Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as a hub for soil carbon transformation in intercropping systems: a review of microbial mechanisms and ecological significance.

Runzhi Zhang, Jingjing Yang, Yixian Liu, Lin Shi, Haiyan Yang, Runtong Li, Xinyu Zhang, Hongxue Wang, Guoling Ren

Abstract readReview

In one paragraph

Review in Frontiers in microbiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Runzhi ZhangSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Jingjing YangSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Yixian LiuSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Lin ShiSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Haiyan YangSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Runtong LiSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Xinyu ZhangSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Hongxue WangSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Guoling RenSchool of Biotechnology, Daqing Normal University, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Technology in Oilfield, Daqing, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a pivotal role in soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics by channeling plant-assimilated carbon into both labile and recalcitrant pools. In intercropping systems, AMF form symbiotic associations with host plants and facilitate nutrient exchange across the plant-fungus-soil continuum, which consequently enhances soil nutrient availability. Through transforming photosynthetic carbon into diverse organic fractions, AMF exert a dual influence on SOC reserves by promoting both carbon stabilization and decomposition. This review synthesizes current evidence for a conceptual framework centered on AMF life-history strategies, proposing that trade-offs between plant growth promotion and SOC storage are context dependent and modulated by fungal functional traits and community composition. Elucidating AMF mediated carbon transformation in intercropping systems is therefore critical for understanding carbon turnover mechanisms under diversified cropping regimes. Such knowledge not only supports yield improvement, soil structural reinforcement, and ecological restoration but also provides a theoretical foundation for developing sustainable soil management and rehabilitation strategies.

Indexed as

arbuscular mycorrhizal fungicarbon transformationintercroppingplant-microbe symbiosissoil organic carbon

Identifiers

PMID42729522

DOI10.3389/fmicb.2026.1929217

PMCPMC13563001

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.