Calling for comprehensive explorations between soil invertebrates and arbuscular mycorrhizas

Area of Science:

• Soil Ecology
• Mycology
• Ecosystem Science

Background:

• Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and soil invertebrates are crucial components of soil ecosystems, affecting plant performance, soil structure, and nutrient cycling.
• Despite their ecological significance, the specific role of soil invertebrates in modulating AM fungal development and function is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the ecological importance of AM fungi and soil invertebrates within the plant-soil system.
• To highlight the known and potential effects of soil invertebrates on AM fungal hyphal development and overall functioning.
• To emphasize the need for mechanistic understanding of invertebrate-fungal interactions for predicting ecological consequences and enhancing ecosystem resilience.

Main Methods:

• This opinion article synthesizes existing literature and ecological knowledge.
• It focuses on reviewing the interactions between soil invertebrates and AM fungi.
• It discusses the implications of these interactions in the context of global environmental change.

Main Results:

• Soil invertebrates play a significant, yet often overlooked, role in the development and functioning of AM fungal communities.
• These interactions involve complex feedback mechanisms, potentially mediated by chemical signaling pathways.
• Understanding these feedbacks is critical for predicting ecosystem responses to environmental changes.

Conclusions:

• Further research into the mechanistic details of soil invertebrate-AM fungal interactions, particularly chemical signaling, is essential.
• This knowledge is vital for developing strategies to promote ecosystem resilience and sustainability in changing global conditions.
• Addressing these interactions can unlock new approaches for sustainable land management and agricultural practices.