Management of positive interactions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with essential groups of soil microorganisms

The optimal development of crops often demands a high input of mineral fertilizers (especially nitrogen) and pesticides. The use of these substances is not only costly and energy demanding, but also pollutes soils and ground water. Plant development may be improved by the combination of mycorrhizal fungi and rhizosphere micro-organisms acting in coordination at the root-soil interface (Linderman, 1992).