On the response of plant-soil feedback to grass endophytes

Plant-soil feedback refers to plant growth that can be altered by the biological and abiotic characteristics of the soil. In turn, changes in soil properties can affect plant growth, thereby altering the structure and dynamics of plant communities. Studies have shown that the endophytic fungi of grasses have essential effects on plant-soil feedback. In this study, the effects of grass endophytes on the chemical properties of rhizosphere soil, rhizosphere microorganisms, plant competition, and ecological adaptation mechanism of host plants were reviewed. It was found that the presence of endophytes would affect soil nutrients, leading to changes in the soil organic carbon and soil total nitrogen content. The microbial biomass and microbial community in rhizosphere soil were affected by grass endophytes, resulting in different changes in gram-negative bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and glomalin. The endophytes participated in the life cycle of host plants and affected the intra- and inter-species competition, community structure, and species richness.