Plant–soil feedback of native and range-expanding plant species is insensitive to temperature

Abstract

Temperature change affects many aboveground and belowground ecosystem processes. Here we investigate the effect of a 5°C temperature increase on plant–soil feedback. We compare plant species from a temperate climate region with immigrant plants that originate from warmer regions and have recently shifted their range polewards. We tested whether the magnitude of plant–soil feedback is affected by ambient temperature and whether the effect of temperature differs between these groups of plant species. Six European/Eurasian plant species that recently colonized the Netherlands (non-natives), and six related species (natives) from the Netherlands were selected. Plant–soil feedback of these species was determined by comparing performance in conspecific and heterospecific soils. In order to test the effect of temperature on these plant–soil feedback interactions, the experiments were performed at two greenhouse temperatures of 20/15°C and 25/20°C, respectively. Inoculation with unconditioned soil had the same effect on natives and non-natives. However, the effect of conspecific conditioned soil was negative compared to heterospecific soil for natives, but was positive for non-natives. In both cases, plant–soil interactions were not affected by temperature. Therefore, we conclude that the temperature component of climate change does not affect the direction, or strength of plant–soil feedback, neither for native nor for non-native plant species. However, as the non-natives have a more positive soil feedback than natives, climate warming may introduce new plant species in temperate regions that have less soil-borne control of abundance.

The role of biotic interactions in shaping distributions and realised assemblages of species: implications for species distribution modelling

“…As such, there is some evidence that range-expanding plant species may escape antagonistic soil biota (van Grunsven et al , 2010), consistent with the ‘enemy release hypothesis' (Keane & Crawley, 2002). Further, there is evidence that plant species which are undergoing active range expansion, for example as a result of climate change, show different interactions with their below-ground and above-ground antagonists than related species that do not.…”

Away‐field advantage: mangrove seedlings grow best in litter from other mangrove species

“…As mentioned above, there have been many studies documenting negative plant–soil feedbacks (Bever 1994, Kardol et al 2007, van Grunsven et al 2010. Mangan et al 2010).…”

Why are plant–soil feedbacks so unpredictable, and what to do about it?

“…This could promote the build‐up of root pathogens, leading to more negative PSFs, particularly in fast‐growing plant species that are typically less well‐defended than slow‐growing species (Agrawal & Weber, ). However, the direct effects of temperature on PSFs might be context‐dependent (van Grunsven, van der Putten, Bezemer, & Veenendaal, ), and more research is needed to determine whether or not general patterns exist concerning the effects of temperature on PSFs.…”