Summary
This multi-country European study investigates how conventional agricultural management practices and pesticide applications reduce the ecological functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and other plant-associated microbial symbionts. The authors suggest that intensive farming systems, particularly those relying on pesticide inputs, compromise the ability of these beneficial fungi to facilitate nutrient uptake and support crop nutrition. The findings indicate potential trade-offs between short-term pest control and the maintenance of long-term soil biological functions critical for plant health and nutrient density.
UK applicability
The results are directly relevant to UK arable and mixed farming systems, where pesticide use and intensive management are widespread. The findings support the case for reducing chemical inputs and adopting lower-intensity practices—priorities within UK agricultural policy transitions and organic farming standards.
Key measures
Mycorrhizal fungal abundance and activity; nutrient uptake mediation; phosphorus and nitrogen acquisition; soil microbial community composition and function; pesticide application records; agricultural management intensity metrics
Outcomes reported
The study examined how agricultural management practices and pesticide use affect the functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and other beneficial plant symbionts across multiple European farming systems. The research measured mycorrhizal-mediated nutrient acquisition and related soil microbial processes.
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