phosphorus is generally considered to be most important plant growth limiting factor which can be supplied by mycorrhizal association, because of the many abiotic and biotic factors which can restrict its mobility in soil (wood et al., 1984).
Answers
Increased plant nutrient supply by extending the volume of soil accessible to plants as explained below.
Increased plant nutrient supply by acquiring nutrient forms that would not normally be available to plants (Tarafdar & Marschner 1994, Schweiger et al. 1995, Kahiluoto & Vestberg 1998).
Some ECM and ericoid fungi have the capacity to breakdown phenolic compounds in soils which can interfere with nutrient uptake (Bending & Read 1997).
Root colonisation by ECM and VAM fungi can provide protection from parasitic fungi and nematodes (Duchesne et al. 1989, Grandmaison et al. 1993, Newsham et al. 1995, Little & Maun 1996, Cordier et al. 1998, Morin et al. 1999).
Non-nutritional benefits to plants due to changes in water relations, phytohormone levels, carbon assimilation, etc. have been reported, but are difficult to interpret (Brundrett 1991, Smith & Read 1997).
Mycorrhizal benefits can include greater yield, nutrient accumulation, and/or reproductive success (Lewis & Koide 1990, Stanley et al. 1993).
Mycorrhizas can cause growth form changes to root architecture, vascular tissue, etc. (Daniels Hetrick et al. 1988, Miller et al. 1997).
Suppression of competing non-host plants, by mycorrhizal fungi has been observed (Allen et al. 1989).
Significant amounts of carbon transfer through fungus mycelia connecting different plant species has been measured (Simard et al. 1997). This could reduce competition between plants and contribute to the stability and diversity of ecosystems.
Networks of hyphae supported by dominant trees may help seedlings become established or contribute to the growth of shaded understorey plants (Hogberg et al. 1999, Horton et al. 1999).
Nutrient transfer from dead to living plants may occur (Eason et al. 1991).
Increased plant nutrient supply by extending the volume of soil accessible to plants as explained below.
Increased plant nutrient supply by acquiring nutrient forms that would not normally be available to plants (Tarafdar & Marschner 1994, Schweiger et al. 1995, Kahiluoto & Vestberg 1998).
Some ECM and ericoid fungi have the capacity to breakdown phenolic compounds in soils which can interfere with nutrient uptake (Bending & Read 1997).
Root colonisation by ECM and VAM fungi can provide protection from parasitic fungi and nematodes (Duchesne et al. 1989, Grandmaison et al. 1993, Newsham et al. 1995, Little & Maun 1996, Cordier et al. 1998, Morin et al. 1999).
Non-nutritional benefits to plants due to changes in water relations, phytohormone levels, carbon assimilation, etc. have been reported, but are difficult to interpret (Brundrett 1991, Smith & Read 1997).
Mycorrhizal benefits can include greater yield, nutrient accumulation, and/or reproductive success (Lewis & Koide 1990, Stanley et al. 1993).
Mycorrhizas can cause growth form changes to root architecture, vascular tissue, etc. (Daniels Hetrick et al. 1988, Miller et al. 1997).
Suppression of competing non-host plants, by mycorrhizal fungi has been observed (Allen et al. 1989).
Significant amounts of carbon transfer through fungus mycelia connecting different plant species has been measured (Simard et al. 1997). This could reduce competition between plants and contribute to the stability and diversity of ecosystems.