Underground Explorers

Kelud mountain is a volcanic ecosystem that experiences regular eruptions, resulting in disturbance gradients that influence plant regeneration and subterranean biodiversity. This project will investigate the fungal communities present in the roots and soil associated with Parasponia sp., a pioneer species, at three different disturbance gradients (high, intermediate, and reference). Roots and soils will be sampled using the SPUN protocol, accompanied by characterization of the soil's physicochemical properties. Through DNA metabarcoding, the project will examine the diversity and composition of fungal communities associated with roots along the disturbance gradient as well as their interaction with fungal communities in the soil.