Abstract

Mycorrhizal fungi represent one of the most significant biological partnerships in terrestrial ecosystems, forming symbiotic associations with approximately 90% of plant species. This comprehensive review examines the critical role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing soil nutrient availability and improving crop performance across diverse agricultural systems. The study synthesizes current research on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), focusing on their mechanisms of nutrient acquisition, particularly phosphorus, nitrogen, and micronutrients. Through extensive analysis of field trials and controlled experiments, we demonstrate that mycorrhizal inoculation can increase phosphorus uptake by 30-80%, nitrogen acquisition by 25-60%, and overall crop yields by 15-40% compared to non-mycorrhizal controls. The fungi extend the plant's root system through hyphal networks, effectively increasing the soil volume explored for nutrients by 100-1000 fold. Additionally, mycorrhizal associations improve soil structure, water retention, and plant stress tolerance. However, the effectiveness varies significantly based on soil conditions, crop species, and environmental factors. This review provides evidence-based recommendations for integrating mycorrhizal technology into sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting both opportunities and limitations in current application methods.