Exploiting diversity to promote arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and crop productivity in organic farming systems
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Date
2018
Authors
Njeru, Ezekiel Mugendi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AIMS Press
Abstract
Beneficial soil microbiota especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) deliver essential
agroecosystem services in organic farming systems, where the application externalities is often
limited. Undoubtedly, organic farming provides optimal conditions for agroecological functioning
due to minimal soil disturbance and limited use of agrochemicals. In this context, beneficial soil
microbiota are expected to deliver optimal ecosystem services. Nevertheless, the composition,
diversity and function of beneficial rhizospheric microorganisms including AMF communities vary
upon agronomic practices and soil conditions. Moreover, it is well known that some modern crop
cultivars are less responsive to AMF, since they are bred for high intensive agricultural systems
where there is sufficient supply of nutrients especially P. Until now, the establishment and function
of AMF in organic cropping systems is still poorly understood. Such information is a prerequisite for
the implementation of efficient cropping systems that capitalize on biological processes, a key step
towards agricultural sustainability. The overall aim of this review is to provide insights on increasing
mycorrhizal symbiosis and crop productivity in organic agroecosystems through innovative,
temporal and spatial manipulation of species and genetic diversity at the crop cultivar, AMF species
and cover crop management levels. The bulk of this review underscores the importance of examining
different levels of diversification in organic farming systems, considering functional identity (single
species), composition (mixed species) and diversity (heterogeneity within species) and how such
components contribute to delivery of multiple agroecosystem services
Description
Research paper
Keywords
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, diversity, agroecosystem services, crop productivity, organic agriculture
Citation
AIMS Agriculture and Food, 3(3): 280–294.