Arbuscular Mycorrhiza — a Key Component of Sustainable Plant-Soil Ecosystems

In sustainable agriculture arbuscular mycorrhizas play a key role in helping the plant not only to survive but to be productive under adversity. Mycorrhizal formation is an adaptive strategy which provides the plant with an increased ability for nutrient capture and cycling in soils with low nutrient availability and an increased tolerance to environmental stresses. The importance of maintaining mycorrhizal diversity and a functioning soil mycelium is vital to sustaining plant growth. Stimulation of natural mycorrhizal populations or augmentation through the use of mycorrhizal inoculants are important tools in sustainable ecosystem management. This review focuses on how AMF help plants withstand: (1) soil-borne pathogen attack, (2) aggressive agricultural weeds, (3) drought/salinity stress, (4) the presence of toxic pollutants and (5) desertification. The evidence shows that arbuscular mycorrhizas should be considered as an essential natural resource for ensuring sustainable growth and health of plants and fully deserve their title as ‘biological fertilizers’ and ‘bioprotectors’.