Contribution of arbuscular mycorrhiza to ecosystem services in agroecosystems

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are significant plant mutualists providing their host plants with many benefits. For efficient use of arbuscular mycorrhiza in agricultural systems, it is important to understand factors, which can influence the beneficial effects of the symbiosis, and how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alter plant physiological mechanisms. If used correctly, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could importantly contribute to various ecosystem services in agroecosystems and thus alleviate yield losses and decrease the negative impact of agriculture on ecosystems. This thesis summarizes the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on crop plants in agroecosystems, their occurence in agricultural systems, particularly in arable soils, as well as their contribution to selected ecosystem services in agroecosystems. Key words: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, ecosystem services, agroecosystem, soil formation, environmental stress, plant resistenc