Publication Date:
2009-01-01
Description:
We investigated the effects of mycorrhizal colonization and future climate on roots and soil respiration (Rsoil) in model grassland ecosystems. We exposed artificial grassland communities on pasteurized soil (no living arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) present) and on pasteurized soil subsequently inoculated with AMF to ambient conditions and to a combination of elevatedCO2and temperature (future climate scenario). After one growing season, the inoculated soil revealed a positive climate effect on AMF root colonization and this elicited a significant AMF x climate scenario interaction on root biomass. Whereas the future climate scenario tended to increase root biomass in the noninoculated soil, the inoculated soil revealed a 30% reduction of root biomass under warming at elevatedCO2(albeit not significant). This resulted in a diminished response ofRsoilto simulated climatic change, suggesting that AMF may contribute to an attenuated stimulation ofRsoilin a warmer, highCO2world.
Print ISSN:
1687-9708
Electronic ISSN:
1687-9716
Topics:
Biology
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