Research on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) has traditionally focused on plant and soil health. However, an emerging area of research is centered around how robust colonization of roots and soil can influence fertilizer nutrient use, resulting in decreased nutrient movement and leaching out of the soil profile. If root and soil colonization not only positively affect plant and soil health, but also impede movement of nitrates through the soil profile, the value of mycorrhizal networks in cropland plants and soils will be additionally justified. 

It is hypothesized that colonized roots and soil affect ion movement because mycorrhizal hyphae act to store and transport nitrogen to plant roots, effectively tying up nutrients so they are not available to movement in soil water. An increased reliance on plant and soil ecosystem services would limit the use of non-renewable agricultural inputs, making agricultural production more sustainable.