Mineral acquisition by arbuscular mycorrhizal plants

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) benefit plants by allowing them to grow and produce in relatively harsh mineral stress environments. This has been attributed extensively to ability of AMF to expand the volume of soil for w hich mineral nutrients are made available to plants compared to what roots themselves would contact. This article reviews the effects of AMF on enhanc ing/reducing acquisition of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), boron (B), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium(Mg), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), c opper(Cu), manganese (Mn), iron(Fe), aluminum (Al), silicon(Si), and some t race elements in plants. The nutrients enhanced most in host plants grown i n many soils (e.g., high and low soil pH) are P, N, Zn, and Cu, but K, Ca, and Mg are enhanced when plants are grown in acidic soils. Many AMF have al so the ability to ameliorate Al and Mn toxicities for plants are grown in a cidic soil.