Legacy effects post removal of a range-expanding shrub influence soil fungal communities and create negative plant-soil feedbacks for conspecific seedlings

Abstract

Aims Soil legacy effects can have long-term impacts on soil microbial communities with implications for plant growth and community structure. These effects are well studied for invasive plants, particularly after removal of invasive species; however, we know less about the soil legacy effects post removal of native range expanding species. Methods We used a controlled greenhouse experiment with a range-expanding sagebrush species (Artemisia rothrockii (Asteraceae)) to determine how multiple metrics of sagebrush seedling performance (plant-soil feedback (PSF) ratio, height, leaf functional traits, and root:shoot biomass) were influenced by soil legacy effects in both the native and expansion range and over time since removal. We inoculated seedlings with field-collected soils from under sagebrush canopies and in herbaceous interspace, as well as in areas where sagebrush had been removed for 1 or 5 years. We then used ITS2 sequencing and extracellular enzyme assays to characterize the structure and function of soil microbial communities and to determine what microbial mechanisms drove seedling responses. Results Conspecific sagebrush seedlings responded negatively to soil legacy effects of shrub removal, with a more negative PSF ratio, reduced height, and

Plant-soil feedback: the next generation

“…These findings by Wang et al (2022) draw attention to the interlinked relationship between plant-influenced decomposer biota and plant-soil abiotic conditioning, and overlaps between the homefield advantage hypothesis and plant-soil feedback mechanisms. In the same way, Collins et al (2023) showed that vegetation in contrasting ecosystems within the White Mountains of California, USA, shapes relative abundances of soil fungal guilds differently. Specifically, the fungal community conditioned by the range-expanding sagebrush (Artemisia rothrockii) was likely responsible for the negative effects on conspecific performance which, in turn, could temper its invasiveness outside of its historic range (Collins et al 2023).…”

“…In the same way, Collins et al (2023) showed that vegetation in contrasting ecosystems within the White Mountains of California, USA, shapes relative abundances of soil fungal guilds differently. Specifically, the fungal community conditioned by the range-expanding sagebrush (Artemisia rothrockii) was likely responsible for the negative effects on conspecific performance which, in turn, could temper its invasiveness outside of its historic range (Collins et al 2023). Collectively, these studies demonstrate the importance of interactions among soil biota and abiotic factors that underpin plant-soil feedback mechanisms.…”

Eastern redcedar roots create legacy effects that suppresses growth of prairie species

“…For example, microbially mediated plant-soil feedback generated by a range-expanding shrub has been found to inhibit the performance of conspecific seedlings (Collins et al, 2023).…”

“…Recently, more researchers have begun examining the potential for native woody encroachers to create legacy effects while in situ and following removal (Eldridge & Ding, 2021 ). For example, microbially mediated plant–soil feedback generated by a range‐expanding shrub has been found to inhibit the performance of conspecific seedlings (Collins et al., 2023 ). If the effect we observed experimentally exists in field conditions, then legacy effects of J. virginiana roots could be considered a mechanism that favors the reestablishment of the species in treated areas.…”

Responses of Fungal Assembly and Co-Occurrence Network of Rhizosphere Soil to Amaranthus palmeri Invasion in Northern China

“…In recent years, network analysis has been applied to investigate the co-occurrence patterns of microorganisms in a variety of environments, including rivers, wetlands, lakes, and soils [14][15][16][17]. The microbial groups are positively or negatively linked, exhibiting cooperative or competitive characteristics [18]. Network analysis can also be used to identify keystone taxa, which are highly connected to other species in the network and may have a considerable impact on the entire microbial community [19][20][21].…”