Biomasa de raíces finas y micorrizas arbusculares en tres humedales altoandinos de la provincia de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: Fine roots and their symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key components in the functioning of wetlands, due to their intervention in biogeochemical cycles and their alternative strategies in the construction of the subsurface absorbing surface. The objective of this study was to evaluate different degrees of environmental disturbance on the fine roots biomass and the percentage of arbuscular colonization in three high Andean wetlands in the province of Loja: Jimbura-Amaluza, Yacuambi-three lagoons, and Chinchilla Saraguro. Three soil depths were taken into account (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20- 30 cm. The results coincide with a higher mycorrhizal colonization and fine root biomass in the best preserved wetlands, Jimbura-Amaluza and Yacuambi-Tres Lagunas, in contrast to the most disturbed wetland, Chinchilla-Saraguro. The anatomical type of colonization was Paris, generally observed in natural ecosystems. In addition to AMF, dark septate endophytes, mostly reported in alpine ecosystems, were observed in all wetlands. The results will make it possible to compare the conservation status of the soil resource and propose possible sustainable management scenarios to guarantee freshwater supply.