# Divergent driving mechanisms of community temporal stability in China's drylands

## TL;DR

This study finds that community stability in China's drylands changes at an aridity level of 0.88, with different factors influencing stability above and below this threshold.

## Contribution

The study identifies a critical aridity threshold and distinct mechanisms driving community stability in drylands.

## Key findings

- A U-shaped relationship exists between community temporal stability and aridity, with a pivotal shift at 0.88.
- In less arid areas, higher precipitation and biodiversity increase stability, while in more arid areas, they reduce it.
- Soil organic carbon and biodiversity influence stability differently depending on aridity levels.

## Abstract

Climate change and anthropogenic activities are reshaping dryland ecosystems globally at an unprecedented pace, jeopardizing their stability. The stability of these ecosystems is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local communities. Yet, the mechanisms governing their stability are poorly understood, largely due to the scarcity of comprehensive field data. Here we show the patterns of community temporal stability and its determinants across an aridity spectrum by integrating a transect survey across China's drylands with remote sensing. Our results revealed a U-shaped relationship between community temporal stability and aridity, with a pivotal shift occurring around an aridity level of 0.88. In less arid areas (aridity level below 0.88), enhanced precipitation and biodiversity were associated with increased community productivity and stability. Conversely, in more arid zones (aridity level above 0.88), elevated soil organic carbon and biodiversity were linked to greater fluctuations in community productivity and reduced stability. Our study identifies a critical aridity threshold that precipitates significant changes in community stability in China's drylands, underscoring the importance of distinct mechanisms driving ecosystem stability in varying aridity contexts. These insights are pivotal for developing informed ecosystem management and policy strategies tailored to the unique challenges of dryland conservation.

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•The driving mechanisms of community stability shifted at an aridity level of ∼0.88.•Species richness has opposite roles in stability above and below the aridity threshold.•Soil properties are important for the maintenance of stability.•Different policies need to be implemented above and below the aridity threshold.

The driving mechanisms of community stability shifted at an aridity level of ∼0.88.

Species richness has opposite roles in stability above and below the aridity threshold.

Soil properties are important for the maintenance of stability.

Different policies need to be implemented above and below the aridity threshold.