Can we predict PSF based on microbial α-diversity and community
structure?
PSFs were poorly predicted by microbial α-diversity, considering both
Shannon’s diversity or OTU richness (Table 1). Koeleria was not
responsive either to microbial community structure (i.e., ordination
axes scores), while Bromus growth was significantly influenced by
fungal community structure (P = 0.03, Table 1). Bromusgrew better with inocula from Bromus -invaded plots (i.e.,
positive PSF), while the reverse was true for Koeleria (Table 1).
Collectively, these contrasts between our two plant species provide
further evidence for the species-specific nature of plant response to
microbial community structure.