Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Global evaluation of commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculants under greenhouse and field conditions

M.J. Salomon, R. Demarmels, Stephanie J. Watts‐Williams, Mike J. McLaughlin, Arjun Kafle, C. Ketelsen, Alex Soupir, Heike Bücking, Timothy R. Cavagnaro, Marcel G. A. van der Heijden

Applied Soil Ecology · 2021

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Summary

This global evaluation assessed the practical effectiveness of commercial AM fungal inoculants under diverse agronomic conditions, bridging the gap between laboratory evidence and field performance. The work, as suggested by its scope and authorship, likely demonstrates variable efficacy across crop species and environmental contexts, with implications for the reliability and application of AM inoculants in commercial farming systems. The findings contribute to understanding when and under what conditions AM inoculants provide meaningful agronomic benefit.

UK applicability

Results are applicable to UK temperate agricultural and horticultural systems where AM fungi are naturally present but where inoculant use is considered to enhance productivity. The global evaluation may help UK farmers and growers assess whether commercial AM products justify investment under local soil and climatic conditions.

Key measures

Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation rates; plant biomass; nutrient acquisition (phosphorus, nitrogen, micronutrients); crop yield; inoculant viability and efficacy across soil and climatic conditions

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated the performance and efficacy of commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal inoculants across multiple crop species, soil types, and environmental conditions in both controlled greenhouse and field settings. Outcomes likely included measures of AM colonisation, plant growth, nutrient uptake, and yield responses.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & microbiology
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Global
System type
Laboratory / in vitro
DOI
10.1016/j.apsoil.2021.104225
Catalogue ID
BFmou2mhmp-ku2ec1

Topic tags

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