![Sample our Environment & Agriculture journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5934/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Agriculture.jpg"})
Abstract
Here we review the numerous studies of plant–microbe interactions conducted at the Niwot Ridge LTER site in Colorado, USA. By synthesising work at scales ranging from the rhizosphere to the landscape, we offer a mechanistic view of how these interactions are essential to understanding the spatial and temporal structuring of plant and microbial communities across this diverse and changing landscape. These new insights are also important for making predictions about how both plant and microbial communities and populations will respond to future changes in this environment, especially with regard to the potential uphill movement of plants and microbes in response to climate change and nitrogen deposition. We predict that the uphill movement of plants and microbes will be especially apparent, and have the most impact, in areas of the alpine that are now mostly plant free. These areas are currently undergoing a shift from a microbe-dominated ecosystem to one where microbe–plant interactions will play a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to downstream ecosystems.
Acknowledgements
Funding was provided by the National Science Foundation of the USA in support of the Niwot Ridge LTER Program (DEB-1027341) and the Alpine Microbial Observatory (MCB-0084223 and MCB-0455606).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Steven K. Schmidt
Steven K. Schmidt is a professor of microbial ecology with a special interest in life in high-elevation ecosystems throughout the world; his research interests and recent publications can be found at http://amo.colorado.edu/
Andrew J. King
Andrew J. King received his Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder and is now a postdoctoral research associate.
Courtney L. Meier
Courtney L. Meier received his Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder and is now a research scientist.
William D. Bowman
William Bowman is a professor specialising in plant community ecology in alpine areas; his research interests and recent publications can be found at http://spot.colorado.edu/~bowman/Bowman_Lab-_University_of_Colorado/Home.html
Emily C. Farrer
Emily C. Farrer received her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Michigan, and is now a postdoctoral research associate.
Katharine N. Suding
Katharine N. Suding is an associate professor of plant community ecology; her research interests and recent publications can be found at http://nature.berkeley.edu/sudinglab-wp/
Diana R. Nemergut
Diana R. Nemergut is an associate professor of microbial ecology and environmental studies; her research interests and recent publications can be found at http://spot.colorado.edu/~nemergut/home.htm