Plant, fungal, bacterial, and nitrogen interactions in the litter layer of a native Patagonian forest.

ABSTRACT: Plant-microbial interactions in the litter layer represent one of the most relevant interactions for biogeochemical cycling as litter decomposition is a key first step in carbon and nitrogen turnover. However, our understanding of these interactions in the litter layer remains elusive. In an old-growth mixed Nothofagus forest in Patagonia, we studied the effects of single tree species identity and the mixture of three tree species on the fungal and bacterial composition in the litter layer. We also evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) addition on these plant-microbial interactions. In addition, we compared the magnitude of stimulation of litter decomposition due to home field advantage (HFA, decomposition occurs more rapidly when litter is placed beneath the plant species from whic

SUBMITTER: Vivanco L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5951145 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature