Soil colonization: the secret Microbiome

Plants alter soil stability and structure through penetration by roots, while also providing photosynthetic carbon or decaying organic material, which promote colonization by soil microbes.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are well-known constituents of the plant-soil microbiome, forming symbioses with ∼80% of terrestrial vascular plant families (Brundrett and Tedersoo, 2018; Tedersoo et al., 2020). These fungi are disproportionately important for soil-derived ecosystem services and functions (Gianinazzi, et al., 2010; Chen et al., 2018).

In addition to improved access to essential nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen, AM fungi improve soil stability and macroaggregate formation, which is often linked to greater water availability, carbon sequestration, and resistance to erosion (Rillig et al., 2005, Rillig et al., 2010; Wilson et al., 2009; Sikes et al., 2010). As a result, disruptions to AM fungal communities through land-use changes can reduce aggregate stability and other ecosystem properties, both directly and through cascading effects from changes in plant communities (Duchicela et al., 2012). Conversely, because AM fungi can mediate soil aggregation, reintroduction of native AM fungi may enhance soil stability in areas experiencing agricultural intensification.