Higher diversity and contribution of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at an optimal P-input level

As not only an indicator but also key determinants of soil health, the performance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi under intensive cropping systems remains incompletely understood, particularly with regard to quantitative contributions to crop phosphorus (P) acquisition and scientific managements of P-input levels. Here, we firstly investigated the diversity and vitality of AM fungi along with decreasing P-input levels from P100 (local regular rate) to P50 (50 % off) in a greenhouse experiment to explore the optimal P-input level, and further determined the apparent contribution of AM fungi to maize ( Zea mays L.) P acquisition at optimal level in a field microplot experiment with root mycorrhization inhibition by benomyl application and in another pot experiment upon AM fungal inoculation in a sterilized soil. Decreasing P input decreased the amount but increased the efficiency of plant P acquisition, and increased the diversity and colonization of AM fungi, in addition to shaping the community composition. Notably, P80 (20 % off) appeared to be an optimal level that balanced mycorrhizal vitality, maize growth and P-acquisition efficiency. The apparent contribution of AM fungi to maize P acquisition determined in both field and pot experiments were approximately 36 % and 21 % at P80 and P100, respectively, while grain yields at P80 with mycorrhizae reached the level equivalent to that of P100 without mycorrhizae, indicating a replacement of 20 % of P fertilizers by adequate mycorrhizal management. It highlights that stronger AM associations by optimizing P input allow for relatively high crop P-acquisition efficiency upon high mycorrhizal benefits, favoring agricultural production in a sustainable manner with reduced dependence on inputs. • Reduced P-input decreased the amount but increased the efficiency of P-acquisition. • Higher diversity and colonization of AM fungi respond to decreasing P-input levels. • P80 appeared to be optimal to balance the mycorrhizal vitality and the maize yield. • The apparent contribution of AM fungi to maize P-acquisition was about 36 % at P80. • Partial replacement of P fertilizers by exploring AM fungal function was achieved.