Insight into the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture plays a vital role in agroecosystems and reduces adverse effects on the environment by utilizing the various natural processes. Optimum soil fertility is an essential goal to be achieved in sustainable agriculture system. The presence of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizospheric region and their activities are the main focal point which makes dynamic resources available to plants and conserve soil fertility. Majority of the agricultural and horticultural crops are associated with common soil fungi, the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. These fungi are crucial for plant health and fitness as they increase the efficiencies of the plant root systems. The hyphae of these fungi originating from roots grow into the soil and absorb nutrients especially phosphorus and deliver it to the roots. They also play a crucial role in imparting tolerance to plants against various stresses as well as modifying soil structure. Nevertheless, several agricultural practices involved in crop production can influence both AM formation and function. Consequently, AM fungal introductions or changes in crop management practices that enhance the proliferation, diversity and function of native AM fungi become essential. Optimization of agronomic practices that sustain maximum AM fungal presence and activity would enable to achieve increased plant production in sustainable agriculture.