Soil multifunctionality and temporal variability of nutrients across vigor classes in wild apple trees (Malus sieversii)

Malus sieversii, a Tertiary relict and primary progenitor of the cultivated apple, is experiencing severe habitat degradation in China’s Tianshan Mountains. To understand how soil ecosystem functions respond to tree vigor decline, we monitored surface soils beneath the canopy of wild apple trees monthly from April to October. Trees were classified into three vigor classes based on the percentage of dead branches: Vigor Class I (<20%), Vigor Class II (40–60%), and Vigor Class III (>80%). Soil multifunctionality (SMF) and temporal variability of nutrients (TVN) were derived from seven key nutrient indicators. Soils under Vigor Class II trees exhibited the lowest SMF and highest TVN, indicating maximal functional instability during intermediate degradation. While SMF peaked and TVN reached its seasonal minimum in October, Vigor Class II showed a consistent decline in TVN over time, unlike the irregular fluctuations in Vigor Classes I and III. A significant negative SMF–TVN correlation in Vigor Classes II and III suggests a trade-off between functionality and stability. Partial least squares path modeling revealed that soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus were the dominant direct driver of both SMF and TVN, with climate exerting no significant direct effects once tree vigor and soil conditions were accounted for. These results suggest that Vigor Class II represents a critical early-warning stage: soil functional capacity begins to deteriorate before visible signs of severe tree decline or mortality. Targeted ecological restoration of Vigor Class II trees is essential to prevent irreversible ecosystem degradation. Therefore, while continued protection of healthy Vigor Class I trees remains essential, conservation efforts should place greater emphasis on restoring Vigor Class II trees to disrupt degradation feedbacks before irreversible ecosystem decline occurs.