Fungal biodiversity and metabolic potential of selected fluvisols from the Vistula River valley in Lubelskie, Poland

Abstract Analyses of the soil mycobiome, though limited, are needed to understand interactions in the ecosystem. We have attempted to assess structural and functional differentiation of fluvisol mycobiomes located in the Natura 2000 area in Vistula River valet in Lubelskie, Poland. The metabolic potential of mycobiomes was analysed using Biolog® FF Plates™, structural differentiation was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the glomalin content in selected soils was determined. The obtained results showed differences between mycobiomes of the examined fluvisols. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were identified as the dominant phyla. In addition, 51 genera common to the examined fluvisols were identified. The highest content of glomalins and nutrients (organic and total carbon, organic matter) was recorded in sample F1 – medium fluvisols, while metabolic activity and structural differentiation were highest in sample F3 – very light fluvisols. The very light fluvisols (F3), with the smallest nutrient reserves, are characterised by the greatest fungal biodiversity. These results suggest that a greater variety of fungi and their synergistic effects can ensure the survival of the entire mycobiome in a less fertile soil environment.