Diversity and association of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) in landslide-impacted area

Abstract

The lack of nutrient availability, organic matter, infiltration capacity, water holding capacity, and the increasing soil density are characteristics of a landslide-impacted area. Potential soil microbes such as indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi (AMF) should be used to rehabilitate the area. Therefore, diversity of AMF and its association with plant roots that colonize the land should be determined. The research location was in a landslide-impacted area of Mount Bawakaraeng, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Soil and plant root samples were collected from 2 types areas, namely (1) upstream (Lengkese village) and (2) downstream (Spoilbank of Bili-Bili dam). The results found 15 morphotypes of AMF spores including genus Acaulospora, Gigaspora, Scutellospora and Glomus. The spore density of AMF was low, i.e 837 and 1,495 in upstream and downstream areas respectively. Most of the pioneer plants that invaded the area were associated with AMF, indicated by 19.44-95.48% colonization level. The low density of spores proves that the impact of landslides has resulted in decreased soil biological properties. Meanwhile, the AMF colonization in pioneer roots indicated the association of mycorrhizal fungi is needed to help plant survival and improve the soil properties. Furthermore, landslide-impacted areas can be restored and used as agriculture areas.