Effects of tree species and root order on soil properties and root-associated microorganisms.
Research Summary
Root-associated microorganisms influence plant nutrient acquisition and disease resistance. The microorganisms likely are shaped by both tree species and soil factors. Root systems differ among tree species in morphology and mycorrhizal type. At the individual level, roots within a root system are highly heterogeneous in function, affected by branching order, age, depth and root type. Both soil nutrient properties and rhizoplane bacteria were examined to explore tree species-soil chemistry feedbacks on bacterial communities. In addition, we compared the potential impact of different root functional traits on soil properties and rhizoplane bacterial composition.