Data from: The plant microbiome and native plant restoration: the example of native mycorrhizal fungi

Ecological restoration efforts can increase the diversity and function of
degraded areas. However, current restoration practices cannot typically
re-establish the full diversity and species composition of remnant plant
communities. We present evidence that restoration quality can be improved
by reintroducing key organisms from the native plant microbiome. In
particular, root symbionts called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are
critical in shaping grassland communities, but are sensitive to
anthropogenic disturbance, which may pose a problem for grassland
restoration. Here we highlight the conceptual motivation and empirical
evidence evaluating native mycorrhizal fungi, as opposed to commercial
fungi. Reintroduction of the native microbiome and native mycorrhizal
fungi improves plant diversity, accelerates succession, and increases the
establishment of plants that are often missing from restored communities.
The example of mycorrhizal fungi serves to illustrate the value of a more
holistic view of plant communities and restoration that embraces the
intricacies and dynamics of native microbial communities.