Phylogenetically related fast-growing trees and their root traits affect soil microbial communities

Rabearison, T. J., Maire, V., DesRochers, A., Poirier, V., Escolástico-Ortiz, D. A., Morency, M.-J. et Martineau, C. (2025). Phylogenetically related fast-growing trees and their root traits affect soil microbial communities. Applied Soil Ecology, 214 . Article 106389. ISSN 0929-1393 1873-0272 DOI 10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106389

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Résumé

Abstract

The soil microbiome plays a key role in tree growth and nutrient cycling. Although hybrid poplar clones are phylogenetically related, their influence on the soil microbiome may differ due to phenotypic differences, especially their root mean diameter or mass density (RMD). This influence remains relatively unexplored, limiting our understanding of how soil microbial communities contribute to the growth strategies of fast-growing trees. Our objective was to determine how phylogenetically related trees and their root traits influence soil microbial diversity and composition by studying five hybrid poplar clones growing in a plantation located in New Liskeard, Ontario, Canada. We collected soil cores at depths of 0–20 cm (topsoil) and 20–40 cm (subsoil) and analyzed fine root traits and soil bacterial and fungal communities. We found that phylogenetically related hybrid poplars influenced the soil microbiome by shaping the composition of microbial communities. Differences between clones were evident in the relative abundance of soil ectomycorrhizal fungi and Actinobacteriota in both topsoil and subsoil. The increase in relative abundance of ectomycorrhizal fungi was driven by high RMD and root length density (RLD), i.e., high fine root mass and length per unit soil volume. Fine roots with high RLD led to a higher relative abundance of Actinobacteriota in the topsoil, while recalcitrant fine roots (high lignin/nitrogen ratio) promoted their abundance in the subsoil. Thus, root traits are key factors in determining the effects of trees on soil microbiome. The soil microbiome, together with root traits, could be an important aspect to consider in tree selection.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	Soil microbiome Root trait Hybrid poplar Ectomycorrhizal fungi Actinobacteriota Subsoil
Date de dépôt:	26 févr. 2026 16:34
Dernière modification:	26 févr. 2026 16:34
Version du document déposé:	Version officielle de l'éditeur
URI:	https://depot-e.uqtr.ca/id/eprint/12639

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