Disentangling the contributions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to soil multifunctionality

Abstract

Soil multifunctionality represents a range of soil processes driven by the interactions between soil abiotic and biotic components. As a group of ubiquitous fungi that form mutualistic symbiotic associations with a vast array of terrestrial plants, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may play a critical role in maintaining soil multifunctionality, but the characteristics of their contributions remain to be unraveled. This mini review aims to disentangle the contributions of AM fungi to soil multifunctionality. We provide a framework of concepts about AM fungi making crucial contributions to maintaining multiple soil functions, including primary productivity, nutrient cycling, water regulation and purification, carbon and climate regulation, habitat for biodiversity, disease and pest control, and pollutant degradation and detoxification, via a variety of pathways, particularly contributing to soil and plant health. This review contends that AM fungi, as a keystone component of soil microbiome, can govern soil multifunctionality, ultimately promoting ecosystem services.