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Changes in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Community in the Roots of Eucalyptus grandis Plantations at Different Ages in Southern Jiangxi, China

Summary

This research examines how fungal partnerships with eucalyptus tree roots change as plantations age. Scientists found that two dominant fungal types, Paraglomus and Glomus, shift in abundance depending on the plantation age and soil nutrient levels. The study reveals that proper fertilization timing and understanding fungal communities can help improve plantation management and tree productivity in nutrient-poor soils.

Background

Eucalyptus grandis forms symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi that enhance plant adaptation in challenging environments. The evolution of AM fungal communities along plantation chronosequences and their relationship with soil properties remains poorly understood. This study examines how AM fungal communities change with eucalyptus plantation age in southern China’s red soil region.

Objective

To evaluate tree growth, soil properties, and root AM fungal colonization in E. grandis plantations of different ages (2-9 years), identify AM fungal community composition using high-throughput sequencing, and develop a structural equation model to understand relationships among trees, soil, and AM fungi.

Results

Total phosphorus and potassium in soil decreased initially then increased with stand age. AM colonization rates showed a similar pattern, reaching minimum values at 5-year-old stands. Paraglomus (70.1%) and Glomus (21.8%) dominated the AM fungal community. Community composition changed significantly with age, though diversity remained constant. Soil phosphorus and nitrogen content were key factors influencing dominant genera abundance.

Conclusion

Changes in AM fungal community composition correlate with soil property changes driven by tree growth. Paraglomus abundance was primarily limited by soil phosphorus content, while Glomus was influenced by available nitrogen (2-6 years) and soil bulk density (7-9 years). Results provide guidance for optimizing fertilization strategies and AM fungal inoculant applications at specific growth stages.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Chronosequence Field Study,
  • Source: PMID: 38921389, DOI: 10.3390/jof10060404
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