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Macrofungi Cultivation in Shady Forest Areas Significantly Increases Microbiome Diversity, Abundance and Functional Capacity in Soil Furrows

Summary

This research examines how growing mushrooms in forested areas affects soil health and microbial life. The study found that mushroom cultivation creates beneficial changes in forest soil, particularly in areas between mushroom beds called furrows. These changes improve soil fertility and support diverse microbial communities. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a sustainable way to produce food while maintaining forest health • Demonstrates how mushroom cultivation can improve soil quality in forest areas • Offers insights for small-scale farmers looking to diversify income through forest farming • Shows potential for enhancing forest ecosystem services while producing valuable crops • Contributes to understanding sustainable forest management practices

Background

Macrofungi cultivation, particularly of wine-cap mushroom (Stropharia rugosoannulata), is promoted in forestlands for economic and ecological benefits. While recent studies show it can improve soil properties, understanding of how cultivation modifies soil physicochemical properties, microbiome structure, and functionality in different microniches remains limited.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of Stropharia rugosoannulata cultivation on soil microbiomes in three niches: soil below fungal beds, soil from furrows, and control forest soil with no influence from mushroom cultivation. The study aimed to understand how cultivation affects soil chemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial communities.

Results

Nutrients accumulated significantly in soil below fungal beds, with increases in SOC, total C, total N, available P, and enzyme activities. Soil furrows showed higher microbial diversity and richness compared to other areas. Microbiome abundance increased in furrows, along with enhanced functional capacity. The structure of microbiomes was significantly shaped among different niches, with distinct bacterial and fungal communities in each area. Soil moisture and available nutrients explained 59% of bacterial community variation and 46.2% of fungal community variation.

Conclusion

Macrofungi cultivation strongly impacts soil fertility and microbiome community structure in forest areas. Soil below fungal beds showed increased nutrients but not increased microbial diversity, while furrows acted as functional hotspots with higher microbial richness and abundance. The study reveals that mushroom cultivation in shady forest areas enhances soil fertility while significantly modifying the forest soil microbiome community structure.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Field Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof7090775
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