Microbial Fermentations in the root zone of Molinia caerulea

Diverse root and soil combinations of the peatland plant Molinia caerulea were created and anoxic microcosms were prepared: Unwashed roots, soil-free roots, combination of root and soil (equal ratio), and root-free soil. Prevalent fermentation products after 7 days of incubation were hydrogen, carbon dioxide, ethanol, acetate, butyrate, and propionate. Especially Clostridiaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were stimulated in root-containing microcosms after 7 days of incubation.