Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alleviate erosion-induced soil nutrient losses in experimental agro-ecosystems

•The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on nutrient losses was studied.•The AM fungi significantly reduced erosion-induced nutrient losses compared to control.•The positive effect of AM fungi was consistent with cropping systems and increased with erosion intensity.•The positive effect of AM fungi on nutrient losses was due to enhanced plant nutrient uptake and decreased runoff and sediment loss.