Comparative Diversity of Saprotrophic Fungi in Mixed and Mono-dominant Forest Stands

We investigated the diversity of saprotrophic fungi in mixed tree communities of Douglas-fir and Bishop Pine compared to mono-dominant stands of both species. Soil cores were collected from three sites of each type, for a total of nine samples. By using DNA sequencing, we hypothesize that mixed communities exhibit higher saprotrophic fungal biodiversity due to the heterogeneity of mixed-tree plant litter. Our predictions should show that there are statistically significant differences between the three forest types, with mixed stands showing the greatest saprotrophic fungal diversity. This work highlights the ecological significance of forest management wit h i n heterogeneous plant communities. Research on these topics is especially important in regards to carbon sequestration as saprotrophic fungi play a major role in decomposition, which can alter carbon sequestration rates.