Zero Tillage Systems Conserve Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Enhancing Soil Glomalin and Water Stable Aggregates with Implications for Soil Stability

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form mutualistic symbiotic relationships with approximately 80% of terrestrial plant species, while producing the glycoprotein glomalin as a structural support molecule along their mycelial network. Glomalin confers two benefits for soils: (1) acting carbon and nitrogen storage molecule; (2) binding soil microaggregates (<250 µm) to larger, more stable structures. The present study aimed test hypothesis that correlation between aggregation exists this is influenced by method seedbed preparation. soils from crops winter wheat in Hertfordshire, UK, practising either conventional (20 cm inversion) or zero tillage exclusively, were sampled 50 m grid arrangement over 12 month period. water aggregates (WSA) quantified each sample found be significantly greater compared those tillage. A stronger WSA was observed (Pearson’s coeffect 0.85) throughout cropping year 0.07). able conclude systems are beneficial AM fungi, enhancement erosion mitigation.