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Colonization of vegetation by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi may enhance plant growth and P cycling during reclamation of mined lands. This study was conducted to determine the effects of irrigation and fertilization on VAM fungi establishment in mycotrophic plants growing on mined lands in an arid environment. Colonization of mycotrophic plants by VAM fungi at a mine study site in the Red Desert region of southwestern Wyoming was accelerated by the reclamation practice of supplemental irrigation. Frequency of VAM fungal colonizations in three grass species were substantially increased in plots irrigated at rates of 5 and 10 cm mo-1 in the first 2 yr of reclamation. Irrigation at a rate > 5 cm mo-1 was less important to fungal colonizations than irrigation scheduling during vegetative establishment. Colonization of mycotrophic plants by VAM fungi was not affected by fertilization with an 18-46-0 (N-PK) fertilizer during the first year of reclamation. Densities of VAM fungal spores in minesoil plots were unaffected by either irrigation rate, irrigation schedule, or fertilization. A limited time-course study in the third season of reclamation delineated a functional VAM fungal presence within reclaimed minesoil.