ACCE+ DLA programme: The role of mycorrhizal fungi in tree species coexistence under global change

Background: Biodiversity is declining across the globe, with accompanying changes in species composition. Changes in the diversity and composition of aboveground and belowground communities, as well as their interactions, can profoundly influence the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, it remains challenging to predict the response of ecosystems to global change due to the lack of understanding of the response of species interactions. Mycorrhizal symbioses play critical roles in mediating vegetation dynamics, however, few experimental tests have been conducted to examine how tree-mycorrhiza interactions interact with tree species diversity under global change. Even fewer tests have been conducted using tree species with different types of mycorrhizal symbionts [arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) vs. ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi] representing different resource-use and life-history strategies, even though many forests contain mixtures of AM and ECM hosts.

Objectives: This project aims to make a major step forward in our understanding of the effects of changing environments on species interactions that underpin biodiversity maintenance. It will investigate how global change influences interaction outcomes between AM and ECM tree species and therefore species coexistence. It has three major objectives:

1)     Quantify interaction outcomes between AM and ECM tree species under two of the most globally pervasive perturbations (i.e. drought and nitrogen enrichment) using mesocosm experiments and modelling approaches.

2)     Test whether experimental interaction outcomes between tree species are determined by tree functional traits, root exudates and soil microbial communities.

3)     Synthesize global datasets to examine the responses of AM and ECM tree species to multiple global change factors and predict the impacts of global change on forest community structure.

Timeliness: There are many major current reforestation/afforestation initiatives, such as in the framework of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), but with no real mechanistic understanding of how mixtures of tree species and mycorrhizal types will benefit forest ecosystem services and their resilience to global change. In this context, this project is highly relevant for developing new knowledge about maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in tree planation.

Training opportunities: The PhD student will gain training in forest ecology, community ecology, soil ecology, microbial ecology, big-data syntheses, and ecological modelling, with supervisory support from ecologists at the University of Liverpool and University of Lancaster. The PhD student will be supported to conduct experiments in Ness Botanic Gardens, present findings at scientific conferences, and travel to visit external supervisor and international collaborators.

How to Apply

Please see the ACCE website for all details of how to apply to the programme at each ACCE+ institution: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/. 

All applicants to ACCE+ must complete the ACCE+ personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a CV and the contact details of two referees.

Part-Time Study Options

All ACCE+ PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme. 

Project CASE Status

This project is not a CASE project. 

Candidate webinar

The project primary supervisor will hold a candidate Zoom webinar in December 2024 to discuss the project with interested candidates. Please register here if you would like to join!