Exploring the role of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for sustainable soil bio-conservation from Napun Gete Reservoir, Sikka District, Indonesia

Abstract. Jeksen J, Zubair H, Ahmad A, Tenriawaru N. 2025. Exploring the role of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for sustainable soil bio-conservation from Napun Gete Reservoir, Sikka District, Indonesia. Asian J Agric 9: 305-315. Soil conservation through biological methods, particularly the use of indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), presents a promising approach to sustainable land management. However, there is limited information on the role of indigenous AMF as agents of soil bio-conservation. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of indigenous AMF from Flores in enhancing soil conservation in the upper region of the Napun Gete Reservoir. A split-plot experimental design was employed, with soil depth (K1: 0-25 cm and K2: 25-50 cm) as the main factor and land unit types (13 units) as subplots. The AMF application followed a randomized block design with five inoculum doses of indigenous Flores AMF: control, 5 g per plant, 10 g per plant, 15 g per plant, and 20 g per plant. The result showed that a total of four AMF genera were identified, including Glomus (81.98%), Acaulospora (13.29%), Gigaspora (4.68%), and Entrophospora (0.05%). The highest spore density was recorded in land units with slopes >40%, Andisol soils, and secondary forest land use. Indigenous AMF application significantly affected mycorrhizal, soil, and crop cultivation variables. AMF treatment notably improved soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. This research confirms the potential of indigenous AMF as a viable agent for biological soil conservation, offering a sustainable approach to land management in the study area.