Mycorrhiza in a Sustainable Agriculture : Second International Conference on Biological Agriculture

London

1986

S. 105-123

zahlr. Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

0-907360-10-6

12656

78822

Some causes for doubt about the sustainability of present day agriculture are briefly discussed. The mechanism and function of vesicular-arbuscular systems are considered in relation to these problems with special reference to plant nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, to effects of mineral fertilizers, management practices, salinity, biocides and disease control, problems of erosion and degraded soils. In natural ecosystems most plants form mycorrhizal associations and many agricultural practices will have repercussions on mycorrhizal systems. Because of the range of mycorrhizal fungi, the inadequate understanding of soil: fungus relationships and the variability of plant responses, it is difficult to predict the ultimate effects on crop production of modifications in mycorrhizal systems.