Relationships between plant soil microbiome and temporal fluctuations of plant species

The study aimed to identify potential role of soil-born microbial communities as a driver of fluctuations of plant populations. In a long-term greenhouse experiment, we followed the development of soil microbiome (fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and oomycetes) in pots filled with native soil and planted always with one of the 11 plant species co-occurring in a species-rich mountain meadow. We identified more rapid accumulation of plant pathogens under plant species experiencing pronounced temporal fluctuation in abundance while those with low temporal fluctuation supported rather mutualistic microorganisms.