The effect of AMF on rhizosphere microorganisms of white clover in Cd-polluted soils

Soil cadmium (Cd) contamination has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge and significantly inhibting plant growth and ecosystem sustainability. soil microorganisms directly or indirectly regulate plant growth, with specific taxa enhancing host adaptation to nutrient deficiencies under heavy metal stress through biological nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a vital group of symbiotic microorganisms that possess the capacity to enhance plant growth and alleviate heavy metal-induced toxicity in plants. However, the complex regulatory mechanisms through which AMF modulate plant-soil-microbe interactions, orchestrate soil nutrient transformations and enzymatic activity responses, and reshape root system physiology under Cd stress still remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the impact of AMF on plant growth, physiological responses, soil nutrient absorption and microbial community structure of T. repens in response to Cd stress. The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) to investigate the effect of AMF inoculation on growth, physiological responses and heavy metal accumulation ability in assisting T. repens resistance to Cd stress; 2) to estimate rhizosphere micro-ecological characteristics through soil enzyme activities, soil properties, and the diversity and structure of fungal and bacterial communities; 3) to evaluate the interactions among soil, plants, and microorganisms, and ascertain the relationship between microbial community structure and the effectiveness of phytoremediation.