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Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Ecosystem Functioning

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Mycorrhizal Ecology

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 157))

Abstract

In this chapter, we review recent literature pertaining to the debate linking biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, highlighting the role of arbuscular mycorrhizae. We suggest that the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis should be a vital component of studies designed to elucidate a mechanistic basis linking biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystem function. Most importantly, it is important to consider the role of the mycorrhizal networks, functional specificity among glomalean fungi, and differential effects on host species, all of which can influence plant community dynamics. Finally, we suggest a new direction for mycorrhizal research that includes developing fundamental ecological theory for this group of fungi. Eventually, such theory will allow researchers to include arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi into community and ecosystem models.

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Authors
  1. Miranda M. Hart
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  2. John N. Klironomos
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Systems Ecology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Free University of Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Marcel G. A. van der Heijden

  2. Institute of Ecology, University of Lausanne, Biology Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Ian R. Sanders

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© 2003 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Hart, M.M., Klironomos, J.N. (2003). Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Ecosystem Functioning. In: van der Heijden, M.G.A., Sanders, I.R. (eds) Mycorrhizal Ecology. Ecological Studies, vol 157. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38364-2_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38364-2_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-00204-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-38364-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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