The use of ectomycorrhizal fungi as possible indicators of ecosystem response to disturbance is discussed with emphasis on the analysis of individual species by direct observation of their mycorrhizas. Some examples of such studies are given. The possible role of fungal diversity and differential tolerance by individual species to pollutants are also discussed in relation to observed changes within ectomycorrhizal fungal communities.

Distribution patterns of ectomycorrhizal types and length density of finest roots were investigated in three comparable Scots pine ecosystems located along a deposition gradient of air pollutants in the new states of Germany. The plots Rosa, located near Bitterfeld and Halle, had received high depositions loads of SO2, NOX and alkaline fly ashes due to chemical industries and brown coal fired power plants in the former German Democratic Republic. Taura, located near Leipzig, was moderately affected by air pollutants. The background site Neuglobsow is located in a remonte area north of Berlin. All the three plots were dominated by only a few mycorrhizal types. Mycorrhizal projection area of these types was highest in Neuglobsow and strongly reduced at the polluted plots. The distribution patterns of mycorrhizal types differed also qualitatively. Length density of finest roots was lower in the humus layer of Neuglobsow than in the humus layer of Rosa and Taura. The results are correlated to high nutrient inputs and high rates of N-mineralization at the impacted plots.