Mild to moderate drought stress reinforces the role of functional microbiome in promoting growth of a dominant forage species (Neopallasia pectinata) in desert steppe

Abstract

This study underscores the potential of SynComs in facilitating forage plants to combat drought stress in desert steppe. Mild to moderate drought stress stimulates SynComs to benefit the growth of <i>N. pectinata</i> plants, despite a soil moisture threshold (21% WHC) exists for the microbial effect. The use of SynComs provides a promising strategy for the ecological restoration and sustainable utilization of desert steppes by manipulating the functional microbiome of forage plants.