Underground Explorers

This project aims to investigate how different land uses in the Gulf of Urabá affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities. The region’s diverse landscapes, ranging from mangrove forests to rainforests, face threats from deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, and pollution. By studying these impacts across varied locations—including agricultural zones, urban gardens, and conservation areas—the project seeks to understand the health of microbial communities, soil quality, and vegetation. The goal is to provide insights for sustainable management and conservation strategies. It is hypothesized that AMF diversity and abundance are lower in areas with intensive agriculture and increase toward conservation areas. This suggests a gradient effect where agricultural practices negatively impact beneficial soil fungi while promoting harmful microorganisms. The hypothesis highlights the significance of AMF in soil health and their potential use as bioindicators. The project will promote ecosystem sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation in the Gulf of Urabá. It aims to enhance local awareness and capacity for sustainable land management through educational initiatives.