Effect of phylogenetically related fast-growing trees and their root traits on soil microbial communities

This project aimed to examine the effect of phylogenetically related trees on soil microbial diversity and composition using different hybrid poplar clones and to determine whether their root traits have direct or indirect (via soil chemistry) effects on the soil microbiome. This study enhances our understanding of the link between soil microbiome and tree growth strategies and contributes to optimizing the management of fast-growing plantations and selecting trees better adapted to climate change. The study was conducted in a hybrid poplar plantation located at the New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada (47.52 N 79.66 W).