Increased management intensity is associated with greater homogeneity of the urban soil microbial communities of Green-Wood Cemetery in New York City

Abstract Current climate change trends, combined with population shifts to urban areas, will require increasingly sustainable solutions for cities worldwide. Soil microbiomes are an important component of urban environments, contributing to a range of ecosystem services, including supporting plant health, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and others. Both natural and anthropogenic factors can significantly affect the composition and activity of soil microbiomes. This study, conducted at Green-Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn, NY), examines the influence of management activities and soil depth on the diversity and homogeneity of soil microbial communities. In Green-Wood Cemetery, management activities include mowing, weeding, landscaping, and adherence to a defined plant and tree palette. Three levels of management within the cemetery were evaluated in this work: Managed (high management), Perpetual Meadow (intermediate management), and Woodlots (low management). Our findings show that management intensity and soil depth affected the diversity and homogeneity in soil microbial communities. Deeper soils showed reduced diversity and increased heterogeneity, whereas Managed soils had similar diversity but greater homogeneity relative to Perpetual Meadows and Woodlots. Metabolic activity was similar across the three management levels; however, the Managed sites showed greater homogeneity relative to the Perpetual Meadow and Woodlot sites. This study contributes to the growing literature exploring cemeteries as contributors to urban biodiversity and providers of ecosystem services. Considering urban cemeteries as underappreciated green spaces with possible contributions similar to those of city parks, our work suggests that reduced management strategies may offer benefits as part of sustainable solutions for cities.