cycling, carbon cycling, and organic matter decomposition. The community structure of macrofungi is influenced by multiple complex factors including climate, soil, vegetation, and human activities, making it challenging to discern their individual contributions.

Objective

To investigate dynamic changes in macrofungal diversity in the Ancient Tree Park of Northeast China and explore the relative importance of forest type, climate factors, and soil fungal communities in shaping macrofungal composition and species richness.

Results

210 macrofungal species across 2 phyla, 6 classes, 18 orders, 55 families, and 94 genera were identified. Mixed forests showed highest species richness (146 species) and diversity. Rainfall and temperature positively correlated with macrofungal species richness. Soil fungal communities showed consistent diversity across forest types, indicating soil fungal bank was not the main factor driving macrofungal variation.

Conclusion

Forest type and climate factors are the primary drivers of macrofungal diversity, outweighing soil fungal bank contributions at the protected area scale. The mixed forest habitat supports the highest macrofungal diversity, and climatic conditions, particularly rainfall and temperature, significantly influence macrofungal community structure.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Observational Survey,
  • Source: PMC10455530, PMID: 37623627
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