Conclusion and perspectives
This study enhances our understanding of how ecological processes operate in below-ground communities and networks, thereby extending our knowledge of ecological communities as a whole. Furthermore, our research offers valuable insights into the impacts of global change on soil biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystem functioning, particularly in vulnerable mountainous systems experiencing climate change and land-use modifications. Land management decisions, such as forestry, agriculture, and tourism, can alter local land-use and habitats, necessitating consideration of their effects on soil food webs and ecosystem functioning. However, further investigations are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms driving spatial changes in food web structure. Additionally, studying the recovery and resilience of soil food webs to land-use changes is essential, considering the dynamic nature of ecosystems in the face of a constantly changing climate. These future studies will enhance our understanding of soil food webs and their responses to environmental changes, aiding informed land management decisions and sustainable practices.
Table 1. Environmental variables used in this study.