Differential effects of soil disturbance and plant residue retention on function of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis are not reflected in colonization of roots or hyphal development in soil

► Soil disturbance did not affect AM colonization of medic or hyphal lengths in soil. ► AM P uptake contributed significantly to total P in all undisturbed treatments. ► Disturbance reduced P delivery via G. margarita, but not via G. intraradices. ► Inoculation with both AM fungi together eliminated negative effects of disturbance. ► Percent colonization was not a good predictor of symbiotic outcomes.