Plant-Soil Feedback of Companion Species during Grassland Community Succession

The responses of dominant species to plant-soil feedback (PSF) are well established; however, the changes in the PSF of companion species remain unclear. This study aims to assess the direction and intensity of PSF, determine the main factors influencing it, and interpret the ecological significance of PSF in companion species within the context of grassland community succession. Three typical companion species, namely Artemisia sacrorum, Artemisia capillaris, and Artemisia giraldii, were planted in soils at three grassland community succession stages (early, middle, and late) on the Loess Plateau. Our results indicate that during both plant growth periods, the shoot biomass of A. sacrorum, A. capillaris, and A. giraldii in early- and late-stage soils was higher than that in the middle-stage soil, suggesting consistent growth of the three companion species during the two growth periods. However, plant growth simultaneously led to a reduction in soil nutrient content and microbial biomass, resulting in an overall decrease in the biomass of the three species, indicating a negative PSF effect in companion species. In conclusion, the negative PSF observed in all three associated species explains the temporary dominance of companion species during succession. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms driving PSF in community succession.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the effects of plant-soil feedback (PSF) on companion species in grassland community succession. The results showed that the shoot biomass of the companion species was higher in early and late-stage soils compared to middle-stage soils, indicating consistent growth. However, plant growth led to a decrease in soil nutrient content and microbial biomass, resulting in a negative PSF effect in companion species.