Peatlands on the mend: Using plant-microbe interactions to restore peatland structure and function

Abstract

Peatlands are important natural carbon stores. Peatlands are however experiencing widespread drainage, which increases vulnerability to wildfire and compromises their carbon sink function. Rewetting is a common technique used to restore disturbed peatlands. However, recent evidence suggests that even after decades of recovery, rewetted peatlands lag – taxonomically and functionally – behind their undisturbed counterparts, which could compromise peatland resilience to future climate change. Restoring the belowground microbial community is one method that could be used alongside rewetting to enhance the restoration of peatlands. Through utilising plant- microbe interactions, belowground microbial restoration action could be able to control secondary succession and expedite the recovery of key ecosystem functions, thus returning peatlands to their pre-disturbance state. However, at this moment there are few tests of the restoration of belowground microbial communities in enhancing peatland recovery.
In this thesis, I explore the use of plant-microbe interactions in restoring peatland structure and function. I largely focus on one key threat to peatlands – wildfire – to examine the factors controlling initial post-fire recovery and whether peat moss inoculation can be used to drive forward the recovery of key ecosystem functions and taxonomic compositions. I then use an established plant-removal experiment to test the resilience of peatland plant-microbe networks following long-term disruption. In doing so, I first identify multiple factors that limit peatland post- wildfire recovery. I then highlight the potential for plant-microbe interactions to enhance peatland restoration by expediting taxonomic and functional recovery. Finally, I demonstrate the peatland plant-microbe networks can reform following long-term disruption, but that they are largely restructured with new plant-microbe associations forming. Together, this thesis provides the first test for microbial restoration to enhance peatland post-fire recovery and helps develop a broader understanding of the ecology surrounding peatland plant-microbe interactions that can be used to inform future research and guide management actions.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Harry Edward Rimmer Shepherd: orcid.org/0000-0002-7077-3581

ORCID for Marc Dumont: orcid.org/0000-0002-7347-8668

ORCID for Bjorn JM Robroek: orcid.org/0000-0002-6714-0652

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