Associations between local-scale soil and tree context factors and Acute Oak Decline (AOD): plant-soil feedbacks and the cause-effect conundrum

Abstract Background and aims Acute oak decline (AOD), a decline syndrome affecting mature oaks, involves bacterial pathogens which likely act as opportunists under host stress. Trees displaying symptoms (bleeding cankers) appear in localized clusters, not whole stands. This study investigates the potential involvement of local-scale factors, in interaction with large-scale environmental drivers, in influencing onset and progression of AOD. Methods AOD-symptomatic ( n = 30) and asymptomatic trees ( n = 30) across three UK oak woodlands were assessed for tree characteristics, their surrounding context, and soil properties. Results Tree health status was linked to significant differences in soil and tree properties across sites. Symptomatic trees exhibited greater loss of crown density, lower local stand (0–20 m) basal area and shallower depth to gleying. Significant differences in soil properties included lower concentrations of Olsen P, total N, and exchangeable Mg in symptomatic trees, alongside higher exchangeable Fe, especially at 40–50 cm depth. Depth to gleying and exchangeable Fe were identified as the most influential predictors of AOD. Conclusions AOD symptomatic trees may experience seasonal soil water saturation closer to the surface compared to asymptomatic trees, resulting in a higher proportion of their roots being exposed to an anoxic, iron-reducing environment. This study is the first to report such an association between gleying depth, likely seasonal water saturation, and symptom status for AOD. It is unclear whether water balance and associated soil nutrient variations are predisposing factors or consequences of declining tree health, though the identified local-scale factors likely contribute to AOD. A feedback loop is conceptualised where declining tree health worsens soil conditions, creating a negative cycle that accelerates tree decline.