High-resolution soil sampling reveals the pattern of biological weathering and soil formation under trees.

Trees contribute to bedrock weathering in a variety of ways. However, evaluating their full impact is complicated by a lack of direct observation of unexposed root systems of individual trees, especially when the scale of the analysis goes down to the level of microbiomes. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of tree root systems to bioweathering and soil production at the macro- and microscale. Soil profiles developed under trees on granite bedrock were investigated in two parts of the Sudety Mountains, SW Poland: the Rudawy Janowickie Mountains, and the Stołowe Mountains. Soil profiles were gradually excavated and soil samples collected from pre-defined positions of the root zone: 1) bulk soil, 2) rhizosphere, 3) cracks, 4) topsoil, and 5) control positions. In total, we analyzed 103 samples for soil chemistry and microbiological activity. In addition, we analyzed 19 samples using XRF (X-ray Fluorescence). Four parent rock samples, in the form of thin-sections, were the subject of mineralogical evaluation. Soil analyses included: total organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, soil pH

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