Mycorrhizal fungi and the integration of plant and soil nutrient dynamics

Abstract

Mycorrhizal fungi have been studied in relation to plant uptake or fungal concentration of C, N, P, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Mn, B, Cu, Zn, Si, Br, Cl, I, Pb, Co, Ni, Fe, and Cd. Of these, the direct or indirect acquisition of P and N by plants has been intensively researched. Mycorrhizal fungi are known to influence plant photosynthesis, transpiration, physiology including hormone levels and source‐sink relationships, plant biomass and root exudation. Mycorrhizal fungi can also affect plant water uptake, soil structure and soil microbial populations. The direct interaction of mycorrhizal fungi with soil organic matter and transformations of nutrients by soil microorganisms needs further study. Knowledge of these areas is essential to fully integrate our understanding of soil nutrient availability, plant nutrient uptake and utilization, and the fate of organic or mineral nutrients applied to the soil.

Key words:

• Mycorrhizal fungi
• plant nutrition
• microorganisms