No effects of Epichloe endophyte infection on nitrogen cycling in meadow fescue (Schedonorus pratensis) grassland

摘要

Systemic EpichloA endophytes produce alkaloids that protect their grass hosts against pathogens and herbivores. These alkaloids, together with other endophyte induced changes in litter quality, may decelerate the decomposition of infected grass litter, but so far no study has tested whether the effects on decomposition rate translate into changes in N cycling in infected grasslands. Here we test if the EpichloA uncinata infection of meadow fescue, Schedonorus pratensis decelerates litter decomposition and N release, increases soil C and N accumulation and lowers the availability of mineral N in the soil under infected grass.