Root presence modifies the long‐term decomposition dynamics of fungal necromass and the associated microbial communities in a boreal forest

Recent studies have highlighted that dead fungal mycelium represents an important fraction of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) inputs stocks. Consequently, identifying the microbial communities ecological factors govern decomposition necromass will provide critical insight into how organic matter (OM) affects forest C nutrient cycles. Here, we examined colonising during a multiyear experiment in boreal forest, which included incubation bags with different mesh sizes to manipulate both plant root decomposer group access. Necromass-associated bacterial were taxonomically functionally rich throughout 30 months incubation, increasing abundances oligotrophic bacteria root-associated fungi (i.e., ectomycorrhizal, ericoid mycorrhizal endophytic fungi) late stages they had β-glucosidase activity was highest at 6 months, while leucine aminopeptidase peptidase 18 months. Based on asymptotic model, presence associated initial faster rate decomposition, but resulted higher amounts retained later sampling times. Collectively, these results indicate community composition enzyme activities decomposing remain dynamic years after input, roots their symbionts result slowing turnover time.