Microbiological diversity and soil functionality in soils under forest species in Los Ríos province, Ecuador

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59169/pentaciencias.v8i2.1814

Keywords:

Tree species, fungi, bacteria, culture media

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the soil microorganisms associated with four forest plantations in Los Ríos Province, Ecuador: Triplaris cumingiana, Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, and Ochroma pyramidale. Soil samples were collected during the rainy season, between December 2024 and March 2025, at a depth of 0–20 cm. The experimental design included four treatments and three replicates. Bacterial and fungal populations, as well as proteolytic, amylolytic, and ammonifying functional groups, were evaluated. Data were transformed to Log10 and analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The results showed significant differences in microbial populations according to plantation type. Ochroma pyramidale presented the highest fungal diversity and the presence of the genus Penicillium at the 10⁻⁵ dilution. The highest proteolytic populations were recorded in Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis, while Gmelina arborea showed the greatest amylolytic activity and Tectona grandis exhibited the highest abundance of ammonifying microorganisms. These findings demonstrate the influence of forest species on soil microbial dynamics and functionality.

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Published

2026-05-21

How to Cite

Molina Zamora, L. D. ., Villanueva Morán , I. A. ., Calero Cedeño , D. I. ., Muñoz Vélez, C. A. ., & Valencia Ferrin , J. L. (2026). Microbiological diversity and soil functionality in soils under forest species in Los Ríos province, Ecuador . Revista Científica Arbitrada Multidisciplinaria PENTACIENCIAS - ISSN 2806-5794., 8(2), 458–470. https://doi.org/10.59169/pentaciencias.v8i2.1814

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