Combined morphological, biomarker, and molecular approaches revealed linkages between AM fungi and Chinese fir growth across nine subtropical plantations

Abstract

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) forms symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and is the most widely planted tree species in southern China. Here, the biogeographic patterns of AM fungal communities across nine locations and their potential links to tree growth were investigated. Our results showed significant spatial variations in AM fungal morphological traits and biomass across different plantations. High AM fungal diversity was detected, with Glomeraceae and Glomus being identified as the dominant taxa. Significant differences in AM fungal diversity were observed across nine sites and between root and rhizosphere soil samples. Comparatively, higher diversity and faster community turnover rates were observed in rhizosphere soils than in root habitats. Soil available phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon were the key drivers of root- and soil-associated AM fungal richness, respectively. The soil-associated AM fungal community composition was correlated with the climatic and soil factors, whereas the root-associated counterpart was influenced by soil inorganic nitrogen, total carbon, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Importantly, Chinese fir basal area was negatively correlated with AM fungal diversity. Our findings clarify the complex spatial distribution patterns of AM fungi and their relationships with tree growth, providing a scientific basis for managing soil microbiome to improve Chinese fir productivity.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

basal area / community composition / diversity / morphological traits / NLFA

Highlight

	● AM fungal morphological traits, biomass, and diversity exhibit regional patterns.
	● Root- and soil-associated AM fungal communities are shaped by different factors.
	● Chinese fir basal area is negatively correlated with AM fungal diversity.

References

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