The effect of agricultural practices on the development of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. I. Field studies in an Indonesian ultisol

Two pre-established agricultural field trials were assessed for the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the soil (density of spores, species richness and lengths of extra-radical mycelium [ERM]) in association with one of three tropical plant species (Gliricidia sepium, Peltophorum dasyrachis and Zea mays). The trials were managed by one of three agricultural practices: soil disturbance in a monoculture system, a root barrier to prevent interactions between plants in an agroforestry system or the addition of organic matter (OM) in an agroforestry and a monoculture system. The lengths of ERM of AMF in the soil were greater in the agroforestry system than the monoculture system. These were greater when a root barrier was present, but decreased when OM was added. Soil disturbance reduced the density of spores, species richness and the lengths of ERM of AMF compared with the undisturbed soil. This work indicates that agricultural trials may provide a useful tool to monitor the abundance of AMF in the field. Clearly, there is potential to increase the abundance of AMF, from different genera, in the soil through the management of agricultural practices. The significance of the abundance of AMF for subsequent benefits to plant growth and development and ultimately the sustainability of tropical agro-ecosystems are discussed.