Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Enhancing Soil Fertility in Promoting Plant Health

Abstract

Soil fertility serves as the cornerstone of global agricultural productivity, ecosystem functionality, and food security. Over recent decades, accelerated land degradation, excessive fertilizer dependency, and climate instability have severely depleted soil nutrient reserves and biodiversity. In this context, mycorrhizal fungi particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) have emerged as pivotal biological agents that reestablish soil vitality and plant resilience. These fungi form intricate mutualistic symbioses with over 80% of terrestrial plant species, extending the functional root network through extensive hyphal systems that dramatically enhance the acquisition of essential nutrients such as phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu). Beyond nutrient acquisition, mycorrhizal fungi play integral roles in soil structure formation by secreting glomalin, a glycoprotein that binds soil particles, improves aggregation, increases organic carbon sequestration, and augments soil water-holding capacity. They also act as architects of the rhizosphere microbiome, fostering beneficial microbial consortia that sustain nutrient cycling, suppress pathogens, and improve biochemical fertility. Recent evidence (2018–2025) from molecular and field studies demonstrates that AMF inoculation can reduce phosphorus fertilizer requirements by up to 50%, increase crop yield by 20–40%, and significantly enhance tolerance to drought, salinity, and heavy-metal toxicity through regulation of osmotic balance and antioxidant defense pathways. Integrating AMF into sustainable and regenerative agriculture offers a nature-based alternative to intensive chemical inputs, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 13, and 15). Moreover, emerging biotechnological and omics approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics, and nano-bioformulations are redefining the potential of these symbionts for climate-resilient, low-input food systems. This review consolidates mechanistic insights, ecological functions, practical applications, and future prospects of mycorrhizal fungi, underscoring their indispensable role in enhancing soil fertility, sustaining plant health, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agroecosystems in the face of global climate change.

Keywords

Introduction

AMF’s prevalence and functional breadth make them the focus of most agricultural applications.

Fig no 1: Diagram of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis: extraradical hyphae extending into soil, arbuscule inside root cortex enabling nutrient & water exchange.

Fig no.3:  The main benefits of GRSP long-term carbon (C) sequestration, soil aggregation, and soil remediation and fertilization.

3.1.3.  Microbial Interactions and Rhizosphere Dynamics

The rhizosphere microbiome thrives in the presence of mycorrhizal fungi. Hyphae exude organic compounds that serve as substrates for beneficial bacteria, stimulating microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen (Burak et al., 2024). AMF also create microhabitats for nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, improving nutrient cycling (Farhaoui et al., 2025).

In return, bacteria can facilitate spore germination and hyphal growth, forming mycorrhiza-helper consortia (Cavagnaro et al., 2020). These networks enhance soil enzymatic activity and decompose organic matter, maintaining soil biological fertility (Umer et al., 2025).

4. Role in Promoting Plant Growth and Health

Mycorrhizal symbioses exert multifaceted impacts on plant physiology improving growth, photosynthesis, and defense responses under both optimal and stress conditions (Zhang et al., 2023).

4.1 Nutrient and Water Uptake Efficiency

By extending the functional root system, AMF increase total absorptive surface area, facilitating efficient ion exchange and water transport (Smith & Read, 2020). This enhancement is particularly valuable in arid or nutrient-poor soils. Experiments in wheat and sorghum showed 20–40 % higher water-use efficiency following AMF inoculation compared to uninoculated controls (Khan et al., 2022).

4.2 Abiotic Stress Resistance

Mycorrhizal plants show improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and heavy metals. AMF-colonized roots maintain higher relative water content and turgor pressure under drought due to improved hydraulic conductivity (Umer et al., 2025). In saline environments, AMF regulate the uptake ratio of K?/Na? ions, accumulate osmolytes such as proline, and boost antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (Aggarwal & Sharma, 2022).

In heavy-metal-contaminated soils, AMF immobilize metals in fungal tissues or soil matrices, reducing phytotoxicity. Glomus intraradices has been shown to limit cadmium translocation in sunflower by 60 %, mitigating oxidative stress (Chaudhary, 2025).

4.3 Biotic Stress Resistance and Disease Suppression

Mycorrhizal associations activate induced systemic resistance (ISR) pathways similar to those triggered by beneficial rhizobacteria (Farhaoui et al., 2025). Colonized plants upregulate defense-related genes and phytoalexin production, increasing resistance to pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani (Ley et al., 2024).

Field trials have recorded 40 % lower root-rot incidence in tomato and chickpea when inoculated with Glomus mosseae compared with non-mycorrhizal controls (Sarwade, 2025). Additionally, mycorrhizal networks can physically limit pathogen spread by competing for root space and nutrients (Han et al., 2025).

4.4 Physiological Enhancements: Photosynthesis and Hormonal Balance

AMF colonization often results in higher chlorophyll content, enhanced photosynthetic rate, and balanced phytohormone profiles (Zhang et al., 2023). Elevated phosphorus supply through AMF improves ATP production, supporting carbon fixation and growth. Concurrently, AMF modulate hormones such as auxins and cytokinins that regulate root branching and shoot elongation (Kumar et al., 2024).

Under drought, increased abscisic acid (ABA) in mycorrhizal plants aids stomatal regulation and water conservation (Choudhary et al., 2021). For example, Rhizophagus irregularis inoculation in maize increased yield by 35 % and photosynthetic rate by 27 % during water deficit (Singh et al., 2022).

5. Applications in Sustainable Agriculture and Challenges

5.1. Applications in Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture seeks to maintain productivity while minimizing environmental degradation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide natural pathways to achieve this goal by enhancing nutrient-use efficiency, improving soil health, and supporting crop productivity with reduced external inputs (Aggarwal & Sharma, 2022; Choudhary et al., 2021).

5.1.1 AMF-Based Biofertilizers and Inoculation Techniques

The commercialization of AMF as biofertilizers has expanded globally. Inoculants typically contain spores, hyphal fragments, and colonized root pieces of efficient AMF strains such as Rhizophagus irregularis, Glomus mosseae, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum (Han et al., 2025).

Common application methods include:

• Seed coating or pelleting with powdered inoculum;
• Root dipping before transplanting;
• Soil drenching or incorporation of inoculum into nursery media;
• Compost blending for field-scale use.

AMF inoculation often replaces or complements synthetic phosphorus fertilizers. For example, Glomus mosseae application in chickpea increased phosphorus uptake by 42 % and grain yield by 30 % compared with uninoculated controls (Sarwade, 2025). In wheat, AMF use allowed a 50 % reduction in P fertilizer without yield loss (Kumar et al., 2024).

Co-inoculation with plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or nitrogen-fixing symbionts can produce additive benefits (Cavagnaro et al., 2020). For instance, Rhizophagus irregularis combined with Rhizobium leguminosarum improved nodulation and nutrient uptake in lentil by 36 % (Farhaoui et al., 2025).

5.1.2 Integration with Organic and Climate-Smart Farming

AMF inoculants fit seamlessly into organic and regenerative agriculture frameworks. When applied alongside compost or vermicompost, AMF stimulate mineralization of organic matter, enhancing nutrient release (Burak et al., 2024).

Such integration supports climate-smart agriculture through multiple mechanisms:

• Enhanced nutrient efficiency reduces fertilizer-related greenhouse gas emissions;
• Increased soil organic carbon improves sequestration capacity;
• Improved water retention mitigates drought effects;
• Reduced runoff protects water quality (Conti et al., 2025).

Recent field experiments in semi-arid India demonstrated that AMF combined with organic manure improved sorghum yield by 38 % and soil aggregate stability by 25 % relative to chemical fertilizer treatments (Shukla et al., 2025).

5.1.3 Case Studies and Global Examples

India: AMF inoculation of chickpea and pigeon pea with Glomus fasciculatum in black cotton soils increased nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and P uptake (Sarwade, 2025).

Europe: In Mediterranean wheat systems, inoculation with Claroideoglomus etunicatum improved yield stability under drought while maintaining soil organic carbon (Han et al., 2025).

China: Rice paddies treated with AMF and biochar showed improved P availability and 20 % higher yields (Zhang et al., 2023).

Africa: Inoculated maize fields in Kenya maintained yields with 40 % less fertilizer input and enhanced soil microbial biomass (Chaudhary, 2025).

These findings affirm that AMF technology contributes substantially to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) (Lal, 2020).

5.1.4 Socioeconomic and Policy Implications

The economic benefits of AMF adoption include reduced fertilizer costs, improved yield stability, and long-term soil productivity. Policy frameworks that incentivize biofertilizer use, such as organic certification schemes or carbon credits for soil health improvement, could accelerate adoption (Kumar et al., 2024). Public–private partnerships are essential for scaling production and ensuring quality control of inoculants (Cavagnaro et al., 2020).

6. Challenges and Limitations

Despite promising results, several constraints hinder the widespread agricultural application of mycorrhizal fungi (Han et al., 2025; Umer et al., 2025).

6.1 Host Specificity and Field Variability

Not all AMF species interact effectively with all host plants. Symbiotic efficiency depends on plant genotype, fungal strain, and soil conditions (Smith & Read, 2020). Field variability often causes inconsistent colonization, limiting predictability of benefits (Aggarwal & Sharma, 2022).

6.2 Production and Storage Constraints

AMF are obligate biotrophs and cannot be cultured without a plant host, making mass production difficult. Root-organ culture systems (e.g., with transformed carrot roots) improve purity but are costly. Maintaining spore viability during drying and storage remains a bottleneck (Cavagnaro et al., 2020).

6.3 Interaction with Agrochemicals

High phosphorus fertilization suppresses mycorrhizal colonization by reducing plant dependence on the symbiosis. Similarly, certain fungicides and insecticides are detrimental to fungal spores or hyphae (Rillig & Mummey, 2019). Sustainable integration thus requires optimizing fertilizer and pesticide regimes to maintain fungal activity.

6.4 Environmental and Edaphic Factors

Soil pH, temperature, moisture, and salinity significantly affect AMF survival and performance. For instance, highly acidic or compacted soils limit hyphal proliferation (Han et al., 2025). Locally adapted native strains often outperform commercial inoculants in extreme environments (Brundrett & Tedersoo, 2018).

6.5 Standardization and Regulatory Challenges

A lack of standardized quality assessment for AMF products leads to variable spore density and infectivity in the market (Farhaoui et al., 2025). Regulatory frameworks should define quality parameters, viable counts, and labeling standards similar to those for other microbial inoculants.

6.6 Knowledge and Awareness Gaps

Limited farmer awareness and absence of extension training restrict adoption. Demonstration trials and inclusion of mycorrhizal technologies in agricultural curricula are critical for knowledge dissemination (Chaudhary, 2025).

7. Future Prospects and Research Directions

Mycorrhizal fungi are increasingly recognized as key allies for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. Continued advances in molecular biology, biotechnology, and ecological management are unlocking new ways to enhance their performance and field applicability (Kumar et al., 2024; Han et al., 2025).

7.1 Molecular and Omics Advances

Recent developments in genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics have transformed understanding of AMF biology. Sequencing of Rhizophagus irregularis revealed genes encoding phosphate and ammonium transporters, lipid metabolism enzymes, and plant-signal receptors that regulate colonization (Zhang et al., 2023).

Studies using RNA-Seq and proteomics have identified host-responsive genes that facilitate symbiotic signaling pathways such as the DMI2, SYMRK, and PT4 genes, responsible for nutrient exchange and arbuscule formation (Aggarwal & Sharma, 2022). Insights from these data help identify fungal strains and host genotypes with superior symbiotic efficiency (Smith & Read, 2020).

Epigenetic and metabolomic profiling can also uncover biochemical markers of efficient colonization, aiding in strain selection for commercial inoculants (Cavagnaro et al., 2020). Integration of molecular data with field ecology will help bridge the gap between laboratory studies and real-world agricultural systems.

7.2 Biotechnological Developments and Formulations

Emerging bioformulation technologies are addressing some practical limitations of AMF inoculants. Encapsulation of spores in biodegradable carriers such as alginate beads or nanocellulose improves shelf life and field survival (Chaudhary, 2025).

Nano-bioformulations combining AMF with micronutrients (e.g., nano-Zn or nano-Fe) enhance colonization and nutrient transfer efficiency while reducing nutrient losses (Han et al., 2025).

The creation of microbial consortia that pair AMF with compatible microorganisms such as Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, or Rhizobium spp. can synergistically improve soil fertility, pathogen resistance, and stress resilience (Farhaoui et al., 2025).

Additionally, plant breeding and genome editing are being explored to develop AMF-responsive cultivars with improved root morphology and signaling compatibility (Kumar et al., 2024).

7.3 Ecological Restoration and Environmental Applications

Beyond agriculture, AMF are critical in ecosystem restoration and land rehabilitation. In degraded soils, post-mining sites, or desertified lands, AMF inoculation accelerates plant establishment, increases soil aggregation, and enhances organic carbon recovery (Conti et al., 2025).

Revegetation programs incorporating native AMF communities have demonstrated higher seedling survival and growth in reforestation efforts in Southeast Asia and Africa (Brundrett & Tedersoo, 2018). Such interventions support carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation while reducing restoration costs.

7.4 Policy Integration and Economic Perspectives

To fully harness AMF potential, policy frameworks must support their inclusion in integrated soil fertility management programs. Incentives for biofertilizer adoption through carbon credits, organic certification, or government subsidy schemes can encourage farmers to reduce chemical fertilizer dependence (Lal, 2020).

Economically, the use of AMF inoculants reduces fertilizer costs, stabilizes yields under climate stress, and improves long-term soil productivity, offering a favorable benefit–cost ratio (Han et al., 2025). Public–private collaboration is vital for ensuring inoculant quality, scaling production, and expanding farmer access.

CONCLUSION

Mycorrhizal fungi constitute a foundational component of terrestrial ecosystems and a cornerstone of sustainable soil management. Their symbiosis with plant roots enhances nutrient uptake, water efficiency, soil aggregation, and stress tolerance, thereby promoting both soil fertility and plant health.

By mediating phosphorus and micronutrient availability, producing glomalin that stabilizes soil structure, and supporting diverse microbial communities, mycorrhizae contribute to ecological resilience and carbon sequestration. In agriculture, AMF-based biofertilizers offer an environmentally sound alternative to chemical inputs, aligning with global goals for sustainable and climate-smart farming.

However, challenges including strain specificity, inoculant production, and field variability necessitate continued research. The integration of molecular tools, improved formulations, and supportive policy frameworks can enable large-scale application and standardization.

Ultimately, mycorrhizal symbioses represent a natural, low-carbon, and regenerative solution for restoring soil fertility and securing global food systems in an era of climate change.

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