Warming and Reduced Rainfall Alter Fungal Necromass Decomposition Rates and Associated Microbial Community Composition and Functioning at a Temperate–Boreal Forest Ecotone
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When soil gets warmer and drier due to climate change, dead fungal biomass breaks down faster at first but slower overall compared to normal conditions. The microorganisms that decompose this fungal material change their composition and abilities depending on how long the decomposition has been happening. This study shows that climate change affects soil carbon cycling in complex ways that depend on timing and environmental conditions.