Abstract

--- - "PurposeThe steppe ecosystem found in the Chilean Patagonia is a biome characterized by its diverse landscapes and significant livestock grazing pressure. In this context, maintaining soil health-defined as the soil's capacity to sustain vital ecosystem functions-is crucial. The objective of this study was to assess the interactions between biological indicators of soil health and plant communities in the Chilean Patagonia. This assessment was conducted under the following plant communities: tussock grasslands (TUSS), meadows (MEA), shrubs (SHR), \"murtilla\" or diddle-dee (DIDD), salt meadows (S-MEA), and short grasses (SGR).MethodsThe soil parameters evaluated included organic carbon (OC), pH, bulk density, enzyme activities (beta-glucosidase, N-Acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and arylsulfatase), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil microbial respiration (SMR), and the abundance of functional genes related to total bacterial (16 S rDNA gene), sulfur oxidation (soxB), nitrification (amoA), and denitrification (nosZ).ResultsThe data revealed significant variations of soil health parameters among plant communities. The OC content was a key factor of biological activity; soils with higher OC%, observed in MEA, S-MEA and DIDD, exhibited higher enzyme activities, MBC, and SMR. Conversely, TUSS and SHR, characterized by lower OC, showed lower biological activity. Bulk density showed a negative correlation with OC, MBC, and SMR, indicating a low nutrient processing capacity in these soils. Moreover, functional gene abundance varied, revealing differences in nutrient transformation potentials.ConclusionsThis research confirms that specific soil management strategies for different plant communities, especially in areas that have been degraded by overgrazing, are essential to maintain and restore soil health. It is crucial to take into account the relation of the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil to develop effective management plans that ensure the sustainability of this vulnerable ecosystem." - 1.- Plant communities determine soil health indicators of the steppe ecosystem in the Chilean Patagonia. 2.- Soil organic carbon is the key driver of the biological indicators of soil health. 3. Management systems in the steppe ecosystem found in the Chilean Patagonia must consider the biological indicators of soil health.