Abstract

Microfungi were isolated from soil samples by the soil plate method. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-1", 1-4", and 4-8" both between and beneath the canopy of the dominant vegetation in stands of greasewood, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper. Salinity, pH, and percent organic matter were measured for each soil sample. A total of 148 strains of fungi representing 141 species and 46 genera were isolated and identified from these alkaline soils, Few strains, including some Aspergilli, occurred only in the more saline greasewood soils, while many strains, including several Penicillia, occurred in both sagebrush and piny-on-juniper soils but were lacking in the greasewood soils. Many strains, including Penicillia, were found primarily in the more organic soils beneath plants, while few strains, including some Aspergilli, were found primarily in soils from between plant cover. Strains of the family Demataceae were found primarily in the surface layers. There was no noticeable difference in the kinds of fungi isolated from the 1-4" and 4-8" layers.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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