Upscaling Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Related Agroecosystems Services in Smallholder Farming Systems

Figure 1

Key elements of smallholder farming systems (SHS) that enhance arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and related agroecosystem services. SHS are characterized by high agricultural biodiversity because of practices such as agroforestry, intercropping, and diversified crop cultivars. Since smallholder farmers rarely use chemical farm inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, most opt for organic manure, a cheap alternative. Such practices enhance mycorrhizal symbiosis which in turn increases soil health, plant yield, quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.