Clearcutting alters decomposition processes and initiates complex restructuring of fungal communities in soil and tree roots.

ABSTRACT: Forest management practices often severely affect forest ecosystem functioning. Tree removal by clearcutting is one such practice, producing severe impacts due to the total reduction of primary productivity. Here, we assessed changes to fungal community structure and decomposition activity in the soil, roots and rhizosphere of a Picea abies stand for a 2-year period following clearcutting compared to data from before tree harvest. We found that the termination of photosynthate flow through tree roots into soil is associated with profound changes in soil, both in decomposition processes and fungal community composition. The rhizosphere, representing an active compartment of high enzyme activity and high fungal biomass in the living stand, ceases to exist and starts to resemble bulk soil. De

SUBMITTER: Kohout P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5864242 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature