Field inoculation effectiveness of native and exotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a Mediterranean agricultural soil

► Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were inoculated in a Mediterranean agricultural soil. ► Soil inoculation of native and exotic AMF increased clover and maize productivity and quality. ► AMF native inoculum was as effective as, or more effective than, exotic isolates. ► Beneficial effects of soil inoculation persisted until 2 years since inoculation. ► Native inocula represent an alternative to the use of commercial AMF inocula.