Soil properties determining the occurrence of truffles <em>Tuber</em> spp.

Truffles are hypogeous Ascomycota fungi with high culinary potential, making them the most valuable non−timber forest products in the world. Their range varies considerably depending on the <em>Tuber</em> species. Our aim in this study is to survey soil properties that may be associated with truffles and influence their growth. We describe the soils conducive to fructification of some highly valued species of truffles: <em>Tuber magnatum</em>, <em>T. melanosporum</em>, <em>T. aestivum</em>, <em>T. macrosporum</em> and <em>T. mesentericum</em>. In this review we based on literature focused on typical soil structures associated with the natural occurrence and potential suitability for truffle cultivation across the 32 Reference Soil Groups. Currently, truffle orchards are gaining attention in agroforestry due to their economic value. In addition to the direct economic impact, the promotion of truffle cultivation (e.g. <em>T. aestivum</em> – species with high ecological plasticity) mutual goals of biodiversity conservation and improvement the rural economy could be achieved.