Tourism Disturbance Gradient Effects on Soil Fungal Communities in Southern China's Karst Grassland

Global tourism intensifies ecological stress in karst areas, hindering conservation, yet tourism disturbance effects on soil fungi remain unclear. This study used ITS sequencing and soil analysis to examine gradient effects (no, light, moderate, severe disturbance) on soil chemistry and fungal communities in China's most extensive southern karst grassland (Baicaoping). Key findings: (i) Disturbance linearly decreased total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus. (ii) Ascomycota (48.01%) and Basidiomycota (28.22%) dominated. Unclassified_Ascomycota (17.52%) was the top genus; Leohumicola declined significantly with disturbance. Moderate disturbance significantly increased Alpha diversity. Beta diversity differed significantly across intensities (p=0.001). (iii) Disturbance indirectly impacted soil microbial function and restoration via altering fungal functional guilds. This research provides scientific support for sustainable karst grassland management.