Title: Unlocked nature beneficial of Trichoderma harzianum and Penicillium chrysogenum on soil health using Eleucine indica and Amaranthus spinosus plant growth in Singida, Tanzania
Abstract:
Soil fungi are vital components of terrestrial ecosystems, playing crucial roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and plant health. This study investigated the diversity and abundance of soil fungi in protected and non-protected areas of Mitundu and Mgandu wards, with a focus on their relationship with soil properties and potential to promote plant growth. A total of 60 soil samples were collected using systematic and random sampling methods at a depth of 0–30 cm. Soil parameters including total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (TP), exchangeable potassium (exch. K), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and pH were analyzed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in all soil parameters between protected and non-protected areas, except pH. Fungal isolation was conducted using serial dilution and plating on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), followed by incubation at 25°C. Protected areas exhibited significantly higher fungal colony numbers (158), colony-forming units (15.72 million), and fungal types (17) compared to non-protected areas (colony number 53, CFU 4.87 million, types 7). In total, 35 fungal species were identified in protected areas and 30 in non-protected areas, confirming that conservation enhances fungal diversity and abundance. Dominant fungal species included Trichoderma viride (37%), Penicillium chrysogenum (35%), and Trichoderma koningiopsis (32%), while less abundant species included Trichoderma hamatum (2.4%) and Aspergillus citrinum (5.6%). Additionally, the effect of indigenous fungi on the growth of Eleusine indica and Amaranthus spinosus was assessed. While most plant growth parameters did not show significant treatment differences, root length responded strongly (P < 0.001), and with Amaranthus spinosus inoculated with Penicillium chrysogenum in Finger millet carrier materials (PAM) treatment significantly improving root development (24.62 cm) compared to control (10.27 cm). The Positive control (PCA) treatment also showed potential in enhancing branching. These findings underscore the importance of protecting natural ecosystems to maintain soil microbial diversity. Furthermore, integrating beneficial indigenous fungi with native plants can promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil fertility, and support ecosystem resilience. This study contributes valuable data on fungal biodiversity and their potential agricultural applications, emphasizing the ecological and economic benefits of soil conservation practices.
