Restoration of plant communities in The Netherlands through the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

The aim of plant restoration projects is usually the recovery of the original native plant communities. However, in The Netherlands after restoration management practices have been completed, novel plant communities often develop and there is a return of only 50% to 60% of the desired plant species. A potential cause could be that the biological communities of the soil develop insufficiently to support a high diversity of plant species. This research project focused on the role of the soil biological community in controlling plant diversity. In particular, this project studied whether arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi a major component of the soil biological community, promote native plants. Field research indicated that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were present in the soil, even though colonization levels of arbuscules were low, 10% or less. The greatest abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was observed at locations where the top soil was removed and where nutrient concentrations were reduced. The results of pot experiments showed that applied arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi significantly promoted the growth of native plant species. A cost benefit analysis revealed that the benefits of applying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi exceeded the costs. This makes the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi an attractive proposition.