Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can form mutually beneficial symbiont with plant roots, having positive effects on the plant growth and stress resistance, and playing a key role in improving plant water metabolism and drought tolerance. This paper summarized the research progress in the relationships between AMF and plant water metabolism, and discussed the effects of AMF on the plant water metabolism from the aspects of photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, water conductance, osmotic regulation substances, endogenous hormone levels, and antioxidant system. The mechanisms of AMF in improving the plant drought tolerance were introduced, including the extension of root absorption surface through mycelium network, the enhancement of plant water retention and antioxidation capacity, the stabilization and improvement of soil aggregation, and the promotion of host plant nutrient acquisition. Some issues and suggestions needed to be regarded in the related researches were proposed.

Key words: social value, spatial analysis., SolVES model, visitor’s preference, ecosystem services