Another study titled “Soil and Climatic Characteristics and Farming System Shape Fungal Communities in European Wheat Fields.” has been published. This collaborative research developed by some of our country leaders among the different regions, examines the role of soil fungi in wheat farming across Europe through the study of 188 wheat fields across nine European pedoclimatic zones comparing both conventional and organic farming systems. It highlights how soil fungi, which play a pivotal role in decomposing plant residues and enhancing nutrient uptake, are shaped by both farming systems and environmental factors.
The key findings of this research emphasize that pedoclimatic zones are a significant factor in determining fungal community composition. Zones with cooler and wetter climates, along with low phosphorus and carbonate levels, exhibited higher fungal richness. However, the diversity and relative abundance of fungi varied within these zones, influenced by changes in farming practices. Soil pH and bulk density were found to be major factors, correlating with an increase in potential pathogenic taxa in Mediterranean zones, while promoting plant growth-promoting taxa in Boreal zones. Also this article, suggests that fungal endophytes could serve as indicators for organic farming in zones characterized by cool, moist climates and low available phosphorus content, while organic farming in drier, warmer regions may support mycorrhizae and potential pathogens.
These findings underscore the importance of regional climatic and soil conditions in shaping the fungal communities in European wheat fields and offer valuable insights into how farming systems influence soil health and biodiversity.
Read the full article for more detailed information here or in our scientific articles page
