Mycorrhizal Symbioses and Diversity: Ecological Insights from Microscopic Interactions to the Global Carbon Sink

Mycorrhizal symbioses form an essential part of ecological systems, with arbuscular (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi playing crucial roles in biogeochemical processes. These associations are pivotal in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and soil organic matter stabilization, as well as in enhancing plant resilience to both abiotic and biotic environmental stressors. Recent studies underscore the influence of climate variables, such as temperature, precipitation, and increased CO₂ levels, on these plant-fungal interactions. This highlights a complex feedback loop involving ecosystem productivity, biodiversity, and potential climate change mitigation, casting light on the broader ecological ramifications and yet-to-be-addressed challenges within this field.

This Research Topic aims to address the intricate connections among mycorrhizal interactions, soil carbon dynamics, and climate feedback mechanisms. Researchers are encouraged to investigate the cascade effects within the ‘plant-mycorrhizal fungi-soil-climate’ continuum to refine biological interaction parameters in global carbon cycle models. Specific goals include investigating the functional roles and substrate preferences between AM and ECM fungi, the effects of Glomalin-related soil proteins on soil carbon protection, and the quantification of mycelial contributions to soil carbon sequestration on a global scale.

To gather further insights in ecological interactions and carbon sequestration, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Functional complementarity of AM and ECM fungi in organic matter transformation
• Impact of mycorrhizal diversity on ecosystem productivity
• Influence of climate variables on mycorrhizal-mediated processes
• Role of fungal exudates in carbon-mineral complex formation
• Quantitative contributions of mycelial networks to global carbon stocks
• Additionally, contributions can include studies detailing the biochemical and elemental interactions among different mycorrhizal associations and their host ecosystems.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Mycorrhiza, soil carbon turnover, Soil carbon sequestration, Mycorrhiza-plants interaction, AMF, ECMF

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.