Pyric herbivory effects on soil microbial diversity
Pyric herbivory, the spatial and temporal interaction between fire and grazing, has gained attention as a sustainable approach for managing grassland ecosystems and conserving open habitats of high environmental value. While its positive effects on vegetation structure and plant biodiversity are well established, the response of soil microbial diversity to this management practice remains poorly understood. This gap in knowledge limits our ability to assess the full ecological consequences of pyric herbivory, particularly in relation to belowground ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, soil health, and resilience to environmental stressors. By investigating how pyric herbivory influences soil microbial functional diversity, this study provides critical insights into the integrative effects of fire and grazing on grassland ecosystems. The findings have the potential to guide evidence-based management practices that support both biodiversity conservation and long-term ecosystem sustainability under changing environmental conditions