How is the community of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi composed and ordered in phytophysiognomies in the transition between cerrado (savanna) and amazon biomes?

Abstract

Given the ecological complexity of the transition region between the Cerrado and Amazon biomes and the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as a soil biological component, the knowledge of the communities of these fungi in different phytophysiognomies of a biome is important for biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to identify and compare AMF communities between areas of Savanna Forested (SF) and Submontane Evergreen Seasonal Forest (SESF) in the transition region between the Cerrado and Amazon in the state of Mato-Grosso (Brazil). This region is one of the most extensive savanna-forest transitions in the world. By analyzing the relationships between soil attributes and phytophysiognomies, we demonstrated that the composition of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi community was similar among phytophysiognomies. However, there was a difference in total abundance of spores, which was higher in SF than SESF. The main factors related to total spore abundance were land surface temperature (positively) and silt content (negatively), whereas for mycorrhizal fungal species richness, the main factor was the phosphorus content of the litter (negatively). In terms of species, Glomus clavisporum, Glomus glomerolatum, and Glomus sp. Were associated with vegetation-related attributes.