Soil legacy effects of climatic stress, management and plant functional composition on microbial communities influence the response of Lolium perenne to a new drought event
Résumé
Methods In a greenhouse experiment, soil legacy effects on Lolium perenne were examined, first under optimal conditions, and subsequently during and after drought. We used subalpine grassland soils previously cultivated for two years with grass communities of distinct functional composition, and subjected to combinations of climatic stress and simulated management.
Results The soil legacy of climatic stress increased biomass production of Lolium perenne and its resistance and recovery to a new drought. This beneficial effect resulted from higher nutrient availability in soils previously exposed to climatic stresses due to lower competitive abilities and resistance of microbial communities to a new drought. This negative effect on microbial communities was strongest in soils from previously cut and fertilized grasslands or dominated by conservative grasses.
Conclusion In subalpine grasslands more frequent climatic stresses could benefit fodder production in the short term, but threaten ecosystem functioning and the maintenance of traditional agricultural practices in the long term.
Auteurs, date et publication :
Auteurs Nicolas Legay , Gabin Piton , Cindy Arnoldi , Lionel Bernard , Marie-Noëlle Binet , Bello Mouhamadou , Thomas Pommier , Sandra Lavorel , Arnaud Foulquier , Jean-Christophe Clément
Publication : Plant and Soil
Date : 2025
Volume : 424
Issue : 1-2
Pages : 233-254