Can we predict PSF based on microbial α-diversity and community structure?
PSFs were poorly predicted by microbial α-diversity, considering both Shannon’s diversity or OTU richness (Table 1). Koeleria was not responsive either to microbial community structure (i.e., ordination axes scores), while Bromus growth was significantly influenced by fungal community structure (P = 0.03, Table 1). Bromusgrew better with inocula from Bromus -invaded plots (i.e., positive PSF), while the reverse was true for Koeleria (Table 1). Collectively, these contrasts between our two plant species provide further evidence for the species-specific nature of plant response to microbial community structure.