We will collect small (~5 cm diameter, ~10 cm depth) soil cores from within previously established Eschscholzia californica plots at Elliott Chaparral Reserve. These samples will be used to characterize the native soil microbiome and to conduct a reciprocal inoculation experiment in a controlled greenhouse setting. Specifically, soil microbiomes from Elliott (arid site) and McLaughlin Reserve (mesic site) will be used to inoculate sterilized soil in a full-factorial design testing plant ecotypes (arid vs. mesic), microbiomes (arid vs. mesic), and watering treatments (drought vs. well-watered). No plants, animals, or seeds will be collected at Elliott. Only small volumes of surface soil will be removed from existing experimental plots, which are already in use for long-term monitoring. No species or genotypes will be introduced at the reserve, and no lasting modifications to the environment will occur. Soil collection will be minimally invasive, avoiding visible disturbance and respecting sensitive habitats. Soil will be transported to UC Merced for DNA extraction and greenhouse experiments. This work will not impact animal populations or cultural resources.

Approved