Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 150-161 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 152 and 14.8%, respectively, and the protein content also increased significantly (Akbar et al., 2023). 3.2 Enhancement of micronutrient availability (Zn, Fe, Cu) AMF not only helps absorb macronutrients, it also makes trace elements such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) more accessible to plants. Studies have shown that in wheat inoculated with AMF, the Zn and Fe in the grains increased by 24% and 21%, respectively (Akbar et al., 2023). Under different soil zinc contents, AMF can regulate the distribution and concentration of Zn and Fe in the grains. If there is too much soil zinc, it can also help wheat reduce the absorption of excess Zn, which has a certain protective effect (Tran et al., 2019; Watts-Williams and Gilbert, 2021). However, it should be noted that sometimes AMF will increase phytic acid in the grains, which may reduce the absorption of zinc and iron (Tran et al., 2019). 3.3 Mycorrhizal-induced changes in root architecture and physiology AMF symbiosis can also make wheat roots different. Different types of AMF and different wheat varieties will change the growth pattern of roots, such as becoming longer, more branched, and larger in area, which can improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption (de Souza Campos et al., 2021). Some AMF can also make the roots secrete more organic acids, such as citric acid and oxalic acid. These substances can help plants absorb nutrients from the soil that are not easily utilized. AMF can also enhance the stress resistance and antioxidant activity of the roots, and allow wheat to absorb more nutrients in adverse environments such as saline-alkali (Abdel-Fattah and Asrar, 2012; Han et al., 2025). 3.4 Synergistic interactions with soil microbes AMF does not act alone, it can also cooperate with other beneficial microorganisms in the soil, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphate-dissolving bacteria. These microorganisms work together to make it easier for wheat to absorb nutrients and grow faster (Ganugi et al., 2019; Akbar et al., 2023). AMF can also improve the microenvironment of the rhizosphere, making it easier for beneficial bacteria to survive and move near the roots. This will increase soil fertility and facilitate nutrient cycling. This "partner-style" cooperation can not only enhance wheat's resistance to stress, but also increase its yield, which is also helpful for the development of green agriculture (Fiorilli et al., 2018; Ganugi et al., 2019; Akbar et al., 2023). 4 Mycorrhiza-Mediated Improvement in Soil Health 4.1 Contribution of AMF to soil structure and aggregation Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve soil structure and help form soil aggregates in many ways. Its hyphae can entangle soil particles together, and it also secretes some "glue" substances such as glucan and collagen, which can enhance the viscosity between soil particles and make the soil more stable (Fall et al., 2022; Wen and Xiao, 2025). The aggregates formed in this way can not only prevent the soil from being carried away by wind or water, but also make it easier for air and water to enter and exit the soil, which is very beneficial to plant roots (Fall et al., 2022; Kalamulla et al., 2022; Sarwade et al., 2024). In addition, the residue of AMF itself is also a natural "soil conditioner" that can increase the organic matter in the soil and continue to help the soil become healthier (Wen and Xiao, 2025). 4.2 Increased soil organic matter and microbial activity AMF can also help increase the organic carbon and microbial species in the soil. It can promote the flow of carbon and accelerate the decomposition of organic matter (Sarwade et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2024; Conti et al., 2025). When plants and AMF coexist, the roots will secrete more substances, which provide rich food for microorganisms, and the number and variety of microorganisms will increase (Fall et al., 2022; Bortolot et al., 2024; Ahmed et al., 2025) (Figure 1). AMF will also "summon" some beneficial bacteria, such as those that can release alkaline phosphatase, which helps to convert organic phosphorus into a form that can be absorbed by plants and improve the recycling efficiency of soil nutrients (Fall et al., 2022; Bortolot et al., 2024). A summary of studies has found that AMF can increase the organic carbon in farmland soil by 21.5% on average. However, the specific improvement depends on the texture of the soil and the original organic matter content (Conti et al., 2025).
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