The interactive effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nutrient heterogeneity on root foraging traits and competitive ability of invasive and native plants

Root foraging associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in nutrient uptake. While distribution of nutrients can influence the role of AMF, but the interactive effects of nutrient heterogeneity and AMF on root foraging and plant competition are still unclear. Two invasive and two native species of Asteraceae family were selected. We conducted a common garden experiment of three factors (heterogeneity, AMF and competition).