Fire-associated microbial shifts in western conifer forests with Armillaria root disease

The goal of this research was to examine the effect of burn severity on soil bacterial and fungal communities on sites where Armillaria root disease is present. Soil samples were collected from three levels of burn severity (high, low, and unburned) and changes to microbial community alpha diversity, beta diversity, and taxonomic composition were evaluated. The results from this study will help improve management for Armillaria root disease throughout forests where fire disturbance is common.