Diversity and Distribution of Soil-borne Fungi in the Agricultural Field of Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh, India

Soil is defined as a layer of weathered rock that, along with organic matter, contains essential minerals and nutrients. Soil contains a variety of fungi that have an impact on crop health and soil fertility. The use of chemical fertilizers on agricultural plants has a negative influence on both the environment and human health. In a survey of three different farms in Chaturbhata village of Sagar district, three soil samples were analysed using the serial dilution technique. The results revealed that 19 fungal species were isolated through the agar plate method. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of soil-borne fungi in the agricultural soils of Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Soil samples were collected from cultivated fields, and fungal isolations were obtained using serial dilution methods. The major genera identified included Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Drechslera, Cladosporium, Humicola, etc. Among these, Fusarium and Rhizopus are known pathogenic fungi. This study provides baseline information on the soil mycoflora of Sagar district, highlighting both beneficial and pathogenic fungal groups. Such knowledge is essential for understanding soil health, managing soil-borne diseases, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region