Functional complementarity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and associated microbiota: the challenge of translational research

One of the main challenge for humanity in the years to come is represented by the production of enough food for a growing global population, while reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and maintaining environmental quality and natural resources for future generations. The new paradigm in agriculture—sustainable intensification—may be implemented by the efficient use of practices enhancing the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms, essential elements of soil nutrient flows, at the basis of long-term soil productivity and health. There is a growing awareness of the essential roles played by soil microorganisms in human nutrition and welfare and of the economic importance of ecosystem services they provide in agriculture, forestry, and society (Philippot et al., 2013; Avio et al., 2018).