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A new study published in Science has produced the first global map of the Earth's vast underground network of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), highlighting their crucial role in soil health, carbon storage, and ecosystem sustainability.
About Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are soil-borne microorganisms belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota that form mutually beneficial (symbiotic) associations with the roots of nearly 80% of terrestrial vascular plants.
These fungi are root-obligate biotrophs, meaning they can survive only by obtaining nutrients from living plant roots. As one of the most important biological components of soil, their absence significantly reduces soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and overall ecosystem functioning.
Structure and Distribution
AMF consist of microscopic, branching filaments known as hyphae, which spread extensively through the soil and create vast underground networks.
These hyphal networks function as two-way transport channels, delivering water and essential nutrients such as phosphorus to plants while receiving carbon compounds produced through photosynthesis.
Recent research shows that grassland ecosystems, including those in South Sudan, the Tibetan Plateau, and India’s Banni Grasslands (Gujarat), contain nearly 40% of the world's AM fungal networks.
Collectively, these underground fungal networks store approximately 300 million tonnes of carbon, which is four to six times greater than the total weight of the global human population.
Ecological Importance
AMF act as natural biofertilizers by enhancing the absorption of water and essential nutrients, improving plant growth, and protecting roots against harmful pathogens. In return, plants supply the fungi with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis, creating a highly efficient mutualistic relationship.
Beyond supporting agriculture, these fungi play a vital role in climate regulation by transferring atmospheric carbon into soils, thereby increasing soil carbon sequestration. Globally, AMF maintain symbiotic relationships with nearly 70% of plant species and are estimated to sequester around 4 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually, making them one of the most significant natural contributors to carbon storage and climate change mitigation.
Significance
The newly developed global AMF map provides valuable insights into the world's hidden underground ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of conserving healthy soils, grasslands, and biodiversity. Protecting AMF networks can enhance sustainable agriculture, strengthen food security, improve ecosystem resilience, and contribute significantly to achieving global climate goals.
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
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