Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Its and Role in Nutrient Recycling and Availability in Subtropical Forest Ecosystem of China: A Review

Soil fertility decline is due to factors such as climate change, excessive chemical use, and aggressive tillage practices. Arbuscular mycorrhiza, a widespread plant-fungus symbiosis involving Glomeromycota, enhances soil fertility. This review aims to explore the role and diversity of AMF in nutrient recycling and availability in subtropical forest ecosystems. We highlighted some of the favorable impacts of AMF on the soil’s biophysical and chemical aspects, as well as the retention of carbon in the soil, nutritional content, bacterial activity, and the structure of soils. AMF enhances soil through the production of organic acids and glomalin, which prevent soil erosion, chelate heavy metals, promote carbon sequestration, and maintain soil macro-aggregation. AMF alter the structure, reshape soil microbial ecosystems by either fostering beneficial partnerships or triggering competitive interactions, ultimately influencing their composition and roles. Additionally, by attracting specific bacteria, AMF stimulate the production of alkaline phosphatase an enzyme key to mineralizing organic phosphorus and enhancing its availability in the soil. These AMF reactions all help to increase soil fertility. The review identifies knowledge gaps and discusses them in relation to potential future studies. This will improve our understanding of AMF, encourage more study, and support maintaining soil fertility, especially in forest ecosystems.