Arbuscular mycorrhizal contribution to copper, manganese and iron nutrient concentrations in crops – a meta-analysis

Summary

This meta-analysis by Lehmann and Rillig synthesises published experimental evidence on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in mediating copper, manganese, and iron concentrations in crop plants. By pooling data across multiple studies, the paper provides quantitative estimates of AMF contributions to micronutrient uptake, likely revealing crop- and nutrient-specific effects that vary with soil conditions and fungal species. The findings contribute to understanding how soil biological communities influence crop nutritional quality beyond macronutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, which has historically dominated AMF research.

UK applicability

Although the meta-analysis draws on global literature, the findings are broadly applicable to UK arable and horticultural systems where AMF populations may be suppressed by intensive tillage and agrochemical inputs; the results have relevance for UK soil health policy and efforts to improve crop micronutrient density through biological rather than synthetic means.

Key measures

Crop tissue concentrations of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) (mg/kg); effect sizes (Hedges' d or response ratios) derived from pooled experimental data

Outcomes reported

The study quantified the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on copper, manganese, and iron concentrations in crop tissues using a meta-analytical approach across multiple studies. It likely reports effect sizes indicating whether AMF colonisation significantly increases or decreases these micronutrient concentrations in crops.

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