Microbial activity in the rhizosphere of Pistacia atlantica seedlings grown in V-shaped microcatchments for ecosystem rehabilitation
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Abstract
In this study, within the scope of ecosystem rehabilitation, the microbial activity in the rhizosphere of Pistacia atlantica Desf. seedlings grown in V-shaped microcatchments, which are used as rainwater harvesting techniques, was studied in areas experiencing water scarcity and where afforestation efforts have failed. To improve seedling survival rates, treatments including mycorrhizal fungi, polymer, and osmoprotectant were applied. The experiment was conducted in 75 V-shaped microcatchments located in İzmir–Ödemiş, İzmir–Karaburun, and Manisa–Mount Yunt, with soil samples collected during the spring and autumn seasons. Microbial respiration, total bacterial and fungal populations, Azotobacter sp. abundance, and key soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and catalase) were evaluated. Microbial populations and respiration rates were generally higher in spring than in autumn across all study sites. Mycorrhizal fungi application resulted in the highest increase in Azotobacter sp. populations, particularly in the Ödemiş region, indicating enhanced biological nitrogen fixation. Osmoprotectant application significantly increased dehydrogenase and catalase activities, reflecting improved microbial metabolic activity and stress tolerance. Polymer application primarily supported microbial respiration, likely through improved soil moisture retention. Combined polymer + osmoprotectant treatments produced more balanced and sustained improvements in microbial and enzymatic responses compared to single applications. Overall, mycorrhiza- and polymer-based soil amendments improved the biological quality of soils supporting Pistacia atlantica seedlings, highlighting their potential for afforestation and ecosystem rehabilitation in arid and semi-arid regions.
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