The community of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in natural and revegetated coastal areas (Atlantic Forest) in northeastern Brazil

Soil fungi are the key elements in the maintenance of ecosystems, but they are not usually considered when assessing the impact of recovery practices. This study aimed to determine the community composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in natural and revegetated coastal areas of the so-called ‘restingas’ on the borderline of the tropical Atlantic Forests and to provide information on the recuperation of the soil mycobiota in recovering environments. Soil samples were collected in two consecutive years at four sites (two natural and two revegetated ‘restinga’ areas), and the fungal communities were identified. Thirty AMF species were identified. Species of Acaulospora and Glomus prevailed in both areas, and the revegetated areas had a higher species richness than the natural areas. The BIO-ENV analysis did not select any soil characteristics that could affect the AMF communities, but the ANOSIM indicated that the AMF communities differed between the ‘restinga’ areas (Rglobal = 0.621; p < 0.0001). Because the physico-chemical soil factors do not directly influence this relationship, these differences may be due to the biological soil–plant interactions between the areas. Funneliformis halonatus was an indicator of natural ‘restinga’ areas, but no species was an indicator of the revegetated areas. These areas had a higher species richness, demonstrating that revegetation contributed to the recovery and increased the AMF diversity. The results emphasized the importance of biodiversity inventories in coastal areas subjected to natural and anthropic pressures. These areas have rarely been studied from the point of view of soil microorganisms, and this study highlighted the need for conservation policies.