Plant-plant competition outcomes are modulated by plant effects on the soil bacterial community.

ABSTRACT: Competition is a key process that determines plant community structure and dynamics, often mediated by nutrients and water availability. However, the role of soil microorganisms on plant competition, and the links between above- and belowground processes, are not well understood. Here we show that the effects of interspecific plant competition on plant performance are mediated by feedbacks between plants and soil bacterial communities. Each plant species selects a singular community of soil microorganisms in its rhizosphere with a specific species composition, abundance and activity. When two plant species interact, the resulting soil bacterial community matches that of the most competitive plant species, suggesting strong competitive interactions between soil bacterial communities as well

SUBMITTER: Hortal S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5736699 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature