Snowbrush and Grand Fir microbiome inoculations

Temperate conifer forests are faced with unparalleled challenges from anthropogenic climate change. Rising temperatures contribute to an increase in the frequency of wildfire and prolonged drought that can result in shifts from forest to shrub-dominated stable states. However, few studies explore how soil and root microbiome attributes shape the growth and drought tolerance of conifer and shrub seedling, two traits that are critical to early competitive dynamics during revegetation after fire. By inoculating Abies grandis and Ceanothus velutinus seedlings with live soil inocula from their native conifer forest after various levels of wildfire, we identify soil and root microbiome attributes associated with conifer and shrub performance, respectively.This research presents valuable insights for forest management strategies, emphasizing the importance of exploring the functional roles of soil microbiota to better inform reforestation efforts.