Kabir Peay

Papers

Total Citations

1,035

H-Index

About

Kabir Peay is a leading ecologist whose research bridges the fields of microbial ecology, plant biology, and global change. His work centers on understanding the functional roles of soil fungi—particularly mycorrhizal symbionts—in shaping plant communities and ecosystem processes. Peay’s major contributions include demonstrating how fungal networks mediate plant coexistence and nutrient cycling, and how these interactions respond to environmental shifts like climate change and nitrogen deposition. His highly cited 2018 paper, “Core microbiomes for sustainable agroecosystems” (over 1,000 citations), has been pivotal in translating microbial ecology into agricultural practice, proposing that stable microbial communities can be harnessed to reduce fertilizer use and enhance crop resilience. Peay’s research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of the hidden fungal drivers beneath our feet, showing that the invisible networks of mycorrhizal fungi are as critical to ecosystem health as the plants they support. His work is widely recognized for its integration of field experiments, molecular tools, and theoretical models, making him a key voice in the push to incorporate microbial dynamics into conservation and land management strategies.