Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under the rhizosphere soil of different cropping systems surrounding Hawassa town, South Ethiopia

Abstract

This research was conducted to study the diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere of different plants at the vicinity of Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia. The rate of root colonisation and diversity of AMF in the rhizosphere soils of permanent crops, major annual crops, forest areas, and open grazing fields were investigated. It discovered 928 spores of 23 distinct AMF morpho-species in 12 AMF genera and 12 annual and perennial crops. The AMF genera identified were: Acaulospora, Cetraspora, Claroideoglomus, Dentiscutata, Diversispora, Funneliformis, Gigaspora, Glomus, Racocetra, Rhizophagus, Sclerocystis, and Scutellospora. In tomatoes grown inorganically, a compromised species richness may result from the extensive use of agrochemicals. Further research into the effects of agricultural inputs on the subsurface microbial population may be necessary, as this is outside the purview of this publication. When compared to all other land uses, the AMF beneath the rhizosphere soil of Eucalyptus trees has the largest biomass, with spore density of 1907.4{+/-}0.404 spores 100g-1 of dry soil. The lowest AMF biomass has been recorded in the rhizosphere soil of Mango tree, with spore density of 260.1{+/-}0.121 spores 100g-1 dry soil. The results of this study show that the mycorrhizal colonisation and spore density of the plants under investigation are decreased by monocropping, intense agricultural practises, and the application of inorganic fertilisers. Thus, it is thought that conservation agriculture, together with the development of plant species consortiums in agricultural polts, will preserve the biological diversity of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the integrity of the environment. Significance of the study to the field- plant species diversity is dependent on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity and density - AMF Favours environmental resilience, carbon sequestration, and improves soil structure - Application of inorganic agricultural inputs decrease, AMF diversity - AMF diversity is affected by land use change, environmental pollution and climate change