Multiscale interactions in ecosystem function: Connecting soil fungi, plant traits, hydrology and social-ecological dynamics
Abstract
Ecosystem functioning emerges from the intricate interplay of biological, physical and social processes across multiple scales. Soil fungal communities mediate nutrient cycling, plant growth and carbon storage, while plant functional traits determine resource use, productivity and stress tolerance. Hydrological processes regulate water availability, nutrient transport and microbial activity, linking terrestrial and aquatic components of landscapes. Simultaneously, social-ecological dynamics, including land-use practices, governance and local knowledge, influence ecosystem structure and resilience. This article synthesizes current research on the multiscale interactions among soil fungi, plant traits, hydrology and socio-environmental drivers. We highlight the mechanisms by which these components interact to shape ecosystem services, resilience under environmental stress and human well-being and propose integrative strategies for sustainable landscape management under global change.