Climate change exposes specific fungal communities in Boreal peatlands

The general objective of our study was to assess the magnitude of the net effect of the climate change factors (increased temperature, elevated atmospheric CO2 and lowered water table) on fungal richness, diversity and community composition across a depth gradient of peat soil in boreal peatlands. We specifically examined 1) if fungal richness and diversity at the surface peat and deeper peat will be similarly affected by climate change factors, 2) the magnitude of turnover in fungal community across a depth gradient of peat soil following experimental treatment, and 3) if climate-driven changes in fungal community composition can be attributed to functional groups.