Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Mediated Carbon Sequestration: Mechanisms, Influencing Factors, and Future Directions

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are crucial in the fight against climate change as they help store carbon in the soil by forming beneficial relationships with plant roots, boosting nutrient absorption, and driving carbon captured during photosynthesis into the soil. The carbon is stored within the fungi hyphal networks and glomalin-related soil proteins, leading to its long-term stability in the environment. However, the important role of AMF in the global carbon cycle is often underrepresented in climate models. This review discusses how AMF contributes to carbon storage in the soil, focusing on processes such as nutrient cycling, soil aggregation, and interactions with soil microorganisms. It also considers the environmental and biological factors that affect AMF-mediated carbon sequestration, including soil characteristics, climatic factors, land-use practices, and AMF biodiversity. The potential benefits of using AMF to increase carbon storage are explored with a focus on the necessity to integrate AMF inoculation into sustainable land management strategies. Current research gaps, such as the AMF's impact on soil carbon levels and the molecular mechanisms of carbon transfer, are highlighted in this review. Future studies focusing on discovering new AMF strains, considering the effects of climate change on AMF functions, and producing scalable agricultural applications are required. Exploring AMF-mediated carbon sequestration could offer a significant strategy for improving ecosystem resilience and reducing the impacts of global warming.