Synergistic effects of indigenous moroccan AMF strains and intercropping on soil enzymatic activities, mycorrhizal colonization, and tomato productivity in an agroecological system

Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation is economically important but often relies on excessive chemical inputs that degrade soil health. Agroecological practices, such as intercropping and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), provide sustainable alternatives. However, AMF effectiveness depends on strain–host compatibility and inoculum origin. To address this, a greenhouse experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) evaluated the interactive effects of three companion systems; TT (tomato/tomato), TG (tomato/garlic, Allium sativum L.), and TF (tomato/faba bean, Vicia faba L.) and four AMF inoculants; native Moroccan consortium (Native AMF, Rhizophagus irregularis, Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Funneliformis mosseae) , a commercial strain (Gi, Glomus iranicum ), a collection strain (Ri, Rhizophagus irregularis) and a non-inoculated (Control), on tomato growth and soil microbial activities. Root colonization increased by +40.10% under Native AMF–TF compared to Native AMF–TT. This stimulated soil enzymatic activity and nutrient availability, notably increasing P₂O₅ (+74.04%) under Native AMF–TF compared to Control–TT. Consequently, these improvements enhanced leaf chlorophyll (+41.35%) and fruit set (+199.48%) under Native AMF–TF, while Native AMF–TG maximized stem diameter (+41.10%) compared to Control–TT. These results support the combination of native AMF and intercropping as a sustainable strategy for horticultural tomato production and soil health.