Climate change affects key tree-fungi interactions

Most tree species join forces with specific types of fungi to improve their nutrient acquisition capacity-as much as 80% of plant nitrogen and phosphorus is provided by fungal root symbionts. Each one of these different types of fungi can impact nutrient uptake by plants and ultimately impact plant productivity and carbon sequestration. An international team of researchers, including Prof Jingjing Liang (Forestry and Natural Resources) explored how these fungi-plant interactions could change as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise, and the climate changes. Their simulations indicate that nutrient acquisition by plants will increasingly demand a larger portion of carbon to support the same level of photosynthesis.

Braghiere, R.K., Fisher, J., Fisher, R.A., et al. (2020). Climate change impacts on mycorrhizae amplify nitrogen limitation on global plant growth. Earth and Space Science Open Archive. Sept 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/essoar.10504333.1