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| Background In the face of climate change, shifts in
genetic structure and composition of terrestrial plant
species are occurring worldwide. Because different genotypes
of these plant species support different soil biota
and soil processes, shifts in genetics are likely to have
cascading effects on ecosystems.
Scope We explore plant genetic effects on soil function
in the context of climate change, and selection by soils,
soil biota and plant-soil feedbacks. We propose categories
of genetically-based plant traits that should be prioritized
in research on genetic-based effects on soil
processes including plant productivity and C allocation,
tissue quality, plant water-use, and rhizosphere mutualisms.
Additionally, we posit that soil community responses
to climate change should be considered in concert
with plant genotype because of sensitivity of soil
communities to climate. We use two case studies to
highlight these points.
Conclusions We argue that the effects of climate change
as an agent of selection on plants may cascade to affect
soils, and ultimately the structure, composition and function
of ecosystems. Understanding the ecological and
evolutionary potential of plant-soil linkages may help us understand and mitigate the extended consequences of
global change for ecosystems worldwide. Accordingly,
we conclude with experimental approaches for examining
genetically-based plant-soil interactions across climate
change gradients | |
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