Soil: Fungal metabarcoding / biomonitoring

ITS eDNA testing provides a robust and efficient method for monitoring fungal biodiversity in soil ecosystems, offering ecologists and conservationists a non-invasive approach to assess fungal communities in terrestrial environments. By targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of fungal ribosomal DNA, this technique enables the identification and quantification of a wide range of fungal species, including those that are difficult to detect using traditional soil sampling methods. Fungi are integral to soil health, playing key roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and the formation of symbiotic relationships with plants. ITS eDNA testing allows for comprehensive surveys of fungal diversity in soil environments, providing valuable insights into soil ecosystem dynamics without the need for invasive sampling that may disrupt the delicate balance of soil microbiomes.

For conservationists and land managers, ITS eDNA testing offers an invaluable tool for detecting shifts in fungal communities that could indicate soil degradation, pollution, or changes in land use. Early detection of such changes is crucial for informing restoration efforts and ensuring the long-term health of soil ecosystems. This method is particularly beneficial for monitoring soil health across large or remote areas, where traditional sampling may be labor-intensive or impractical. By incorporating ITS eDNA testing into their ecological monitoring programs, conservationists gain a more accurate and holistic understanding of fungal populations, which is essential for making informed decisions on land management and biodiversity conservation, ultimately supporting the resilience and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems.