Agaricus arvensis fairy rings increase Leymus chinensis biomass and quality by microbial mechanisms in a typical steppe in northern China
Fairy rings are concentric bands of vegetation that develop as soil fungi expand radially. Because species coexistence in grasslands is regulated by several environmental factors and by interactions within the soil microbial community, fairy rings have a significant impact on plant yield and quality. This study focuses on Agaricus arvensis fairy rings at a study site located in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, The mechanisms underlying the influence of fungi and bacteria on plant yield and quality were evaluated using measurements of vegetation characteristics and soil physicochemical properties and by high-throughput sequencing methods. The results indicate that fairy rings alter plant communities, increase the importance value of Leymus chinensis, alter the diversity and community composition of soil bacteria and fungi, and significantly improve plant yield and quality. Bacteria play a major role in influencing plant yield and quality, especially in the 10-20 cm soil layer. Soil microorganisms promote plant yield and quality in fairy rings by secreting organic acids, which increases the availability of soil phosphorus. This research provides data to support the potential agricultural value of developing fairy rings.