Underground Explorers

Charcoal production in southern Mozambique’s mopane woodlands, dominated by Colophospermum mopane, has led to widespread ecosystem disturbance. These woodlands, which are ecologically and economically significant, are increasingly degraded due to overharvesting and expanding urban charcoal demand. This study explores how such disturbances affect the diversity and composition of mycorrhizal fungal communities, which are vital for soil health and vegetation regrowth. Using a chronosequence approach in the Mabalane District (23.8478° S, 32.6249° E), we will assess fungal communities across abandoned charcoal kiln sites of varying ages and compare them to pristine mopane areas. Soil samples will be collected from 80 plots and analyzed using ITS region metabarcoding, with fungal identification performed via the UNITE database. Vegetation surveys will complement fungal data to examine regeneration patterns. Our research aims to determine whether passive restoration can support fungal and ecosystem recovery. Outcomes will inform sustainable land-use practices, conservation efforts near key biodiversity areas such as Kruger National Park, and policies aligned with REDD+ objectives. By integrating ecological, molecular, and spatial data, this work supports strategies for balancing charcoal production with the long-term resilience of mopane ecosystems—benefiting local livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and broader environmental sustainability in semi-arid southern Africa.