Mycorrhizal fungi have evolved with their plant partners and enabled them with better growth in stressed and disturbed environments by better nutrient acquisition and protection against pathogens. Any stress or disturbance belowground is reflected first in changes in mycorrhizal community structure. The complex mycorrhizal networks and interactions among mycorrhizosphere organisms regulate the carbon dynamics and stability of forest ecosystems by ‘beneficial interactions’ or ‘collaboration’ rather than by competition—especially under stress and disturbance. This chapter provides an overview of mycorrhizal forms, structure and functions, their vulnerability and their central role in complex mycorrhizosphere interactions. Their disruption may lead to the loss of essential functions of forest ecosystems. The conservation of belowground interactions should be among priority areas of future research and monitoring programmes and strategies.
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