Climate adaptation and sustainability in switchgrass: exploring plant-microbe-soil interactions across continental scale environmental gradients

Summary

This collaborative project, conducted from 2015 to 2024, addressed the need for sustainable, less carbon-intensive energy sources by exploring climate adaptation and sustainability in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as a biofuel feedstock. Researchers collected over 1200 genotypes and established common gardens at 13 locations across the US and Mexico, resequencing DNA to 40x coverage. Key findings include the mapping of 119 QTLs for biomass composition and 8 for stem anatomy, as well as identifying over 27,000 root-associated microbial variants and host genetic effects on over 400 microbial strains. Studies across 2017-2020 showed that nearly 90% of annual soil CO2 fluxes occurred during the growing season, and after five years, particulate organic matter carbon increased in surface soils across sites, while mineral-associated organic matter varied. Predictive models suggest switchgrass productivity could remain stable through 2041-2060 under future climate scenarios.

Key Facts

Source Document

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