The “milpa-chichipera” ethno-agroforestry system as a buffer against land-use change impacting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a semiarid Mexican ecosystem

Research reveals that the traditional 'milpa-chichipera' ethno-agroforestry system in Mexico's Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley acts as a critical buffer against land-use change, preserving arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity and abundance. Unlike intensive monocropping agriculture, which significantly depletes AMF communities, this system—rooted in native plant conservation—mirrors the biodiversity hotspots found in preserved scrub lands. The study identified 58 AMF species across 17 genera, with higher spore abundance, richness, and diversity in vegetation patches within the 'milpa-chichipera' system compared to open areas or agricultural fields. Seasonal variations further shaped AMF composition, tied to native host plants and soil features. This suggests that integrating traditional agroforestry practices can mitigate the ecological impacts of land-use intensification on mycorrhizal fungi.

Jiménez-Martínez, A., Montaño, N. M., Chimal-Sánchez, E., Varela, L., Montaño-Arias, S. A., Salazar-Ortuño, B. L., Villarreal-García, M. E., & Camargo-Ricalde, S. L. (2025). The “milpa-chichipera” ethno-agroforestry system as a buffer against land-use change impacting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a semiarid Mexican ecosystem. Agroforestry Systems, 100(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-025-01405-3