Role of Glomalin Related Soil Protein Produced by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi : A Review

Soil aggregation is a complex process that is largely dependent upon microorganisms to provide glues that hold soil particles together. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered to be primary soil aggregators and there is a positively correlation between AMF hyphae and aggregate stability in natural systems. Recent evidence suggests that glomalin related soil protein (GRSP), a glycoprotein, produced by AMF hyphae which has a cementing capacity to maintain soil particles together. These glues are carbon-containing compounds that protect microorganisms from drying out. Glomalin protects hyphae during transport of nutrients from the plant to the hyphal tip and from soil to the plant. Relationships between AMF, glomalin and soil aggregates are discussed.