Long-term legacy effects of Eucalyptus plantation on soil properties, ant diversity, and ecosystem functioning in tropical montane ecosystems

Eucalyptus plantations are rapidly expanding across tropical mountains, where silvicultural practices modify soil properties and biodiversity. However, the long-term consequences of abandoned plantations remain poorly understood, particularly in biodiversity hotspots such as the Espinhaço Range, Brazil. Here, we evaluated the effects of active and abandoned Eucalyptus plantations on soil properties, ant community, and ant-mediated ecosystem services in tropical montane ecosystems. We compared reference vegetation ( Campo Sujo ), active Eucalyptus plantations (four years old), and abandoned plantations (approximately five years after harvesting) across three sites in the northern Espinhaço Range. Ant species were sampled using pitfall traps, while scavenging, granivory, and seed dispersal were assessed using bait arenas. Soil physical and chemical properties were also quantified. Mean values of soil organic matter, organic carbon, and potential cation exchange capacity were higher in abandoned and active Eucalyptus plantations than in Campo Sujo, indicating persistent differences in soil characteristics associated with previous silvicultural land use. Active and abandoned plantations exhibited higher nutrient availability compared to reference areas. Reference areas showed higher alpha and gamma diversity, whereas active and abandoned plantations exhibited increased beta diversity. Reference areas had 52% more ant species (61 species) than active plantations (40 species), with abandoned plantations showing intermediate richness (46 species). Ant species composition also differed significantly among treatments, suggesting strong anthropogenic filtering associated with Eucalyptus plantation and limited recovery after abandonment. Ecosystem services showed variable responses to land-use change. Scavenging was reduced in active plantations and was positively associated with ant richness only in reference areas. Granivory was higher in active plantations, while seed dispersal did not differ among treatments. Overall, our findings demonstrate that Eucalyptus plantation was associated with long-lasting changes in soil conditions and ant diversity and services in montane ecosystems. These persistent soil and biodiversity differences remain detectable after Eucalyptus plantation abandonment, highlighting the importance of incorporating post-harvest management and restoration strategies.Parte superior do formulário