Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Mined Land: Distribution and Function in Reclamation of Mined Land Ecosystems

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are the most widespread and functionally important symbionts of diverse plant species. The AM fungi are likely to be affected by anthropogenic activities like mining. The potential of AM fungi to improve plant growth in stressed environments has led to their inclusion along with plants in the restoration of mined areas. Still, our understanding of the diversity of AM fungi in response to mining activities remains limited. In this chapter, we provide a summary of the diversity of AM fungi in mining and restoration areas, the influence of different mining activities on AM fungal communities and root colonization, the role of AM fungi in improving soil structure and function, and the effect of AM fungi on plant growth in mine substrates under controlled and field conditions. Changes in AM fungal communities have been detected both in roots and soils using conventional and molecular techniques in response to mining activities. However, the majority of studies do report an increased diversity of AM fungi in post-mining sites with time. Generally, moderate to high AM colonization levels are reported in revegetated plant species or those naturally colonizing mined areas. Inoculation of AM fungi individually or along with plant growth-promoting microorganisms in nurseries has been shown to increase growth and nutrient content in plants intended for planting in mining areas. Once transplanted onto mining sites, AM plants exhibit a better survival rate, increased growth, and improved nutrient uptake. This chapter highlights current knowledge on the role of AM fungi in the restoration of mine sites and some future research areas that could help in better exploitation of this symbiosis in stressed environments.