Abstract: A metacommunity is defined as a set of local communities that are linked by diffusion of multiple potentially interacting species. The fundamental issues of the metacommunity studies are the mechanism of multiple species coexistence in the same system and the causes and maintenance of biodiversity. To solve these classic questions, four classical paradigms of the metacommunity theory were proposed by Leibold, namely patch dynamics, species sorting theory, neutral theory, and mass effect. The metacommunity theory can be used in the field of soil animal research and to solve spatial distribution pattern and driving mechanism of soil animals at different spatial scales. This review sorted out the four core directions and research hotspots of metacommunity since 1992 by using biliometric analysis, such as the theory, structure, driving force and the mechanism of metacommunity based on functional traits. In addition, in combination with the current research status of soil animal community theory, we proposed further studies on spatial and temporal dynamics of soil animal diversity at multiple scales, aiming to provide technical support for the management of soil biodiversity.

Key words: maize, water use characteristic, water use efficiency, yield, nitrogen form ratio