Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF): a pathway to sustainable soil health, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas mitigation
Sadhana Shukla, Nidhi Didwania, Rita Choudhary
Abstract
Abstract Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) play a very critical role as microsymbionts in growth and resilience by intricate interactions. Recent studies indicate that AMF enhance nutrient uptake, particularly of phosphorus and nitrogen, and promote carbon sequestration through extensive hyphal networks that improve soil structure and stability. Furthermore, AMF affect microbial community dynamics and biogeochemical cycles, which are essential for sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience in the context of climate change. AMF regulate nitrogen cycling genes and enzymes, which mitigates soil nitrogen loss and optimizes nutrient cycling in agro-ecosystems. This review gathers research data on the roles of AMF in improving nutrient uptake, mainly in nutrient-depleted soils, while highlighting the importance of AMF in reducing soil erosion, improving soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and promoting sustainable land management practices, thereby establishing a vital connection between biophysical soil properties and the economic implications for global agricultural productivity. To delve into mechanisms that govern AMF interaction in heterogeneous ecosystems, in order to better utilize them towards agriculture and environmental sustainability is really a subject for the future studies. Graphical abstract AMF contributes to plant-soil interactions by promoting growth and resilience, though its effectiveness can vary with biotic and abiotic conditions. ( https://app.biorender.com ).