Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil microbial communities under contrasting fertilization of three medicinal plants

► AMF colonization of sage in MAN was lower than in MRL. ► Higher AMF species richness was found in MRL and was affected by plant identity. ► Soil basal respiration was lowest under lemon balm and highest under lavender. ► Mineral fertilizers did not suppress and sometimes enhanced microorganisms. ► The effects of fertilizer type on microorganisms depended on plant identity.