Soil Microfungi Diversity from an Alkaline-Sodic Wetland

Abstract

Salt marshes are habitats in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and open saltwater or brackish water regularly flooded by tides. Consequently, various environmental factors restrict their biodiversity and productivity. They are of concern due to global change as they are highly vulnerable to the predicted sea-level rise. Numerous studies have investigated the fungal assemblages from salt marshes of various biomes worldwide; however, the microfungi diversity from Campos del Tuyú National Park (Argentina) salt marshes has not been previously studied. Therefore, we assessed the fungal assemblages from an alkaline-sodic salt marsh in this reserve. Soil samples were collected from three sites in summer, autumn, winter, and spring during two consecutive years and processed with two culture-dependent methodologies. Soil factors such as ion charge, electrical conductivity, and texture differed between sites. We recovered 87 fungal taxa. No significant differences were observed between seasons. The soil´s richness of active microfungi was low, possibly conditioned by soil texture and organic matter. Our study provides a preliminary basis for future research on the impact of climate change on the ecology of microfungi in an alkaline-sodic marsh of a reserve with biogeographical, environmental, cultural, and historical value.