This study investigated the effects of burnt and unburnt sugarcane harvesting systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics in the north-east region of Brazil. Conversion of native vegetation to sugarcane cultivation led to SOC loss, and reduced soil quality due to losses of particulate organic matter and increased soil bulk density. The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding the impact of land-use change on the properties of SOM.

We investigated the diversity and composition of endophytic fungi associated with the roots of Bletilla sinensis, a perennial orchid growing at different altitudes. Results from high-throughput sequencing indicate complex environmental factors that affect the structure of endophytic fungal communities, including plant diversity and soil nutrients. Our results provide important context for further understanding the ecological mechanisms underlying plant–microbe interactions and underscore the need to consider multiple environmental factors when studying fungal communities.