Temporal changes in plant–soil feedback effects on microbial networks, leaf metabolomics and plant–insect interactions

The importance of plant–soil feedbacks (PSF) for above-ground and below-ground multitrophic interactions is well recognized. However, most studies only condition soil a short time before testing the feedback response. Here we investigate influence conditioning on microbiome composition, plant growth metabolomics, plant–insect interactions. We used collected from large outdoor mesocosms with monocultures six species investigated temporal changes in over full year. Every 2 months, assessed legacy effects soils one (Jacobaea vulgaris) climate-controlled chamber. Each tissue culture plants that were genetically identical. also measured leaf herbivore performance metabolomes, as abiotic biotic properties. show monoculture harboured different microbiomes, but these varied time. Growth test grew consistently less their own soil. metabolome consistent strongly Networking analysis showed bacteria had stronger than fungi early on. after 12 months conditioning, fungal community composition explained metabolomic profiles leaves. Insect herbivory was not affected by decreased increasing conditioning. Synthesis. Our results biomass response to remained throughout year, even though both responses conditioned greatly These soil-induced can be an important driver nature. study demonstrates duration has strong impact properties, which highlights variation aspect consider future investigating