Mycorrhizal associations in agroforestry systems

Agroforestry systems can be a viable alternative to the preservation of natural resources while contributing to sustainable food production in the tropics. These perennial systems promote beneficial biological interactions between micro-organisms and plant species, especially those formed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and roots. Mycorrhizal fungi increase the soil volume explored by the roots, increase nutrient absorption by the plants, protect the root system against pathogens, toxic elements and certain heavy metals, help the formation and maintenance of soil structure, increase the input of soil carbon, and contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity. Agroforestry systems have the potential to maximize the benefits associated with AMF, which in turn could mitigate negative interactions between trees and annual crops. This beneficial impact between agroforestry management and mycorrhizal action may be depicted as a particular form of symbiosis, and deserves more study