The functional role of ericoid mycorrhizal plants and fungi on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in forests

What is it about?

Fungi that form symbiotic associations with tree species are commonly used to predict soil carbon and nitrogen processes in forests globally. However, a type of symbiotic fungi that associates with some understorey shrubs, ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, can also influence soil carbon and nitrogen but are less often considered. Our review of the literature on ericoid mycorrhizal plants and their associated fungi suggests that they could have strong effects on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling in boreal, temperate, and tropical forests. Future research should therefore consider their effects along with those of tree-fungal associations.

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