Underground Explorers

Tallgrass prairies are among the most endangered ecosystems in North America, with less than 4% remaining. Their deep-rooted plants sustain biodiversity, store carbon, and protect soils, but the mycorrhizal fungi that underlie these functions are poorly understood. This project will characterize arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities in two old-growth remnant prairies and evaluate the persistence and benefits of prairie-derived inoculants in an eight-year restoration experiment. Using LSU and SSU rDNA sequencing and soil analyses, we will compare fungal composition, hyphal density, and soil health across remnant, inoculum, and restored plots. Results will test whether reintroducing native AM fungi improves soil structure, plant establishment, and ecosystem resilience. By linking remnant prairie diversity to field-scale restoration outcomes, this research will provide actionable guidance for restoring tallgrass prairies and contribute to global efforts to rebuild threatened mycorrhizal networks that sustain resilient ecosystems.