Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), ubiquitously distributed in terrestrial ecosystems, form symbiotic associations with most terrestrial plants. Their extraradical hyphal networks mediate plant-soil interactions, playing indispensable roles in enhancing ecosystem productivity, sustaining biodiversity, and maintaining soil health. While the roles of AMF in enhancing plant nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance are well documented, comprehensive assessments of their ecosystem-scale functions remain scarce. More importantly, methodologies for the targeted manipulation of AMF communities and their ecological functions are still underdeveloped. This review systematically summarizes the ecological functions of AMF from four perspectives: ecosystem productivity, biodiversity-ecosystem stability relationships, biogeochemical cycling, and soil health. To address current technical bottlenecks in AMF community regulation, we propose a triadic ecological regulation framework for the application of AMF in improvement of ecosystem functions, including the activation of indigenous fungal consortia, the synergistic application of exogenous inoculants, and optimizing context-specific management practices. This framework provides a robust, AMF-centered soil ecological regulation paradigm designed to facilitate the development of mycorrhizal technologies. Future studies should prioritize the multidimensional interactions among AMF, host plants, and environmental factors, to address the multiple challenges associated with the targeted regulation of AMF communities. This includes advancing microbial regulation strategies, developing multifunctional consortia, and optimizing long-term field management practices. Ultimately, these efforts aim to promote the widespread application of mycorrhizal technologies in ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture.

Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, ecological function, mycorrhizal technology, community regulation