Spatial Structuring of Soil Fungal Diversity Associated with <i>Ziziphus lotus</i> (Rhamnaceae) in Arid Agricultural Soils.

ABSTRACT: Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., (Rhamnaceae) a resilient shrub native to Moroccan's arid regions, functions as a keystone species by creating microhabitats that buffer temperature extremes, retain soil moisture, and accumulate organic matter. However, its role in structuring soil fungal diversity and community composition in these environments remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the spatial distribution of fungal communities associated with Z. lotus in barley-planted and non-planted fields. Soil samples were collected at 0, 3, and 6 m from shrub clusters during the barley harvest. The fungal community was dominated by Ascomycota (93.5%). Alpha diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener and Simpson) were significantly higher near shrub bases (0 and 3 m) compared to more dista

SUBMITTER: Radouane N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12654320 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature