Global homogenization of structure and function in the soil microflora of urban green spaces

Vol. 7, No. 28, eabg5809

DOI: 10.1126 / sciadv.abg5809

Commentary

This study was meant to confirm the significance of the existence of urban parks. The reason is that the structure and function of the soil microflora of urban green spaces remains largely undecided.

A global field study in urban green spaces and adjacent natural ecosystems in 56 cities on six continents found that urban soils are important hotspots for soil bacterial, protist, and functional genetic diversity, but they also support highly homogenized microbial communities around the world.

Urban green spaces have higher rates of fast-growing bacteria, algae, amoebae, and fungal pathogens, but lower rates of ectomycorrhizal fungi than natural ecosystems. These urban ecosystems also showed higher rates of human pathogens, carbon dioxide emissions, faster nutrient cycling, and genes associated with stronger non-biotic stresses than natural environments.

The fact that urban abundance, management practices and climate can be fundamental drivers of urban soil communities paves the way for a more comprehensive global perspective on urban green spaces as a human task.

These are essential for managing the health of ecosystems and the well-being of populations. Based on the results of these studies, I hope that the greening of urban areas will be encouraged.