Drivers and abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in arid rangelands: role of host plants and soil conditions in Kerman, Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

2 Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are among the most influential soil microorganisms in dry rangelands, where water scarcity and nutrient limitations strongly shape plant–soil interactions. To investigate the effect of vegetation and soil characteristics on the distribution and dispersion of mycorrhizal fungi, 20 samples were collected from the rhizosphere soil of 11 rangeland plant species in 5 counties of Kerman province. Spore abundance showed notable variation among hosts, with higher densities beneath Artemisia sieberi, Peganum harmala, Cardaria draba, and Zoegea sp. Soil analyses revealed that pH and CaCO₃ content were the strongest constraints on AMF sporulation, while sandy-loam textures supported greater spore numbers and diversity. Diversity indices indicated a moderate but stable AMF community, particularly around perennial species whose persistent root systems appear to act as reservoirs for fungal populations. The findings reveal how host identity and long-term soil chemistry jointly influence AMF community structure in arid rangelands, providing essential information to support vegetation restoration efforts in calcareous dry regions.

Keywords

Journal of Advances in Plant Protection
Volume 2, Issue 2
December 2025
Pages 45-52

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