Fungal diversity and functional insights in fish waste amended soils: A Review on isolation and identification approaches

Background: The increasing application of fishery waste as an organic soil amendment has drawn attention to the role of soil fungi in its biodegradation and nutrient recycling. However, comprehensive insights into the fungal communities associated with fish waste-treated soils, their identification techniques, and their ecological functions remain fragmented. Objectives: This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on (i) fungal species isolated from fish waste-amended soils, (ii) the methodologies used for their isolation and identification, and (iii) their contributions to soil health, nutrient mobilization, and potential biotechnological applications. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 90 peer-reviewed research articles were reviewed, focusing on both morphological and molecular (ITS-based) identification of fungi in fish waste-integrated soils. Particular attention was given to experimental protocols, diversity indices, and functional assays. Results: A wide array of fungal taxa, notably Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Geotrichum, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), have been identified in soils amended with fish waste. Morphological methods remain foundational, but DNA barcoding, especially via ITS region sequencing, is increasingly preferred for accurate taxonomic resolution. These fungi contribute significantly to organic matter decomposition, chitinase production, and enhanced plant growth through improved nutrient uptake. Conclusion: The integration of fishery waste with beneficial soil fungi offers promising avenues for sustainable agriculture and bioremediation. Advancements in molecular diagnostics are reshaping fungal identification, but standardization of methods is still needed. Future research should emphasize high-throughput sequencing, metagenomics, and global data sharing to map fungal biodiversity more precisely in such environments.