The abundance of arbuscular mycorrhiza in soils is linked to the total length of roots colonized at ecosystem level

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237256
• Publication Date: 2020-09-11T17:56:55Z
• Authors: Milagros Barceló; Peter M. van Bodegom; Leho Tedersoo; Nadja den Haan; G. F. (Ciska) Veen; Ivika Ostonen; Krijn Trimbos; Nadejda A. Soudzi...
• Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhiza

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) strongly affect ecosystem functioning. To understand and quantify the mechanisms of this control, knowledge about relationship between actual abundance community composition AMF in soil plant roots is needed. We collected root samples a natural dune grassland to test whether, across community, host (measured as total length colonized) related (using neutral lipid fatty acids (NLFA) 16:1ω5 proxy). Next-generation sequencing was used explore role patterns. found strong positive colonized by amount NLFA soil. provide first field-based evidence proportional biomass allocation intra-and extraradical mycelium, at level. suggest that phenomenon made possible compensatory colonization strategies individual fungal species. Finally, our findings open possibility using proxy for abundances, aiding further exploration impacts on ecosystems