Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide benefits to most crop species via enhanced nutrient uptake, increased drought and abiotic stress resistance, and reduced effects of pathogens and pests. Much remains unclear regarding the specific mechanisms influencing these processes, and the critical roles of AMF are often overlooked in planning agroecological systems. There is growing consensus, however, around the important roles AMF play in improving plant resilience and crop yield while also enhancing the functioning of soil microbial communities. Heterogeneous practices across all scales complicate the successful integration of AMF in agroecological systems. AMF symbioses with crops are passive, or stimulated by incorporation of crop wastes in soil, soil inoculation with AMF spores, or the planting inoculated of seeds. Here we suggest that AMF can have highest beneficial impacts in areas with low levels of agrochemical inputs. We argue that areas with intensive agrochemical inputs can also be made more sustainable with AMF enhancements.

Keywords

• crop yields
• nutrient-use efficiency
• abiotic stress resistance
• biotic stress resistance
• cultivation practices
• symbiotic fungi