Microbial and Physicochemical Characterization of Lowland Coffee Soils (Coffea canephora) in Panama: Biotechnological Potential of Native Microbiota
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70099/BJ/2025.02.04.13Keywords:
soil microbiota, Coffea canephora, soil fertility, yeasts, Pseudomonas, agricultural biotechnologyAbstract
This study assessed the physicochemical properties and native microbiota of lowland coffee soils in the Los Santos region, Panama, aiming to identify microorganisms with biotechnological potential for sustainable management of Coffea canephora cultivation. Soil samples were collected from four farms, and pH, electrical conductivity, basal respiration, and microbial density (CFU/g) were measured. The soils were predominantly acidic (pH 4.5–6.9) and showed a positive correlation between pH and microbial density (r = 0.778). Yeasts accounted for 80–95% of the microbiota, followed by filamentous fungi (5–20%). The most frequent genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Pseudomonas, Candida, and Saccharomyces, associated with nutrient solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and biocontrol. The native microbiota constitutes a key biotechnological resource for soil restoration and sustainable coffee production in Panama.
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