Soil Macroinvertebrate Presence Alters Microbial Community Composition and Activity in the Rhizosphere.

ABSTRACT: Despite decades of research, our understanding of the importance of invertebrates for soil biogeochemical processes remains incomplete. This is especially true when considering soil invertebrate effects mediated through their interactions with soil microbes. The aim of this study was to elucidate how soil macroinvertebrates affect soil microbial community composition and function within the root zone of a managed grass system. We conducted a 2-year field mesocosm study in which soil macroinvertebrate communities were manipulated through size-based exclusion and tracked changes in microbial community composition, diversity, biomass and activity to quantify macroinvertebrate-driven effects on microbial communities and their functions within the rhizosphere. The presence of soil macroinverteb

SUBMITTER: Bray N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6395791 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature