Abstract: Phosphorus (P), an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, and its bioavailability has a profound impact on the structure and function of ecosystems. Most plants form symbiotic associations with either arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi or ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, which can significantly enhances their ability to acquire and utilize P. Although numerous studies have explored the differences in P acquisition and utilization strategies between AM and ECM plants, few studies have systematically synthesized these strategies. In this paper, we comprehensively review the P acquisition and utilization strategies from four perspectives: root morphology and architecture, root physiological traits, root-microbe interactions, and P resorption efficiency. It is concluded here that there exist significant differences in P acquisition and utilization strategies between AM and ECM plants. Specifically, AM plants usually form a mutually beneficial relationship with microorganisms that rapidly mineralize organic matter, have a limited extracellular enzyme secretion capacity, and prefer to absorb inorganic P, therefore adopting an “acquisition strategy” for P acquisition and utilization strategy. In contrast, ECM plants have a strong ability to secrete extracellular enzymes and other secretions, and are able to utilize organic P, and therefore adopt a “conservation strategy” for P acquisition and utilization strategy. Finally, this review proposes six research directions that need to be addressed in future research to overcome current limitations. Overall, this review not only deepens our theoretical understanding of mycorrhizal-mediated phosphorus cycling processes, species coexistence, and productivity maintenance mechanisms, but also provides theoretical guidance for species selection, species configuration, and nutrient management in agricultural and forestry production and ecological restoration practices.

Key words: phosphorus acquisition strategies, arbuscular mycorrhiza, ectomycorrhiza, root functional traits, mycorrhizal traits, root exduates, microorganism