Activated carbon decreases invasive plant growth by mediating plant–microbe interactions

摘要: There is growing appreciation for the idea that plant-soil interactions (e.g. allelopathy and plant-microbe feedbacks) may explain success of some non-native plants. Where this case, native plant restoration require management tools change interactions. Activated carbon (AC) one such potential tool. Previous research has shown high concentrations AC to restore growth areas dominated by non-natives on a small scale (1 m × 1 plots). Here we (i) test efficacy different at larger (15 15 plots), (ii) measure microbial responses treatment (iii) use greenhouse experiment identify primary mechanism, versus changes, through which impacts growth. Three years after large-scale applications, treatments decreased cover increased ratio species cover, particularly >400 g m(-2). similarly in greenhouse. This effect, however, was only observed live soils, suggesting effects were microbially mediated not caused direct allelopathy. Bacterial community analysis field soils indicated relative abundance an unidentified bacterium Actinomycetales Flavobacterium, these organisms play role Results support manipulations provide novel effective ways directing development restoration).