Richness of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Under Different Agroforestry Practices in the Drylands of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract The conversion of an agroforestry based agricultural system to monocropping farming system influences the distribution and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The objective of this paper was to analyze AMF species diversity, spore density and root colonization across different agroforestry practices (AFP) in southern Ethiopia. Soil and root samples were collected from homegarden, cropland, woodlot, and trees on soil and water conservation based AFP. AMF spores were extracted from the soil and species diversity evaluated using morphological analysis and root colonization from root samples. The spore density, root colonization and the composition of AMF were significantly different among the AFP (P < 0.05). In this study, a total of 43 AMF morphotypes belonging to 11 genera were identified, dominated by Acaulospora (32.56%) followed by Claroideoglomus (18.60%). Homegardens had the highest spore density (7641.5 spore100 g− 1 dry soil) and the lowest was recorded in croplands (683.6 spore100 g− 1 dry soil). Woodlot had the highest root colonization (54.75%) followed by homegarden (48.25%). The highest isolation frequency (63.63%) was recorded for Acaulospora scrobiculata. Distribution of AMF species and diversity were significantly related to soil total nitrogen and organic carbon. The homegarden and woodlot AFP were suitable for soil AMF reserves and conservation.