# Effects of soil nutrient enrichment on biomass, herbivores, and their predators differ between tree species in the Brazilian Cerrado

## TL;DR

This study shows how different tree species in the Cerrado respond to soil nutrient changes, affecting plant competition and insect populations.

## Contribution

The study reveals interspecific variation in plant and herbivore responses to nutrient enrichment in the Cerrado biome.

## Key findings

- Tree species in the Cerrado show varied responses to soil nutrient enrichment.
- Nutrient changes affect herbivores and predators differently depending on plant host species.
- Soil nutrient enrichment may alter plant competition and ecological interactions.

## Abstract

Human-induced changes in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) global cycles and availability significantly impact plant growth and nutritional composition, thereby affecting ecosystem dynamics. However, research on the effects of increased nutrient availability often focuses on plant community-level effects, overlooking interspecific variability and neglecting impacts on higher trophic levels. Using a controlled fertilization experiment with six tree species that naturally occur in the Cerrado biome (Brazilian savannas), we showed that there is substantial interspecific variation in how plants respond to nutrient changes. This reflects the existence of competitive advantage for certain native species under a scenario of increased soil nutrient availability. Such effects propagated to higher trophic levels (herbivores and their predators), also varying between plant host species. The strength and direction of N input effect depended on P levels and the type of herbivores. Large invertebrate leaf herbivores were less affected than phytophagous mites. Impacts on higher trophic levels (predatory mites) were less pronounced than on phytophagous mites. Overall, we show that ongoing soil nutrient enrichment has the potential to alter interspecific competition dynamics in plant communities with consequences for ecological interaction partners. These findings have important implications for conservation and ecosystem management, especially in areas highly exposed to soil nutrient enrichment due to farming and industrial activities.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00442-026-05863-z.