Mycorrhizae and soil health

Publication date: 10/10/2022
Extent: 20 pages

Contributions by: Muhammad Adnan and Fazli Wahid, The University of Swabi, Pakistan; Shah Fahad, The University of Haripur, Pakistan; Muhammad Arif, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan; Songmei Shi, Yunnan Agricultural University, China; and Xinhua He, Southwest University, China, University of California-Davis, USA and University of Western Australia, Australia

Chapter synopsis: Mycorrhizal fungi establish symbiotic associations with roots of ~80% of plant families and have an important role in sustaining plant growth and soil health. This chapter explores the diverse roles of mycorrhizal fungi in mediating soil ecosystem services and improving soil health, including aggregate formation, remediation of soil heavy metals and reclamation of degraded soils, soil organic matter (SOM) formation, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. The chapter also looks at the ways mycorrhizae can alleviate both abiotic stresses such as nutrient deficiency and biotic stresses such as disease.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2021.0094.05