Comparative Analysis of Soil Fungal Profiles in Healthy and Diseased Duku (Lansium domesticum Corr.) Plantations at Different Altitudes in Jambi Province, Indonesia

Soil fungal communities significantly contribute to the health and productivity of plants, with their compositions influenced by plant disease presence at various altitudes. This study compares the variations in soil fungal diversity between healthy and diseased duku (Lancium domesticum Corr.) plantations in Jambi, Indonesia.

This study examines the potential fungal indicators on soil health, concentrated on four sites representing various altitudes: Kumpeh (10,32 m asl), Rano (5,80 m asl), Koto Rami (623,46 m asl) and a location of the Diseased site (194,01 m asl). The fungal communities were analyzed using DNA sequencing and the NCBI ITS RefSeq database.

The dominant fungal phyla across all sites were Ascomycota, most abundant in the low-altitude from Kumpeh and Basidiomycota, primarily present in the high-altitude from Koto Rami. Mucoromycota and smaller groups like Zoopagomycota were also identified. The high-altitude site at Koto Rami showed high water content and organic matter, which may have supported a unique soil microbial community. The low-altitude site at Rano exhibited a neutral pH and well-balanced phosphorus levels, both of which encourage fungal activity. In contrast, the low-altitude samples from Kumpeh displayed higher levels of calcium and magnesium, low organic matter and a sandy texture, which may have restricted the fungal community. In the Diseased site, stress was detected as indicated by reduced moisture levels and heightened microbial activity, suggesting that certain microbes might adversely affect plant health. Overall, increased moisture and good organic matter in the soil can enhance fungal growth, while a neutral pH, adequate phosphorus and suitable soil texture can facilitate fungal diversity.