Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling Within Terrestrial Ecosystems

Symbiosis of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is arguably the most widespread inter-kingdom association in terrestrial ecosystems, implicated in various ways in ecosystem nutrient and carbon fluxes, biological diversity maintenance and ecosystem resistance and resilience to a range of (abiotic and biotic) stresses. Here we present similarities and specificities of AM symbiosis effects on phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) cycling in various terrestrial ecosystems including those under agricultural use. We highlight important features relevant to potential exploitation of this ancient but largely invisible and still not often purposefully managed biological interaction within the framework of agricultural production. We also bring forward some partly controversial issues that we consider in need of being given a research priority and broad societal attention to successfully master the transition from nonrenewable resources- and fossil energy-based to truly sustainable and fully circular agriculture.