Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Identification and characterization of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plants growing under organic and conventional farming conditions in Oman

Ali Al-Hinai; Rhonda Janke; Ewald Sieverding; Muhammad Farooq; Daniel Menezes-Blackburn

Soil & Environmental Health · 2025

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Summary

This study investigates native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities in agricultural soils and plant roots across organic and conventional farming systems in Oman, a region where AMF diversity under contrasting management regimes is poorly documented. By identifying and characterising indigenous AMF species, the paper likely provides baseline data on how farming practice influences below-ground fungal symbiont communities in an arid to semi-arid context. The findings are expected to contribute to understanding of how agricultural intensification affects soil biological communities in the Arabian Peninsula.

UK applicability

The findings are specific to arid conditions and farming systems in Oman and are not directly transferable to UK agriculture; however, the broader principle that organic management tends to support greater AMF diversity has relevance to UK debates on soil health, reduced agrochemical use, and agri-environment schemes.

Key measures

AMF species identification and richness; root colonisation rates (%); spore density; farming system comparison (organic vs conventional)

Outcomes reported

The study likely identified and characterised native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species associated with plant roots under organic and conventional farming conditions, comparing species richness, diversity, and colonisation rates between the two management systems.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & biodiversity
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Oman
System type
Arable / mixed horticulture
DOI
10.1016/j.seh.2025.100140
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-039

Topic tags

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