Tissue architecture and soil fertility controls on decomposer communities and decomposition of roots

Using complementary techniques we observed great differences in decomposition of mono- and dicot roots (Festuca rubra L., red fescue grass and Trifolium pratense L., red clover) in compost and soil of varying fertility which we attribute both to chemical characteristics and differences in tissue architecture. In our study the lignin contents were equal for the root materials while C-to-N ratios and cellulose-to-lignin ratios were higher in fescue roots. Pictures taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the rippled surface of fescue roots appeared largely intact even after prolonged incubation giving scant support to predominantly cocci bacteria, where an angular grid structure on the surface of intact clover roots rapidly yielded. The clover root cavities became deeper over time and seemed a favourable nest for colonising rod shaped bacteria. In addition the nodules on clover roots were abundantly covered by decomposers early on. SEM pictures as well as bands of microbial DNA from polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) on roots degraded in compost indicate that organisms colonising clover and fescue grass roots are inherently different and to a greater extent connected to the root material than the compost. Respiration data showed that soil fertility compared to root material played a smaller, albeit significant role in determining the decomposition pattern. There was no indication of N limitation in decomposition. On the contrary accumulated respiration was highest from infertile soils and had significantly lower T½ compared to nutrient rich soils, most likely due to a higher maintenance respiration and lower substrate use efficiency of the decomposers. DGGE showed that infertile soils as well as recalcitrant material both led to a larger diversity of decomposers compared to fertile soils or easily degradable materials. All together this study demonstrated a positive relationship between microbial diversity and stress resulting in higher diversity in the recalcitrant the roots and the infertile soils.