Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi role in plant beneficial elements uptake and nutrient acquisition

Saud Shah; Taufiq Nawaz; Shah Fahad

Rhizosphere · 2025

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Summary

This review, published in the specialist journal Rhizosphere, examines the functional roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in facilitating plant acquisition of essential and beneficial nutrients. It is likely to discuss the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying AMF symbiosis, including hyphal networks extending effective root uptake zones and transporter gene expression. The paper contributes to understanding how AMF can be leveraged to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce synthetic fertiliser dependency in cropping systems.

UK applicability

Although likely drawing on internationally sourced literature, the findings are broadly applicable to UK farming systems where AMF inoculants and reduced tillage strategies are of increasing interest for sustainable intensification and meeting soil health targets under the Environmental Land Management scheme.

Key measures

Nutrient uptake efficiency; phosphorus acquisition; nitrogen assimilation; micronutrient concentrations (e.g. Zn, Fe, Cu); mycorrhizal colonisation rates

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews the mechanisms by which arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) facilitate plant uptake of beneficial elements including phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, and other micronutrients. It likely synthesises evidence on AMF-mediated nutrient acquisition pathways and their implications for plant growth and soil health.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & mycorrhizal ecology
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Global
System type
Arable cereals
DOI
10.1016/j.rhisph.2025.101141
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-00q

Topic tags

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