Abstract

The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be a critical factor in enhancing both the productivity and the diversity of plants in ecosystems, and the plants in the ecosystem also strongly influence the occurrence of these fungi. The relationships between different land use systems and AMF communities in the semi-arid region of the State of Paraíba, NE Brazil were evaluated. The experiment followed a split-plot randomized block design, with four replicates. The main plots were defined by the presence or absence of trees (gliricidia and maniçoba), while the split plots were defined by three land use systems: 1) traditional cropping of maize + beans, 2) buffel grass pasture, and 3) prickly pear forage crop. The presence of trees increased sporulation, mycorrhizal colonization and the production of infective propagules of AMF in all three land use systems. Greater production of glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) occurred in the prickly pear plots regardless of the presence or absence of trees. Species belonging to the Glomus genus predominated regardless of the presence of trees, land use systemor soil sampling period.

Highlights

  • In the semi-arid region of Brazil there are many tree species adapted to the environmental conditions that could provide diverse products if cultivated in agroecosystems

  • In the absence of gliricidia and maniçoba trees, there was no significant difference between land use systems regarding spore number for either sampling period

  • Greater arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species richness was observed in the traditional land use systems, i.e., those without trees present

Read more

Summary

Introduction

In the semi-arid region of Brazil there are many tree species adapted to the environmental conditions that could provide diverse products if cultivated in agroecosystems. Human population growth, the land tenure system and the succession of commercial cultivars have exerted strong pressures on these natural resources, on the native dry forest (SABOURIN et al, 2000). Agronomy process in the semi-arid region of Paraíba is the near elimination of the native vegetation and a decrease in the presence of tree species in existing agroecosystems (LIMA; SIDERSKY, 2002). Many studies indicate that the elimination of tree cover usually results in accentuated decreases in soil organic matter and nutrient contents and, increased erosion rates (SAMPAIO; MENEZES, 2003). To minimize the fragility of the production systems as well as the loss of trees in the semi-arid

Objectives
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call