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Effects of food waste mulch on the physicochemical quality and fungal community diversities of desert soil in Southeast Iran

Summary

Researchers tested whether mulch made from food waste could improve desert soil in Iran. They mixed food waste with clay and water, then spread it on desert plots over five months. The mulch significantly increased organic matter and beneficial fungi in the soil, helping to stabilize the desert sand and potentially reduce both food waste and soil erosion. This approach could provide a sustainable solution for desert regions worldwide.

Background

In arid and semi-arid regions, mulching with various materials is an effective way to maintain soil surface coverage and reduce drought stress and erosion. Food waste represents a significant environmental burden, with approximately 30% of food converted to waste. This study investigates whether food waste mulch can improve desert soil properties while managing food waste sustainably.

Objective

The research aimed to determine the physicochemical alterations and fungal diversity changes resulting from the application of food waste mulch (FWM) to desert soil in the Jupar desert of southeastern Iran. The study assessed how organic matter from food waste could stabilize desert soil and influence fungal community composition.

Results

FWM significantly increased soil organic carbon (4.3 times) and nitrogen (5 times) compared to control soil. Eight fungal species from four genera were identified: Naganishia albida, Alternaria zantedeschiae, Scedosporium apiospermum, Cladosporium allicinum, Naganishia adeliensis, and Alternaria alternata. Most identified fungi were classified as plant growth-promoting fungi with soil-stabilizing properties through extracellular polymeric substance production.

Conclusion

Adding food waste mulch with 15% organic matter can partially increase soil fungal diversity and stabilize desert soil by enriching organic matter in eroding soils. The fungal consortium identified produces extracellular polymeric substances that help stabilize soil structure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making FWM a sustainable approach for desert soil management.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Field Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39565811; DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310518
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