Work

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Their Relationships with the Soil Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Ancient Trees in Blue-Crowned Laughingthrush Habitats

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The fragile ancient ‘Shuikoulin’ forests, which provide critical habitats for the critically endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush, are increasingly degraded by soil contamination and heavy metal pollution. This study examines the rhizosphere environment of four key ancient tree species in the bird’s core habitat, focusing on soil properties, heavy metal accumulation, and the structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities. The results revealed that Liquidambar formosana showed the highest total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AP), whereas Quercus chenii had the lowest soil organic matter (SOM). The primary heavy metal contaminant across all tree species was Cd (Igeo > 2), followed by the metalloid As. We detected 41 AM fungal species spanning 7 genera, with Glomus dominating (84.19% relative abundance). OTU richness was highest in Cinnamomum camphora and L. formosana (110 each), followed by Q. chenii (88) and Castanopsis sclerophylla (75). Structural equation modeling indicated that soil nutrients (TN, TP, AP, SOM) suppressed the accumulation of V, Cr, Ni, and Cu, thereby indirectly favoring Glomus and Paraglomus. In contrast, higher pH and total potassium (TK) levels promoted Co and Zn bioavailability and negatively affected Acaulospora and other minor genera. Tree species identity directly modulated these interactions. Our findings demonstrate that ancient tree species shape AM fungal assembly through distinct rhizosphere geochemical niches, providing a mechanistic basis for restoring degraded habitats critical to endangered species conservation.

Source: Journal of Fungi

DOI: 10.3390/jof11110776

Authors: Hui Li, Pei Wei, Kongzhong Xiao, Wei Liu, Weiwei Zhang

Institutions: Jiangxi University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Jiangxi Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137