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Abstract Soil erosion has become one of the most common environmental problems and threatens food security. This study assessed the short‐term effect of tillage and mulch on soil redistribution using the beryllium‐7 method, soil moisture distribution, and soil organic carbon loss through soil erosion in typical agroecological conditions of Benin. The experiment was conducted on acrisols (at Dan) and ferralsols (at Za‐zounmè) in central Benin. Three tillage practices slope ridging (SR), contour ridging (CR), and no‐tillage (NT), and three mulch doses 0 (0 M), 3 (3 M), and 7 t ha−1 (7 M) on soil erosion under maize were investigated. The results showed a tillage and mulch interaction significantly (p

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the factors associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in intensive care unit (ICU) before and after an antimicrobial stewardship program. Materials: Monocentric retrospective cohort study. Patients admitted to the ICU in 2007–2014 were included. Characteristics of P. aeruginosa patients were compared to overall ICU population. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of P. aeruginosa patients before (2007–2010) and after (2011–2014) the beginning of the AMP were compared. Results: Overall, 5,263 patients were admitted to the ICU, 274/5,263 (5%) had a P. aeruginosa isolate during their staying. In 2011–2014, the percentage P. aeruginosa isolates reduced (7% vs 4%, P ≤ .0001). Patients with P. aeruginosa had higher rates of in-hospital death (43% vs 20%, P < .0001) than overall ICU population. In 2011–2014, rates of multidrug-resistant (11% vs 2%, P = .0020), fluoroquinolone-resistant (35% vs 12%, P < .0001), and ceftazidime-resistant (23% vs 8%, P = .0009) P. aeruginosa reduced. Treatments by fluoroquinolones (36% vs 4%, P ≤ .0001), carbapenems (27% vs 9%, P = .0002), and third-generation cephalosporins (49% vs 12%, P ≤ .0001) before P. aeruginosa isolation reduced while piperacillin (0% vs 13%, P < .0001) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (8% vs 26%, P = .0023) increased. Endotracheal intubation reduced in 2011–2014 (61% vs 35%, P < .0001). Fluoroquinolone-resistance was higher in patients who received endotracheal intubation (29% vs 17%, P = .0197). Previous treatment by fluoroquinolones (OR = 2.94, P = .0020) and study period (2007–2010) (OR = 2.07, P = .0462) were the factors associated with fluoroquinolone-resistance at the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Antibiotic susceptibility in P. aeruginosa isolates was restored after the reduction of endotracheal intubation, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, and third-generation cephalosporins and the increased use of molecules with a low ecological footprint, as piperacillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Abstract Background Top-soil microbiomes make a vital contribution to the Earth’s ecology and harbor an extraordinarily high biodiversity. They are also key players in many ecosystem services, particularly in arid regions of the globe such as the African continent. While several recent studies have documented patterns in global soil microbial ecology, these are largely biased towards widely studied regions and rely on models to interpolate the microbial diversity of other regions where there is low data coverage. This is the case for sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of regional microbial studies is very low in comparison to other continents. Results The aim of this study was to conduct an extensive biogeographical survey of sub-Saharan Africa’s top-soil microbiomes, with a specific focus on investigating the environmental drivers of microbial ecology across the region. In this study, we sampled 810 sample sites across 9 sub-Saharan African countries and used taxonomic barcoding to profile the microbial ecology of these regions. Our results showed that the sub-Saharan nations included in the study harbor qualitatively distinguishable soil microbiomes. In addition, using soil chemistry and climatic data extracted from the same sites, we demonstrated that the top-soil microbiome is shaped by a broad range of environmental factors, most notably pH, precipitation, and temperature. Through the use of structural equation modeling, we also developed a model to predict how soil microbial biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa might be affected by future climate change scenarios. This model predicted that the soil microbial biodiversity of countries such as Kenya will be negatively affected by increased temperatures and decreased precipitation, while the fungal biodiversity of Benin will benefit from the increase in annual precipitation. Conclusion This study represents the most extensive biogeographical survey of sub-Saharan top-soil microbiomes to date. Importantly, this study has allowed us to identify countries in sub-Saharan Africa that might be particularly vulnerable to losses in soil microbial ecology and productivity due to climate change. Considering the reliance of many economies in the region on rain-fed agriculture, this study provides crucial information to support conservation efforts in the countries that will be most heavily impacted by climate change. Video Abstract

Soil organic carbon storage in agricultural soil constitutes a crucial potential for sustainable agricultural productivity and climate change mitigation. This paper aimed at assessing soil organic carbon stock and its distribution in three particle size fractions across five cropping systems located in Kiti sub-watershed in Benin. Soil samples were collected using a grid sampling method on four soil depth layers: 0–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–40 cm in five cropping systems maize–cotton relay cropping (MCRC), yam–maize intercropping (YMI), teak plantation (TP), 5-year fallow (5YF) and above 10-year fallow (Ab10YF) from July to August 2017. Soil organic carbon stock (C stock) was estimated for the different soil layers and particle-size fractionation of soil organic matter was performed considering three fractions. The fractions coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM: 250–2000 µm), fine particulate organic matter (fPOM: 53–250 µm) and non-particulate organic matter (NOM: −1, while cultivated land under tillage MCRC depicted the lowest, C stock 11.48 Mg C·ha−1. The three organic carbon fractions showed a significant variation across the cropping systems with the NOM fraction holding the largest contribution to total soil organic carbon for all the cropping systems, ranging between 3.40 and 7.99 g/kg. The cPOM and fPOM were the most influenced by cropping systems with the highest concentration observed in Ab10YF and 5YF. The findings provide insights for upscaling farm management practices towards sustainable agricultural systems with substantial potential for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

Indigenous Glomales of Isoberlinia doka (Craib and Stapf) Woodland of Wari-Maro in Centre of Benin. This study described the indigenous glomalean diversity in Isoberlinia doka (Craib et Stapf) woodland of Wari-Maro for an amelioration of seedling for revegetation. To this end, the trap culture with Zea mays was undertaken using a 16 replicates and 7 treatments completely randomized design under greenhouse. The data obtained were calculated and statistically treated, at 5% of significance, and showed that the maxima of mycorrhizal root colonization and the number of spores were scored in soil under cultures. Six species of glomalean spores divided in 2 genera (Glomus and Scutellospora), 2 families (Glomaceae and Gigasporaceae) were counted and identified all around the forest. Scutellospora gregaria (46.6%, 54.2%, 46.6%) and Glomus aggregatum (52.3; 44.4%; 43.9%) respectively in forest, field and fallow are the two most prevalent species in the rhizosphere of Isoberlinia doka. The Shannon specific index of diversity and the equitability of Pielou indicated that the lowest values are obtained at Wari-Maro on fallow and highest one at Agbassa (fields and fallow). In conclusion, the best seedlings production sites of Isoberlinia doka are in Agbassa on fallow and in the fields.

Nitrogen deficiency is a major factor limiting crop production in most African agricultural soils. As legume, soybean can obtain a significant amount of its N requirement through symbiotic N2 fixation when inoculated with effective and compatible Bradyrhizobium strains. An on farmer's fields' study was carried out in Northern and Centre Benin to determine the effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains introduced in Benin cropping systems. Five inoculations treatments (control, FA3, STM3043, STM3045 and USDA110), two phosphorus levels (0 and 50 kg of P2O5 ha-1) arranged in split plot design were established in twelve farmers' fields. Each farmer represented one replication. Results indicated that inoculation with different Bradyrhizobia strains improved significantly (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) height, grain, biomass yield, nodulation, and nitrogen uptake of soybean but less than treatments where phosphorus application was combined to rhizobial inoculation. The most efficient strains identified were FA3 and STM3043 respectively in Northern and Centre Benin. In Northern Benin, the strain FA3 contributed to the increasing of 73% of the grain yield and 62% of the straw yield compared to the control, while in the Centre Benin the strain STM3043 was found to contribute to the increasing of 60% and 66% respectively of the grain and straw yields. Both strains FA3 and STM3043 could be used in cropping systems for improving soybean productivity in Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizosphere microorganisms, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), play a vital role in enhancing sustainable maize production. However, uncertainty persist regarding the influence of climate variables and soil properties on mycorrhizal colonization (MC) of maize and the abundance of AM fungal spores in the field. This study aimed to explore the environmental factors such as site climate variables, soil physicochemical properties and topography and vegetation variable, affecting the natural MC of maize and the density of AMF spores. The study hypothesizes that natural maize mycorrhizal colonization and AMF spore density vary significantly across different sites and agroecological zones. It further posits that climatic and edaphic variables predominantly explain the observed variation in mycorrhizal parameters. To assess the impact of these factors, a field study was conducted in 32 sites across three territories in the province of South Kivu, namely Kabare, Walungu, and Uvira. Rhizospheric soil and maize roots were collected from different sites. Maize MC varied significantly among sites, with Kabare and Walungu showing high colonization rates (52.1% and 44.7%, respectively) compared to Uvira (26.40%). Meanwhile, spore density was significantly higher in Uvira (1331.7 spores g-1 soil) than in Kabare (518.9 spores g-1 soil) and Walungu (468.58 spores g-1 soil). Correlation analysis indicated that maize MC was influenced by site climate and soil properties. The PLS-SEM model demonstrated that 76.5% (R2) of the total variance in maize root MC was explained by climatic variables and soil chemical properties. Compared to soil chemical properties, climate characteristics had a more pronounced impact on maize MC. Maize MC was inversely correlated with temperature, C and available P content, while being directly and positively correlated with altitude, rainfall, and base saturation rate. Furthermore, 68.5% (R2) of the spore density variability of AMF was explained by climatic variables and soil physical properties. Spore density was inversely correlated with sand and clay content, field capacity, rainfall, and altitude, while being positively correlated with temperature. The results of this study indicate that climatic conditions exert a more pronounced influence on the mycorrhizal colonization of maize and the density of AMF spores than soil characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an important cereal crop grown in arid and semiarid regions where water and other resources are limited. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have resulted in frequent droughts, which caused significant yield loss in sorghum. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in sorghum cultivation due to its resilience to climate change and potential source of food and income. The symbiotic interaction of sorghum with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has been found to induce several physiological and molecular changes that improve the ability of sorghum to withstand drought stress. This symbiotic relationship enhances water and nutrient uptake, osmotic adjustment, activation of stress‐responsive genes, stomatal regulation, and antioxidant defense, leading to improved drought tolerance in sorghum. Agricultural practices such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, intercropping, crop rotation, and the use of organic amendments promote the diversity and effectiveness of AM fungal symbiosis. Such agricultural practices create more favorable conditions for AM fungal establishment and growth while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. In this review, we highlight AM fungal symbiosis on sorghum growth, physiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of AM fungal symbiosis under moisture deficit conditions. Overall, the present review elucidates sorghum production and breeding success in Ethiopia, the symbiotic mechanisms between plants and AM fungi, the prospects of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture, the potential of AM fungal symbiosis as a sustainable approach to improve sorghum production and its synergistic effect with other crop management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the knowledge and perceptions as well as factors that influence the knowledge and perceptions of pineapple farmers towards organic farming in Uganda. Through multi-stage sampling procedures, purposive and random techniques were applied at different stages to select participants from both Luwero and Kayunga districts in central Uganda. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A composite index for knowledge and perceptions was computed for each respondent and subjected to descriptive statistics while the censored Tobit regression model was used to determine factors that influenced farmers' knowledge and perceptions of organic farming. Results showed that both organic and non-organic farmers had a high level of knowledge and favorable perceptions towards organic farming with no significant difference. Perceived environmental and economic benefits of organic farming did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) among organic and non-organic farmers. However, mean scores for perceived health and nutritional (4.30 vs. 3.94) benefits, and access to markets (4.10 vs. 3.89) differed significantly (p < 0.05) between organic and non-organic farmers. There was a positive and significant relationship between knowledge and perception of organic farming among non-organic farmers while for organic farmers, a significant and negative relationship was observed. Factors that significantly influenced farmers' knowledge were information sources and farmers' experiences. Farmer perceptions were influenced by education, information sources, group membership and extension services. Therefore, to enhance the adoption and growth of organic pineapple production in Uganda, policymakers and promoters should consider these factors when designing policy documents and sustainability strategies for the development of organic agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungus-growing termites cultivate their mutualistic basidiomycete Termitomyces species on a substrate called a fungal comb. Here, the Suicide Polymerase Endonuclease Restriction (SuPER) method was adapted for the first time to a fungal study to determine the entire fungal community of fungal combs and to test whether fungi other than the symbiotic cultivar interact with termite hosts. Our molecular analyses show that although active combs are dominated by Termitomyces fungi isolated with direct Polymerase Endonuclease Restriction - Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), they can also harbor some filamentous fungi and yeasts only revealed by SuPER PCR-DGGE. This is the first molecular evidence of the presence of non-Termitomyces species in active combs. However, because there is no evidence for a species-specific relationship between these fungi and termites, they are mere transient guests with no specialization in the symbiosis. It is however surprising to notice that termite-associated Xylaria strains were not isolated from active combs even though they are frequently retrieved when nests are abandoned by termites. This finding highlights the implication of fungus-growing termites in the regulation of fungi occurring within the combs and also suggests that they might not have any particular evolutionary-based association with Xylaria species.

The aim of this review was to collect current results on the effect of different plants grown as winter and summer cover crops (CC) on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and on the yield of cereal crops grown in a site with CC, using conservation soil tillage. The analyzed studies indicate that CC usually have a positive impact on the physical and biological properties of the soil. Regardless of the plant species used as CC, we can expect an increase in the number of soil microorganisms and an improvement in the activity of soil enzymes. This effect is particularly beneficial in the case of reduced tillage systems. Mixing CC biomass with the topsoil loosens compacted soils and, in the case of light, sandy soils, increasing the capacity of the sorption complex. The size and composition of CC biomass and weather conditions during the vegetation period and during the covering of the soil with plant biomass are of great importance for improving the chemical properties of the soil. A beneficial effect of CC, especially legumes, on the content of the mineral nitrogen in the topsoil is usually observed. Sometimes, an increase in the content of available forms of potassium (K) and/or phosphorus (P) is also achieved. The effect of CC on the content of soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), or soil pH is less common. CC used in reduced tillage systems can significantly improve the yield and quality of cereal grain, especially when legumes are used as CC in low-fertility soil conditions and at low fertilization levels. However, non-legumes can also play a very positive role in shaping soil properties and improving cereal yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of persistent soil degradation in Benin caused by poor agricultural practices, including excessive use of chemical fertilizers, it is urgent to find solutions that take into account the microorganisms of interest. This study aimed to assess the effect of combining three strains of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on maize production in northern Benin. The study involved 34 growers in Ouénou, Bagou and Kokey. The experimental setup consisted of three elementary plots with three treatments. Growth parameters were measured every 15 days, from the 15th to the 60th day after sowing, on ten plants per plot. Plant nutritional status, grain yield and mycorrhization were measured. The results showed that biostimulant + 50% NPK_Urea (N = nitrogen, P = phosphorus and K = potassium) had similar positive effects on growth parameters to those induced by the application of 100% NPK_Urea. Gains of 30.25% to 36.35% were recorded in plant height at Kokey. On the other hand, biostimulant+ 50% NPK_Urea induced a better phosphorus uptake of 21.08% to 27.77%. In addition, the grain yield of mycorrhizal plants was 8.37% higher than that of plants receiving 100% NPK_Urea at Ouénou. These results show that this technology could be integrated into the agricultural system to promote sustainable maize growing in Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies, are prevalent public health issues in developing countries, with children under 5 years old and breastfeeding women being the most affected in Senegal. Agronomic approaches, including soil fertilization and microbial biotechnology, are used to alleviate these deficiencies, yet challenges persist due to poor nutrient availability in staple food crops like pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.). Methods: This study aimed to assess the contribution of one arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) strain, Glomus mosseae, to the bioavailability of micronutrients (zinc and iron) in pearl millet biomass. Four pearl millet accessions from the National Laboratory for Research on Plant Production (LNRPV) collection were inoculated with G. mosseae obtained from the Common Microbiology Laboratory (LCM), with four replications. Gaussian regression tests were employed to analyze the data and determine correlations between AMF concentration and micronutrient bioavailability. Results: The results indicate that the combination of Glomus mosseae inoculation and organic residual products improved growth parameters and micronutrient absorption in pearl millet accessions. Analysis revealed significantly greater iron, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium contents in the foliar biomass of mycorrhizal pearl millet plants compared to nonmycorrhizal plants (control). Inoculation with AMF facilitated micronutrient absorption, particularly iron and zinc, not only in roots but also in aerial parts of the plants. Discussion: These findings suggest that incorporating AMF and organic residual products in millet cultivation could be a viable strategy for enhancing plant development and increasing iron and zinc contents in varieties. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying AMF-mediated nutrient uptake and optimize their use in agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal environment represents a special site for human and economic activities. The population growth in this area has led to strong urbanization and, therefore, to the establishment of small-scale vegetable farms to feed the growing urban and peri-urban populations. This is an opportunity for youth employment and reduce poverty as this activity generates reliable incomes. However, in recent years, climatic changes and rapid urbanization have influenced agricultural activities in this area. The aim of this study was to characterize market gardening systems along the coastal area of Benin and understand farmers' perceptions and adaptation strategies in response to the ongoing environmental changes. Data was collected from 130 farms using individual semi-structured questionnaires. A principal component analysis (PCA), K-Mean multivariate classification and statistical inference were used for data analysis. Three farm groups were identified from the hierarchical bottomup classification: modern coastal farms (MCF, 59.24%), small-scale intra-urban farms (SIF, 35.38%) and traditional co-managed lowland farms (TCF, 5.38%). The perceived environmental changes were mainly temperature increases, strong winds and migration to another farmland. The criteria differentiating the groups were strong winds and variation in the start date of the rains (p < 0.05). According to current strategies farmers in groups 1 and 2 preferred crop diversification, those in group 3 moved their farms. Future strategies range from the early sale of crops to the use of modern watering equipment to the cessation of farming. Thus, sustainable farm management requires the involvement of decentralized structures and local stakeholders to maintain the livelihoods of local populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Agricultural practice is considered as main factor affecting land degradation in several regions in Vietnam. However, there are limited studies relating to degraded soil properties and their soil fertility. This paper aimed to evaluate the degradation of agricultural soil under different land management practices. Methods: A total of 80 samples at 0-10 cm of agricultural soil were collected to analyze selected physicochemical properties. The group of degradation soil properties was classified based on their soil fertility using principal component analysis. Result: The results showed that physicochemical properties in agricultural soil along coastal regions were relatively lower than in hilly regions/secondary forests. High ratio of C:N in agricultural soil was because of degradation. The organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous contents were low in the soil in lowland areas indicating a high level of degradation (1.43%, 0.09% and 0,04%, respectively). The samples classified into four groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) using principal component analysis indicated differences in soil properties due to degradation. Insufficient and excessive application of inorganic fertilizer could be a further reason affecting the status of soil properties. Overall, soil physicochemical properties indicated poor conditions for agriculture systems, thereby, careful soil management is the primary solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional approach of prescribing phosphate fertilizer solely based on soil test P (STP) has faced criticism from scientists and agriculturists pushing farmers to seek phosphate fertilization models that incorporate additional factors. By embracing integrated approaches, farmers can receive more precise recommendations that align with their specific conditions and fertilization techniques. This study aimed to utilize artificial intelligence prediction to replicate soybean response curves to fertilizer by integrating edaphic and climatic factors. Literature data on soybean response to P fertilization were collected, and the Random Forest (RF) algorithm was applied to predict response curves. The predictions utilized seven predictors: P dose, STP, soil pH, texture, % OM, precipitation, and P application methods. These predictions were compared to the traditional STP-based approach. The STP-based P prescription models exhibited extremely low robustness values (R2) of 1.53% and 0.88% for the PBray-1 and POlsen diagnostic systems, respectively. In contrast, implementing the RF algorithm allowed for more accurate prediction of yield gains at various P doses, achieving robustness values of 87.4% for the training set and 60.9% for the testing set. The prediction errors remained below 10% throughout the analysis. Implementing artificial intelligence modeling enabled the study to achieve precise predictions of the optimal P dose and customized fertilization recommendations tailored to farmers' specific soil conditions, climate, and individual fertilization practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion has become one of the most common environmental problems and threatens food security. This study assessed the short‐term effect of tillage and mulch on soil redistribution using the beryllium‐7 method, soil moisture distribution, and soil organic carbon loss through soil erosion in typical agroecological conditions of Benin. The experiment was conducted on acrisols (at Dan) and ferralsols (at Za‐zounmè) in central Benin. Three tillage practices slope ridging (SR), contour ridging (CR), and no‐tillage (NT), and three mulch doses 0 (0 M), 3 (3 M), and 7 t ha−1 (7 M) on soil erosion under maize were investigated. The results showed a tillage and mulch interaction significantly (p < 0.05) influencing the soil redistribution, the loss of total carbon, the carbon of the particulate organic matter (C_POM), and the carbon content of the fine organic matter (C_MOM). High soil erosion was observed under SR0M (−10.19 t ha−1) at Dan and under NT0M (−7.36 t ha−1) at Za‐zounmè. NT7M (0.80 t ha−1), SR7M (0.69 t ha−1), CR3M (2.07 t ha−1), and CR7M (4.05 t ha−1) showed deposition at Dan, while SR7M (0.23 t ha−1), NT7M (1.69 t ha−1), and CR7M (3.93 t ha−1) showed deposition at Za‐zounmè. C_MOM was lost on both sites. Mulch increases soil moisture for all three tillage treatments, and this effect is well pronounced especially if the amount of mulch is great. This study revealed useful information to be taken into consideration when developing soil and water conservation management strategies in Benin. Core Ideas: The application of 7Be provides accurate information on the effects of land management on soil erosion rates.Contour ridging and no‐tillage combined with 3–7 t ha−1 of mulch reduced soil erosion and increased soil moisture.Fine organic matter was the most lost.To have real benefit from mulch, a 3–7 t ha−1 should be applied.There is a positive correlation between soil erosion and the loss of organic carbon fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigated urban agriculture (IUA) is important for urban food systems and livelihoods but has many unknown socio-technical configurations. This article examines the dynamics of farm irrigation and associated sociotechnical arrangements in the Nairobi catchment. The research shows that there are five principal forms of IUA, differentiated according to land sizes, water sources and suitability, technicality, actors, and market orientation. The city service does not provide arrangements for hydraulic infrastructure or agricultural extension, and state agencies do not take IUA practices into account. The complexity of the socio-technical configurations calls for flexible governance arrangements that go beyond the established models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution is a growing global concern and one of the most challenging environmental issues today, involving the human sector as well. Innovative soil remediation strategies are needed to conserve the natural resources of the environment. Endophytes are present in all plants species, living symbiotically in a continuum dynamic mutualism. Among multiple changing roles, safeguarding the host in terms of increasing resistance to abiotic factors has been widely demonstrated. Following these physiological changes, host plants have beneficial potential in degrading pollutants from contaminated soils. Enzymes produced by host plants along with endophytes may also, degrade macromolecule compounds into small molecules or convert more toxic substances into less toxic substances to increase their adaptability. Phytoremediation technology with endophyte fungi is an ecological alternative strategy that has been documented as a promising technology for remedying contaminated soils. This review article aims to piece together the physiological, chemical and genetical mechanisms employed in phytoremediation techniques mediated by endophytic fungi and highlight the importance of the plant-microbiome ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of an agroforestry based agricultural system to a monocropping farming system influences the distribution and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The aim 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 was evaluated using morphological analysis and root colonization from root samples. The AMF spore density, root colonization and composition were significantly different among the AFP (P < 0.05). In this study, 43 AMF morphotypes belonging to eleven genera were found, dominated by Acaulospora (32.56%), followed by Claroideoglomus (18.60%). Home gardens 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. The 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 reserve and conservation. Article highlights: The homegarden and woodlot agroforestry practices are the best alternative mechanisms for conservation of soil AMF biodiversity. The agroforestry practices that are known with high surface vegetation cover results in conservation of soil AMF. The agricultural practices such as scattered trees on farm-based systems with intensive tillage impacts soil AMF communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]