Tree mycorrhizal type and tree diversity shape the forest soil microbiota

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Soil Science
• Mycology

Background:

• Over 90% of plants associate with mycorrhizal fungi, influencing soil microbiota.
• Understanding tree mycorrhizal type and diversity effects on soil microbes is crucial for forest ecology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how tree mycorrhizal type (arbuscular vs. ectomycorrhizal) and tree diversity affect soil microbial communities.
• To assess the interactive effects of tree mycorrhizal type and diversity on fungal and bacterial communities.

Main Methods:

• Established tree species pairs (TSPs) with arbuscular (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) trees in monocultures, two-species, and multi-species mixtures.
• Analyzed soil fungal and bacterial alpha diversity and community composition in response to tree treatments.

Main Results:

• Tree mycorrhizal type significantly affected fungal, but not bacterial, alpha diversity.
• EcM tree species showed increased fungal diversity with tree diversity, unlike AM.
• Community composition varied significantly with tree mycorrhizal type and diversity, converging in multi-species mixtures.

Conclusions:

• Tree mycorrhizal type is a key factor shaping soil microbial diversity and composition.
• Increased tree diversity promotes convergence of soil microbial communities.
• Recommends planting diverse mixtures of EcM and AM trees for afforestation/reforestation.