Opinion

Enhancing Plant Health with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)

Minshad Ansari*

CEO and Founder of Bionema Group Ltd, ILS1, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom

Submission: June 24, 2024; Published: August 08, 2024

*Corresponding author: Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group Ltd, ILS1, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom

How to cite this article: Minshad A. Enhancing Plant Health with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). JOJ Hortic Arboric. 2024; 4(4): 555645. DOI: 10.19080/JOJHA.2024.04.555645.

Abstract

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are not just integral to soil ecosystems, they are a powerful tool in our hands to reduce our environmental impact. By significantly enhancing plant health through improved nutrient uptake, promoting soil structure, and bolstering resilience against environmental stresses, AMF is helping us to grow plants in a more sustainable way. This paper delves into the symbiotic relationship between AMF and plants, highlighting the fungi’s remarkable ability to extend beyond root zones to access a broader range of nutrients, thus supporting plant growth and health. AMF’s contributions to soil health, such as improving water and air circulation, breaking down organic matter, and fostering microbial communities, are also explored. The practical applications of AMF in various sectors are discussed, emphasizing methods such as reduced soil disturbance and AMF inoculants. These practices not only increase crop yields and promote healthier plants but also empower us to reduce our reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus contributing to a healthier environment. As research continues to uncover the full potential of AMF, its role in creating sustainable and productive ecosystems is expected to expand, offering significant benefits across various sectors.

Keywords: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi; Environmental stresses; Photosynthesis; Symbiotic bond; Porosity and fertility

Introduction

Soil goes beyond being a support system for plant roots; it is an ecosystem teeming with microorganisms that work together to sustain plant life. Among these microorganisms, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) stands out for its role in improving absorption, promoting soil health, and strengthening plant resilience. Harnessing the potential of AMF is critical to advancing techniques, gardening practices, turf management and forestry.

Understanding Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, a unique group of mycorrhizae, establish a beautiful and collaborative symbiotic relationship with plants. They enter the root cells of plants, aiding in nutrient uptake for both the fungi and the plants. This partnership is a testament to the interconnectedness of all living things, with the fungi helping plants absorb nutrients like phosphate and nitrogen while receiving carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis from the plants.

The Role of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Nutrient Uptake for Plants

The mycorrhizal fungus supports the host plant, supplying nutrients such as phosphate and nitrogen and bolstering the host’s resilience against adversities like drought, salinity, heavy metals, and root pathogens. In a beautiful exchange, the host plant shares a portion of its generated carbon (5% to 20%) with the mycorrhizal fungus, further strengthening this symbiotic bond.

Benefits of AMF for Plant Nutrition

One significant benefit of AMF is its capacity to improve plant nutrition significantly. Unlike plant roots confined to a specific soil area, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMFs) extend their hyphae beyond this root zone, allowing them to access a larger volume of soil and provide a broader range of nutrients to the plant. This includes essential elements like phosphorus, zinc, copper and more mobile ions such as Sulphur, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, chlorine, bromine and nitrogen. By enhancing availability, AMFs promote plant growth and overall health. They also help plants better withstand challenges like drought salinity issues and heavy metal exposure - ultimately boosting the Vigor of plants.

The involvement of AMFs in soil biology is significant. They create a network of hyphae that improves water and air circulation within the soil. This network also aids in breaking down matter into simpler forms that plants can easily absorb. These processes contribute to soil structure by increasing porosity and fertility - creating an environment for healthy plant development. Having AMFs present in the soil supports the growth of microbial communities‚ which further enhances soil health and productivity. This biological activity plays a role in maintaining productive agricultural systems over the long term.

In settings‚ Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi are considered components for thriving ecosystems.

Research indicates that 90% of plants engage in relationships, with mycorrhizal fungi highlighting their crucial role in crop production. Mycorrhizal fungi contribute to increased crop yield and overall health by enhancing absorption and resilience to stress. For example, research has shown that crops treated with mycorrhizal fungi exhibit improved growth rates, higher nutrient levels and enhanced disease resistance, leading to harvests and higher-quality produce.

Numerous real-world examples demonstrate the effectiveness of mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture. For instance, introducing mycorrhizal fungi to maize and wheat crops has significantly boosted their yields. Similarly, mycorrhizal fungi have been found to stimulate the growth of legumes, thereby enriching soil nitrogen levels through natural nitrogen fixation processes.

Practical Implementation of Mycorrhizal Fungi for Farmers

Farmers can harness the advantages of mycorrhizal fungi by adopting practices that promote their development. One practical approach is to minimize soil disturbance through no-till or nodig farming techniques, which helps preserve the networks of mycorrhizal fungi and allows them to flourish for the benefit of crops. Furthermore, farmers can utilize mycorrhizal fungal inoculants in various forms, such as granules, powders or liquid suspensions. These products can be applied during planting or used as soil amendments to enhance mycorrhizal fungi populations. Promoting soil health through farming methods like composting and crop coverings also supports the growth of mycorrhizal fungi. Using these methods improves the amount of material in the soil. Creates a favorable environment for AMF and other helpful microorganisms.

Utilizing AMF in Gardening and Horticulture

Home gardeners and horticulturists can use AMF to enhance plant health and productivity. AMFs are especially beneficial for plants, vegetables and fruit-bearing trees. To support the growth of AMF in gardens, gardeners should minimize disturbance to the soil. Applying mulch and using fertilizers can encourage a soil ecosystem. Additionally, home gardeners can use AMF inoculants on garden beds and containers. By nurturing a soil environment, gardeners can enjoy plants, vibrant blooms and increased yields of fruits and vegetables. AMF also helps reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting gardening practices.

AMF for Turf Managers and Forestry

Greenkeepers overseeing areas and forestry managers can benefit by incorporating AMF into their management strategies. AMF contribute to maintaining turf by enhancing absorption and stress resistance, resulting in disease-resistant lush green lawns. In forestry practices, AMF plays a role in the establishment and growth of trees. They improve uptake. Stress tolerance in young trees increases their survival rates and overall health. Practicing forestry methods that reduce soil disruption and encourage a soil microbiome can help support the growth of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and other beneficial microorganisms.

In summary, AMF plays a role in maintaining soil ecosystems by improving plant nutrition, boosting soil biological activity and enhancing stress tolerance. By incorporating AMF techniques, farmers, gardeners, turf managers, and forest supervisors can improve plant well-being and efficiency while promoting land stewardship. As research delves deeper into the capabilities of AMF, its utilization across sectors is expected to increase. Embracing these partners has the potential to create sustainable and productive agricultural and horticultural systems, contributing to a greener environment and stronger plant communities.