Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: A potential tool for restoration of degraded land

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have mutualistic relationships with most of the terrestrial plant species. AMF symbiosis is well known in helping the land plants to adapt to different biotic and abiotic conditions for better survival, growth and development. These symbionts offer an ecofriendly sound biological alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and hence maintaining plant quality and productivity in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Thus, agriculturalists and soil scientists must pay proper attention to utilization of AMF to enhance, restore or maintain soil fertility and plant growth. Worldwide experiences reveal that restoration and restitution projects of degraded lands achieve little success or even fail. It is in this perspective that studies have shown that AMF can play a key role in the restoration of degraded ecosystems through beneficial impacts on plant growth and soil quality. Here we review the current knowledge and understanding about the role of AMF in improvement of soil characteristics, above- and belowground biodiversity, seedling survival, growth and establishment particularly under stressful conditions. Developing widely accepted cost effective methods of inocula production and in situ AMF management for effective restoration of degraded lands shall remain the major research focus in view widespread degradation of habitats due to various anthropogenic activities.