Ecological and Taxonomic Characteristics of Microscopic Fungi Distributed in Alluvial and Brown Soils of Georgia

Abstract

The study of soil microbial biodiversity is a priority area in modern ecological science. Although microscopic fungi are among the most diverse and eco logically active components of soils, information on their distribution, taxonomic composition, and ecological characteristics in Georgia remains scarce. This research provides a comparative analysis of the mycoflora in alluvial and brown soils from various pedological regions of Georgia. The study was conducted on alluvial and brown soils from Western, Eastern, and Southern Georgia. Alluvial soil samples were collected from three distinct microrelief zones within each region, within a depth of 10–20 cm, under maximum sterile conditions. Pure cultures of microscopic fungi were obtained using standard methods and stored in test tubes on slanted agar medium at 4 °C in a refrigerator. Taxonomic identification (to the genus level) was based on macro- and micromorphological characteristics, including the structure and arrangement of hyphae, conidia, and spores. The dominant genera identified in alluvial soils are Penicillium and Aspergillus. The distribution of other genera varied significantly among regions: in Eastern Georgia, xerotolerant fungi predominate; in Western Georgia hygrophilous and humus-loving taxa are prevalent; while in Southern Georgia, under mixed ecotonal conditions, representatives of both groups are present. The mycoflora of brown soils in Eastern and Southern Georgia was relatively similar, whereas in Western Georgia it differed markedly, likely due to the influence of local climate and the physicochemical properties of the soil. The results confirm that the taxonomic structure of soil mycoflora clearly reflects the combined effects of geographical location and abiotic factors. This underlines the bioindicator potential of soil fungal communities and their importance in the study of fundamental ecological processes.