Proliferation of mycorrhizal fungal species on organic matter improves nitrogen nutrition in Russian wild rye
Date
2008-02-28
Authors
Nayyar, A.
Hamel, C.
Hanson, K.
Germida, J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Presentation
Degree Level
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) facilitate plant growth by aiding nutrient
movement to plants especially under low fertility conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungi generally takes N as NH4+ or NO3-. We hypothesized that AMF enhance soil
organic matter decomposition through their stimulating influence on soil microorganisms
and help in the transport of nitrogen to plants. Hyphal chambers (HC) containing labelled
15N organic matter (wheat root and shoot) were inserted in pots. Russian wild rye was
inoculated or not with three AM fungal species (G. intraradices, G. claroideum, G.
clarum) and was grown for six months. The amount of total C retained in the HC was
lower in the presence of AMF hyphae as compared to control and substrate C:N ratio was
lower indicating that decomposition was faster in AMF colonized systems. The faster rate
of decomposition in HC in presence of AMF was concurrent with change in microbial
community structure. Higher N uptake and greater plant biomass were measured in AMF
treated Russian wild rye as compared to control. Results of the present investigation
suggest that presence of AMF hastens organic matter decomposition, thus enhancing soil
N fertility and plant growth.
Description
Keywords
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, decomposition, N mobilization, plant nutrition, biomass
Citation
Degree
Department
Program
Advisor
Committee
Part Of
Soils and Crops Workshop