Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are naturally occurring soil fungi that colonize the roots of most crop plants and form a symbiosis. Brassicas are an exception. This association improves health of the plant and fungus, and the soil. Association with AM fungi improves plant water and nutrient uptake as well improved disease resistance. The proliferation of hyphae improves soil aggregates. Given these benefits, utilization of the AM symbiosis should be an important tool in sustainable agricultural systems—especially organic systems, which prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers and pest control. Farmers can promote AM fungi by managing indigenous population already present on the farm or by inoculating plants with AM fungi. For more on this see On-farm Production and Utilization of AM Fungus Inoculum
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