Effect of Physico-chemical Properties on Spore Density and Root Colonization of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Industrial Wastelands in Kota, Rajasthan

This study was conducted in selected industrial waste dump sites in the Kota district of Rajasthan, India to investigate the impact of various edaphic factors on spore density and root colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The current research shows that AMF root colonization rates were insignificantly negatively correlated with EC, soil temperature, P, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn but significantly positively correlated with soil pH, soil moisture, and insignificantly positively correlated with N and OC (P < 0.05). Spore density of mycorrhiza was insignificant and negatively correlated with soil moisture (P < 0.05), EC, soil temperature, P, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn but significantly positively correlated with soil pH and insignificantly positively correlated with N and OC.

Edaphic factors may influence the root colonization and spore density of mycorrhiza differentially. Except for pH and soil moisture, almost all other parameters have a very insignificant influence on mycorrhizal root colonization and spore density in industrial wastelands.