Abstract:The sampling plots represented the typical Psammochloa villosa community and were chosen based on the presence of P. villosa to investigate the effects of its clonal growth on the distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Mu Us sandland. The plots were established in May and sampled in May, July and October 2007. Soil samples were collected in 4 replicates and divided a depth of 50 cm into 5 sections, i.e. 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40 and 40-50 cm. The results showed that a functional symbiont is formed between AM fungi and P. villosa, with an intermediate mycorrhizal type. AM fungal colonization significantly (P<0.05) increased initially and later decreased with sampling time, peaking in July. Spore density showed an inverted pattern of development and maximum numbers were recorded in October. The soil sampling depth had a significant (P<0.05) effect on spore density and colonization of AM fungi with the highest percent colonization and spore density in the two topmost sections i.e., 0-20cm. Spore density was significantly (P<0.05) and positively correlated with vesicular colonization. Soil available N content was significantly (P<0.01) and negatively correlated with hyphal and total root colonization. Soil temperature was significantly (P<0.05) and positively correlated with vesicular, arbuscular, hyphal and total colonization, but had a significantly (P<0.05) negative effect on spore density. Soil moisture was significantly (P<0.05) and positively correlated with arbuscular, hyphal and total colonization but significantly (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with spore density. The results suggest that the clonal growth of P. villosa has an influence on the colonization activity and spore density of AM fungi.