Microbial community dynamics in response to PyOM addition

The aim of this project was to mechanistically investigate the decomposition process of various carbon fractions of pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) by soil microbes in a Californian mixed conifer forest soil that was burned during the 2014 King Fire. Additionally, we aimed to determine whether the addition of PyOM enhances the abundance of microbes capable of degrading different carbon fractions within PyOM. Throughout the incubation period, bacterial and fungal community profiles were monitored at multiple time points to identify overall community changes and specific responders to PyOM.