Using a community coalescence framework for predictive microbiome management

Microbial community coalescence - the merging of distinct microbial communities and environments - can lead to reassembled communities and unexpected ecosystem outcomes. Being deliberate about microbiome management requires accurate prediction of how the mixing of previously isolated microbiomes and environments, collide, reassemble, and function. The application of a coalescence framework is necessary for identifying mechanisms that are critical for putting theory into practice.