Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and organic farming
P. Gosling a,*, A. Hodge b, G. Goodlass c, G.D. Bending a
aWarwick HRI, University of Warwick, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, UK
b Department of Biology, Area 2, PO Box 373, University of York, York YO10 5YW, UK
c ADAS High Mowthorpe, Duggleby, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8BP, UK
Received 20 May 2005; received in revised form 16 September 2005; accepted 20 September 2005
Available online 21 November 2005
Abstract
Symbiotic associations between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots are widespread in the natural environment and can provide arange of benefits to the host plant. These include improved nutrition, enhanced resistance to soil-borne pests and disease, improved resistanceto drought, tolerance of heavy metals and better soil structure. Many agricultural crops are mycorrhizal and there is widespread if equivocalevidence that crop plants benefit from the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) association in the same way. However, many agricultural practicesincluding use of fertilisers and biocides, tillage, monocultures and the growing of non-mycorrhizal crops are detrimental to arbuscularmycorrhizal fungi (AMF). As a result, agroecosystems are impoverished in AMF and may not provide the full range of benefits to the crop.Organic farming systems may be less detrimental to AMF because they exclude the use of water-soluble fertilisers and most biocides andgenerally have diverse rotations. The evidence available suggests that this leads to increased AMF inoculum in soils, greater crop colonisationand enhanced nutrient uptake. AMF might therefore be able to substitute for reduced fertiliser and biocide inputs in organic systems, thoughthere is little evidence for increased yield resulting from high rates of AMF colonisation in organic systems. This review examines the benefitsthat the AM association can have for agroecosystems and how farm management practices influence the AM association. Managementoptions that may be employed to increase the benefits that AMF can bring to this type of farming system, such as changes to the rotation andcareful use of tillage, are discussed.# 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Farm management; Organic farming
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برچسبها: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Farm management, Organic farming, قارچ A, M, كشاورزي زيستي