Global Wildfires Permanently Alter Soil Microbiomes: Long-term Diversity Loss and Community Shifts Across Ecosystems
This study investigates the global impacts of wildfires on soil microbiomes by analyzing sequencing data from >2,000 samples across 102 locations, combined with field surveys of fire-affected Chinese forests. We found wildfires significantly reduced bacterial diversity (Richness -12.34%, Shannon -7.36%), altered community composition, and caused persistent changes lasting >10 years, with effects varying by ecosystem type and fire severity. These findings provide crucial insights for post-fire ecosystem management and microbial community restoration.