Organic phosphorus utilization by wheat plants under sterile conditions

An experiment was set up to make a critical assessment of the role of organic P (Po) in soil solution in the nutrition of wheat plants under sterile conditions. Three concentration gradients of Po (17.08, 27.31 and 37.61 M l^-1) were created in a sterilized Oxisol by fertilization with a soil solution prepared by a dry freezing technique and containing antibiotics to minimize microbial growth. Due to the high P fixing capacity of the Oxisol and high buffering capacity of inorganic P (Pi), as compared to Po, a negligible change in Pi concentration occurred, due to fertilization after equilibrium in soil solution. Phosphorus supply had a positive effect on dry matter and P concentration of the plants. Acid phosphatase secretion by plant roots was 5–11 times higher in Po treatments than in the respective Pi treatments. No alkaline phosphatase activity was detected, confirming the absence of microbial activity in our system. Net P inflow into plants was significantly higher in the Pi + Po treatments at all three Po concentrations than in the respective Pi (control) treatment, providing evidence for the role of Po in the P nutrition of plants. It was hypothesized that plants secrete phosphatases in response to the presence of Po in soil solution and Po might be responsible for the increase in P influx to wheat plants.     

Evaluation of Phosphorus Pools and Fractions in an Acid Tropical Soil Recapitalized with Different Phosphorus Sources

Abstract

Bray 1 phosphorus (B1P) and sequential phosphorus (P) fractions were determined on soils treated with triple superphosphate (TSP), Gafsa (GPR), and Christmas Island phosphate rocks (CIPR), respectively, with and without manure. The fractions extracted in decreasing lability were iron oxide–impregnated paper strip P (Pi‐strip P), inorganic (Pi), and organic (Po) bicarbonate (NaHCO3‐Pi and ‐Po), hydroxide [sodium hydroxide (NaOH)‐Pi and ‐Po], hydrochloric acid (HCl) P, and residual (residue P). The magnitude of B1P was in the order TSP>GPR=CIPR. Average B1P from PRs was two‐fold the amount in TSP, whereas that of the fractions was NaOH‐P>Residue P<sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) P<Pi‐strip P <HCl. Bray 1 extracted mainly the most labile fractions (Pi‐strip P and NaHCO3‐Pi), and plant P uptake was correlated mainly to NaOH‐Po and NaHCO₃‐Pi. Magnitude of various fractions differed between TSP and PRs. Both B1P and the fractions were equally correlated to P uptake (R²=0.38**). Nevertheless, sequential fractionation appears to be a powerful tool to identify the P status and availability in soil.     

Phosphorus and carbon status of a paddy soil under different fertilization regimes

Purpose

Phosphorus (P) in soil particulate fraction (PF; >53 μm) is suggested to have a significant importance in soil P cycling. However, the effects of continuous fertilization on P-PF and its association with soil organic carbon (SOC) in paddy soils have not been well studied.

Materials and methods

We sampled paddy soils at 0–20 cm from a long-term field experiment (initiated in 1981) conducted under humid subtropical conditions in China, which has five fertilization treatments with equivalent P input (135 kg P₂O₅?ha^?1 year^?1) except the control treatment (CK). Changes in total P (Pt), inorganic P (Pi), organic P (Po), and SOC under different fertilization managements were evaluated in the whole soil, in the PF, and in the mineral-associated fraction (MAF; <53 μm).

Results and discussion

Continuous fertilization increased the contents of SOC and P in all soil fractions. Both Po and organic carbon in PF were the most sensitive variables to fertilization, indicating that they constitute a useful tool to detect the effects of management practices. Among the fertilization treatments, organic amendments significantly increased Po-PF contents more than chemical fertilizer applied only (p?<?0.05), although they had equivalent P input. The paddy soil without fertilization showed a more significant decrease in Pi compared with Po. The SOC/Po ratios were significantly lower in fertilization treatments (especially those with manure or straw incorporation) than in CK and decreased from PF to MAF. A significant relationship was found between Po-PF contents and rice P uptake during the growing season.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that Po-PF may also play a significant role in P cycling of paddy soil, and thus, it would be better to consider Po-PF in soil diagnosis to promote P management of paddy soil, especially for that under long-term organic amendments.

     

The dynamics of different organic and inorganic phosphorus fractions in soils from the south of Santa Fe province,Argentina

Abstract

The effect of fractioning organic (Po) and inorganic (Pi) phosphorus components on phosphorus form and availability in long‐term cultivation (1) was studied. The study analyzed a Typic Argiudoll soil under three cropping systems: permanent pasture, long‐term cultivation, and mixed pasture and cultivation use. One soil had been cultivated for at least 50 years and one was cultivated for at least 30 years.

The effects of several modifications of these soils were analyzed. Short‐term modifications were determined in a greenhouse experiment in which two successive crops were grown after an initial fertilizer treatment. Long‐term cultivation induced a loss of P, which was considerably greater than the losses of total C or N. Similarly, decreases in pH, extractable P (2), resin‐extractable P, Na‐bicarbonate and Na‐hydroxide Pi, and Na‐bicarbonate Po indicated a long‐term loss of plant‐available Pi with management practices over time.

Increases in some forms of P were observed. Sodium‐hydroxide Po, an organic P form, did not show a significant trend but appeared to increase with years of cultivation. Resin‐extractable Pi was the only fraction that increased significantly as a result of P fertilization.

The relationship observed between dry weight and P concentration of greenhouse plants with the different organic and inorganic P fractions suggests that both types of determinations may be used to predict crop response to P fertilization.     

土地利用从水稻种植至蔬菜种植的转换对土壤中磷素赋存形态的影响

Excess phosphorus (P) from agricultural soils contributes to eutrophication in water bodies. Samples (n=60) were taken from sites where rice paddies have been converted to vegetable fields for 0, < 10, 10-20, and > 20 years and analyzed for five inorganic P (P_i) fractions, three organic P (P_o) fractions, and several soil parameters to investigate how land use conversion affects P_i and P_o fractions in a peri-urban area of China with soils characteristic of many agricultural areas of Asia. Significant increases of 33, 281, 293, and 438 mg kg^-1 were found for soluble and loosely bound P_i (SL-P_i), aluminum-bound P_i (Al-P_i), calcium-bound P_i (Ca-P_i), and iron-bound P_i (Fe-P_i), respectively, after conversion from rice paddies to vegetable fields. Most of the increase in P_i was in the form of Fe-P_i, which increased from 8% of total P (TP) on paddy soil to 31% on the soil with > 20-year vegetable cultivation, followed by Al-P_i, which increased from 2% to 19% of TP. For Po fractions, there was no significant change in P concentrations. The conversion of land use from paddy fields to high intensity vegetable fields was causing significant changes in soil P fractions. Management practices were causing a buildup of soil P, primarily in the Fe-P_i fraction, followed by Ca-P_i and Al-P_i fractions. If current trends continue, a 30%-70% increase in TP could be expected in the next 20 years. Farmers in the area should reduce P application and use to maximize P uptake.     

Phosphorus Fractionation of Composted Crop Residues and Forms of Soil Phosphorus after 22 Years of Compost Application to Andosols

Phosphorus (P) fractionation of composted crop residues and Andosols amended with composted crop residues was conducted. Inorganic P (Pi) comprised 85% of total P in the composts. The distribution of inorganic P forms was in the following order: sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Pi > hydrochloric acid (HCl) Pi > sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) Pi > water (H₂O) Pi. After 22 years of the compost application to two Andosols, total Pi concentration significantly increased. However, total organic P (Po) concentration in the composted soil was not significantly different from that in noncomposted soil. Among of Pi fractions, compost application distinctly increased Al-Pi concentration, followed by Fe-Pi. The ratio of Fe-Po to total P concentrations significantly decreased by compost application.     

Dynamics and availability of phosphorus in the rhizosphere of a temperate silvopastoral system

A field rhizosphere study was carried out over a period of 12 months on a 6-year-old silvopastoral trial in New Zealand. The trial comprised radiata pine (Pinus radiata) with lucerne (Medicago sativa) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) understoreys. The study was initiated because of the unique interrelationships between roots in silvopastoral systems and a paucity of understanding about the processes involved in phosphorus (P) dynamics in temperate silvopastoral systems. Improving our understanding in this area has important implications for nutrient management in silvopastoral systems. Rhizosphere soils were analysed to determine inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) P fractions, macroporous resin Pi and Po, phosphatase enzyme activity, microbial biomass carbon and pH. Concentrations of labile Pi were consistently greater and Po lower in tree rhizosphere soil compared to the companion understorey, indicating that radiata pine when grown with a productive understorey mineralised Po to a greater extent than either understorey species. Tree rhizosphere soil from under lucerne and lucerne rhizosphere soil contained the lowest concentrations of total Pi and Po compared with tree under ryegrass and ryegrass rhizosphere soils. This was partly attributed to higher levels of phosphatase enzyme activity in the lucerne rhizosphere soils. The results suggest the combination of lucerne with radiata pine may enhance greater utilisation of soil P, although this requires further investigation. Lower levels of labile Po, and higher levels of labile Pi and phosphatase enzyme activity, were determined in tree and understorey lucerne and ryegrass rhizosphere soils in spring compared with autumn. This data confirmed that overall rates of soil organic P mineralisation are greatest in spring.     

中亚热带不同植被恢复阶段林地土壤磷库特征

以湘中丘陵区檵木—南烛—杜鹃灌草丛(LVR)、檵木—杉木—白栎灌木林(LCQ)、马尾松—柯(又名石栎)—檵木针阔混交林(PLL)、柯—红淡比—青冈常绿阔叶林(LAG)4种林地为对象,采用Tiessen和Moir修正后的Hedley磷(P)分级方法,研究不同植被恢复阶段林地土壤P各分级组分含量及其组成比例。结果表明:随着植被恢复,同一土层全磷(TP)、总无机磷(Pi)、总有机磷(Po)含量增加,NaHCO_3-Pi、NaOH-Pi、HCl-Pi和NaHCO_3-Po、NaOH-Po属于快速积累型,Residual-P属于缓慢积累型,Resin-Pi属于稳定型;不同植被恢复阶段林地土壤Pi以NaOH-Pi为主,Po以NaOH-Po为主,土壤P以Residual-P和Po为主;随着植被恢复,同一土层Po含量占TP的百分比增加,Pi先增加后减少,而Residual-P逐渐下降;不同林地土壤TP及P各分级组分含量均随着土壤深度增加而降低;随着植被恢复,群落植物多样性、群落生物量和凋落物层养分含量及质量的变化显著影响着土壤P各分级组分的含量及其组成比例。     

Effect of phosphate fertilization on crop yield and soil phosphorus status

To evaluate the effect of three phosphorus (P) fertilization regimes (no P, P input equivalent to P off‐take by crops, P input higher than P off‐take) on crop yield, P uptake, and soil P availability, seven field experiments (six in crop rotations, one under permanent grassland) were conducted in Switzerland during nine years (six trials) or 27 years (one trial). Soil total P (Pt), inorganic P (Pi), organic P (Po), and the amount of isotopically exchangeable soil P were measured in the 0–20 cm and 30–50 cm layers of the arable soils and in the 0–10 cm layer of the permanent grassland soil. Omitting P fertilization resulted in significant yield decreases only in one field crop trial as the amount of P isotopically exchangeable within one minute (E_1min) reached values lower than 5 mg P (kg soil)^–1. In the absence of P fertilization Pi decreased on average from 470 to 410 mg P (kg soil)^–1 in the upper horizon of 6 sites while Po decreased only at two sites (from 510 to 466 mg P (kg soil)^–1 on average). In all the treatments of the trials started in 1989 the E_1min values of the upper horizon decreased on average from 15.6 to 7.4 mg P (kg soil)^–1 between 1989 and 1998. These decreases were also observed when P inputs were higher than crops needs, showing that in these soils the highest P inputs were not sufficient to maintain the high initial available P levels. Finally for the six arable trials the values of the isotopic exchange kinetics parameters (R/r₁, n, C_P) and P exchangeable within 1 minute (E_1min) at the end of the experiment could be estimated from the values measured at the beginning of trial and the cumulated P balance.     

Assessing long term effects of compost fertilization on soil fertility and nitrogen mineralization rate

Background

Fertilization with organic waste compost can close the nutrient cycles between urban and rural environments. However, its effect on yield and soil fertility must be investigated.

Aim

This study investigated the long-term effect of compost on soil nutrient and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) concentration, nutrient budgets, and nitrogen (N) mineralization and efficiency.

Methods

After 21 years of annual compost application (100/400 kg N ha^–1 year^–1 [100BC/400BC]) alone and combined with mineral fertilization, soil was analyzed for pH, organic carbon (SOC), nutrient (total N and P, N_min, extractable CAL-P, CAL-K, and Mg), and PTE (Cu, Ni, Zn) concentrations. Yields were recorded and nutrient/PTE budgets and apparent net mineralization (ANM, only 2019) were calculated.

Results

N efficiency was the highest in maize and for mineral fertilization. Compost application led to lower N efficiencies, but increased ANM, SOC, pH, and soil N, and surpluses of N, P, and all PTEs. Higher PTE concentrations were only found in 400BC for Cu. Nutrient budgets correlated with soil nutrient concentration. A surplus of 16.1 kg P ha^–1 year^–1 and 19.5 kg K ha^–1 year^–1 resulted in 1 mg kg^–1 increase in CAL-P and CAL-K over 21 years.

Conclusion

Compost application supplies nutrients to crops with a minor risk of soil-accumulation of PTEs. However, the nutrient stoichiometry provided by compost does not match crop offtakes causing imbalances. Synchronization of compost N mineralization and plant N demand does not match and limits the yield effect. In winter wheat only 65–70% of N mineralization occurred during the growth period.     

Organic-acid-producing,phytate-mineralizing rhizobacteria and their effect on growth of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)

Phytates represent a significant pool of organic phosphorus (Po) that is largely unavailable to plants. This study deals with phytate-mineralizing (PM), organic-acid-producing (OAP) rhizobacterial isolates, their characterization and their effect on plant growth. Their genetic diversity was assessed by 16S rRNA amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and selected isolates were identified by partial sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Na-phytate and Po rich poultry farm manure (PFM) used as sources of phosphorus in semi-solid-agar (SSA) medium and soil respectively, for plant inoculation studies, where Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea) used as plant. Of thirty-nine rhizobacterial isolates, nineteen were proficient at releasing phosphate (Pi) (up to 85 μg/ml) from sparingly soluble calcium (Ca)-phytate and concomitantly decreasing the pH of minimal medium with 100 mM glucose from 8.0 to below 5. When the medium contained glycerol in place of glucose, Ca-phytate remained undissolved with no significant Pi released and no decline in pH. Genetic diversity of phytate-mineralizing (PM) rhizobacterial isolates suggests that the isolates mainly fall in two populations: acid-producing (AP) population (mainly represented by members of Enterobacteriaceae) and non-AP population. OAP-PM rhizobacterial isolates were identified as Citrobacter, Pantoea, Klebsiella and Enterobacter species. Organic acids (OAs) secreted by PM isolates were detected by HPLC, showed secretion of gluconic and acetic acids. Importance of OAs in Ca-phytate dephosphorylation was demonstrated in vitro using A. ficuum phytase. Gluconate and acetate additions enhanced phytase catalyzed dephosphorylation of Ca-phytate in vitro. Sonicated cell lysates of isolates showed significant Pi release from Ca-phytate compared to whole cells, indicating inaccessibility of Ca-phytate due to poor solubility. Selected isolates showed that they possess cell-associated acid phytase and modulators of phytase activity suggested that the enzymes are histidine acid phosphatase (HAP) type of phytase. OAP-PM isolates PP1 and DHRSS showed significant increase in dry shoot/root ratio and P content of shoot in Na-phytate containing semi-solid agar (SSA) medium, but isolate DHRSS did not increase dry shoot/root ratio in soil experiments containing poultry farm manure as source of P, although it significantly increased shoot P content of plants. The inoculation of isolates enhanced the shoot P content and dry shoot/root ratio, but did not increase the dry weight in SSA medium. It may be concluded that some OAP-PM rhizobacterial isolates that release P from Ca-phytate show increase in shoot P content in phytate containing SSA medium and in soils.     

Variable inhibition of iron uptake by oat phytosiderophore in five soybean cultivars

Abstract

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth, and nutrient uptake in saline soils with different salt and phosphorus (P) levels. The following treatments were included in this experiment: (i) Soil A, with salt level of 16.6 dS m^?1 and P level of 8.4 mg kg^?1; (ii) Soil B, with salt level of 6.2 dS m^?1 and P level of 17.5 mg kg^?1; and (iii) Soil C, with salt level of 2.4 dS m^?1 and P level of 6.5 mg kg^?1. Soils received no (control) or 25 mg P kg^?1 soil as triple super phosphate and were either not inoculated (control) or inoculated with a mixture of AM (AM1) and/or with Glomus intraradices (AM2). All pots were amended with 125 mg N kg^?1 soil as ammonium sulfate. Barley (Hordeum vulgar L., cv. “ACSAD 6”) was grown for five weeks. Plants grown on highly saline soils were severely affected where the dry weight was significantly lower than plants growing on moderately and low saline soils. The tiller number and the plant height were also lower under highly saline condition. The reduced plant growth under highly saline soils is mainly attributed to the negative effect of the high osmotic potential of the soil solution of the highly saline soils which tend to reduce the nutrient and water uptake as well as reduce the plant root growth. Both the application of P fertilizers and the soil inoculation with either inoculum mixture or G. intraradices increased the dry weight and the height of the plants but not the tiller number. The positive effect of P application on plant growth was similar to the effect of AM inoculation. Phosphorus concentration in the plants was higher in the mycorrhizal plant compared to the non mycorrhizal ones when P was not added. On the other hand, the addition of P increased the P concentration in the plants of the non mycorrhizal plants to as high as that of the mycorrhizal plants. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) uptake increased with AM inoculation. The addition of P had a positive effect on micronutrient uptake in soil with low level of soil P, but had a negative effect in soil with high level of soil P. Micronutrient uptake decreases with increasing soil salinity level. Inoculation with AMF decreases sodium (Na) concentration in plants grown in soil of the highest salinity level but had no effect when plants were grown in soil with moderate or low salinity level. The potassium (K) concentration was not affected by any treatment while the K/Na ratio was increased by AM inoculation only when plant were grown in soil of the highest salinity level.     

Phosphorus and silicon effects on growth,yield, and phosphorus forms in potato plants

Silicon (Si) can increase phosphorus (P) use efficiency (PUE) by increasing P availability in the soil and altering P metabolism in the plant, thus resulting in improved yield under low soil P conditions. The objective was to evaluate the effect of P (10, 50, 100, and 200?mg dm^?3) and Si (0, 50, and 200?mg dm^?3) interrelationship on P and Si uptake by plants, forms of P in leaves and tubers, plant growth, and tuber yield of potato plants. Silicon supply increased organic and inorganic P in the leaves. At low soil P rates, Si also increased organic P in the tubers. However, alterations in the P metabolism of potato plants with Si supply did not promote significant changes in dry matter (DM) production and tuber yield. Phosphate fertilization increased growth and yield of plants. Silicon uptake by the plants were also increased by phosphate fertilization with soil Si supply.     

Soil phosphorus fractions in aggregate size classes in southwestern China

The build‐up of topsoil phosphorus (P) through excess fertilizer application can increase P losses in run‐off leading to negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. To better understand the risk of P losses, the fractions of soil P in four aggregate size classes were quantified for two vegetable production sites (<10 and >25 yrs) and a conservation buffer site (8 yrs) in southwestern China. Sequential extraction methods of inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po) were carried out on samples from Nitisol and Gleysol soils from 0 to 5 cm and 5 to 10 cm depths. On average, soil Pi concentrations exceeded Po concentrations threefold, primarily in the bioavailable Pi fractions (labile Pi, loosely bound Pi and non‐occluded Pi). Soil Po fractions and bioavailable Pi fractions were significantly greater under the >25 yrs field than in the <10 yrs field. The conversion of fields under vegetable production to forested buffer substantially decreased the levels of the bioavailable Pi and labile Po in the Gleysol after 8 yrs. Soil macro‐aggregates (>0.25 mm) had greater concentrations of bioavailable Pi fractions and of labile and moderately labile Po than did micro‐aggregates and silt and clay size components. Although more P was stored in recalcitrant P forms, a larger percentage of all P fractions was found in macro‐aggregates in these soils. Small active P‐enriched aggregates potentially intensify export of P from the vegetable soils by run‐off, and therefore, management practices must be optimized to enhance agricultural P efficiencies.     

Fertilizer Concentration Affects Growth Response and Leaf Color of Tradescantia virginiana L.

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was conducted out to investigate the yield and pungency of spring onion (Allium fistulosum L.) as affected by inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and addition of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilizers. Plants were inoculated with either Glomus mosseae or Glomus intraradices or grown as uninoculated controls. Two levels of N and S were applied to the soil in factorial combinations of 50 and 250 mg N kg^?1 soil and 0 and 60 mg S kg^?1 soil. Plants were grown in a greenhouse for 25 weeks and then harvested. Mycorrhizal colonization resulted in increased shoot dry weight, shoot-to-root ratio, shoot length, sheath diameter, and phosphorus (P) concentrations. Shoot dry-matter yield was significantly affected by added N, but not by S. Shoot dry weight increased with increasing N supply (except for non-mycorrhizal controls without additional S fertilizer). Shoot total S concentration (TSC), enzyme-produced pyruvate (EPY), and organic sulfur concentration (OSC) in plants inoculated with Glomus mosseae were significantly lower than those of non-mycorrhizal controls, while these parameters in plants inoculated with Glomus intraradices were comparable to or higher than in the controls. Neither N nor S supply affected shoot EPY or OSC, whereas shoot TSC (except in plants inoculated with Glomus mosseae) and SO₄ ^2? concentrations were usually significantly increased by S supply. In soil of high S and low P availability, mycorrhizal colonization had a profound influence on both the yield and the pungency of spring onion.     

Effect of Phosphorus in Alleviation of Adverse Impacts of Salinity on Wheat Grown on Different Soils

Fertilization management is an important technique to alleviate the adverse effects of salinity stress on plants. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative role of inorganic phosphorus (P) and organic P sources on wheat grown under salt stress in three soil types deficient in available P. Wheat (Triticum asetivum L. cv. Shakha 93) was grown on alluvial, sandy, and calcareous soils under salinity levels of 4, 8, and 12 dS m^?1 of saturated paste extract (EC_e) and supplied with constant rate of 30 mg P₂O₅ kg soil^?1 as superphosphate (SP), cattle manure (CM), and 1:1 mixture of SP and CM. The results revealed that plants grown on the sandy soil were more susceptible to the adverse effects of salinity compared with those planted on the alluvial one, especially at zero P. Plants grown on the calcareous soil were moderately affected. Varying soil type caused significant differences in the aboveground biomass and uptake of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), P, and zinc (Zn). It was obvious that P ameliorated wheat growth under salt stress, and this role was greater under moderate and high salinity. The increases in N, P, K, and Zn uptake appeared driven by P application were more conspicuous in the sandy and calcareous soils. Results also indicated that combined application of inorganic and organic P sources surpassed both when applied solely under all soil types and salinity levels.     

Effects of long-term phosphorus fertilizer inputs and seasonal conditions on organic soil phosphorus cycling under grazed pasture

Soil microbes and phosphatase enzymes play a critical role in organic soil phosphorus (P) cycling. However, how long-term P inputs influence microbial P transformations and phosphatase enzyme activity under grazed pastures remains unclear. We collected top-soil (0–75 mm) from a grazed pasture receiving contrasting P inputs (control, 188 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ of single super phosphate [SSP], and 376 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ of SSP) for more than 65 years. Olsen P, microbial biomass P, and acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities were measured regularly over a 2-year period. Pasture dry matter and soil chemical properties were also investigated. Results showed that long-term P inputs significantly increased pasture dry matter, total N, and the concentrations of ${\mathrm{NO}}_3^{–}$–N but significantly decreased soil pH and the concentrations of ${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}$–N. Total C was not affected by P fertilization. Although Olsen P significantly increased with increasing long-term P inputs, microbial biomass P was similar under P fertilized treatments. Long-term P inputs decreased acid phosphatase activity but increased alkaline phosphatase activity. Microbial biomass P was similar across seasons in the control but decreased in spring and autumn while increased in summer and winter under P fertilized treatments. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly affected by season and followed similar seasonal trends being maximum in summer and minimum in winter regardless of P treatment. Correlation and principal component analysis revealed that acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly positively correlated with soil temperature and significantly negatively correlated with soil moisture. In contrast, Olsen P and microbial biomass P were weakly correlated with environmental conditions. The findings of this study highlight the intertwined relationship between organic P cycling and the availability of C and N in soil systems and the need to integrate both soil moisture and temperature in models predicting organic P mineralization, especially in the context of global climate change.     

Nagina 22 mutants tolerant or sensitive to low P in field show contrasting response to double P in hydroponics and pots

ABSTRACT

A simple screening method is needed to identify rice genotypes tolerant to low phosphorus (P) in soil. Nagina 22 (N22) mutants were classified as gain of function (gof) and loss of function (lof) for tolerance to very low P (soil Olsen P 2.01 mg kg^?1). Two gof and two lof mutants were grown in hydroponics and in pot experiment at three P levels (-P, +P and +2P). Comparing response at +P and +2P in hydroponics we found that shoot and root dry weight were significantly less in gof and significantly more in lof in +2P. In pots with soil, tiller number and yield/plant was 3 fold less in gof but 2.5 to 3 fold more in lof and N22 in +2P compared to +P. That 2P can be used to identify low-P tolerant genotypes was validated using 3 low-P tolerant and 3 sensitive varieties whose response to low P soil is well documented. Both shoot and root dry weight was significantly less in +2P than in +P in tolerant and significantly more in sensitive genotypes. Thus screening in hydroponics in +2P can help identify low-P- tolerant genotypes easily and rapidly avoiding field screening.     

Effects of indigenous and introduced arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth of Allium fistulosum under field conditions

ABSTRACT

Enhanced phosphorus (P) uptake from the soil and increased plant growth related to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in pot culture, using sterilized soil, are well-known phenomena. However, these enhancements are not widely observed under field conditions because field sterilization is difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AM fungi on P uptake and the growth of Allium fistulosum in non-fumigated and fumigated fields, under different levels of P availability. Plants were inoculated with the AM fungus Glomus R-10 and grown in fumigated soil. For the uninoculated treatment, a sterilized inoculum was applied directly. The field was fumigated using dazomet. Superphosphate was applied to the field at the rates of 0 (P0) or 500 (P500) kg P₂O₅ ha^?1. The inoculated and uninoculated plants were transplanted into the fields and sampled three times to measure AM fungal colonization, shoot P concentration, and shoot dry weight of the plants. At the transplanting stage, AM fungal colonization was observed in the inoculated plants (>70%) but not in the uninoculated plants. At the third sampling, irrespective of P treatment, AM fungal colonization was observed both in the uninoculated and inoculated plants in the non-fumigated field, and there was no difference in shoot P content and shoot dry weight between the inoculated and uninoculated plants. AM fungal colonization in the fumigated field was higher in the inoculated than uninoculated plants, irrespective of P treatment; shoot P content and shoot dry weight were both higher in the inoculated plants than in the uninoculated plants with P0. These results suggest that the responses of A. fistulosum to AM fungal inoculation under the low-P and fumigated conditions are similar to those observed in sterilized pot culture conditions.     

Rhizosphere P composition,phosphatase and phytase activities of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polygonum hydropiper</Emphasis> grown in excess P soils

This study investigated phosphorus (P) accumulation and rhizosphere characteristics of Polygonum hydropiper under high levels (400, 800, and 1600 mg P kg^?1) of inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po), supplied as KH₂PO₄ and myo-inositol hexaphosphoric acid dodecasodium salt, respectively. Mining (ME) and non-mining (NME) ecotypes were used since they differed in the capacity of nutrient acquisition. Biomass and P accumulation in shoots and roots of the ME increased by increasing Pi levels, whereas they decreased by increasing Po concentrations. Rhizosphere pH declined by 0.15–0.45 U for the ME and 0.04–0.14 U for the NME. Orthophosphate was the most abundant form, and it depleted greatly in the rhizosphere, with higher effect by the ME than by the NME. Glycerophosphate and inositol hexakisphosphate concentrations increased in the rhizosphere under high Po treatments with higher effect by the ME than by the NME. Rhizosphere acid phosphomonoesterase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, and phytase activities of both ecotypes were higher in high P treatments than the treatment without P, whereas phosphodiesterase activity decreased. Significantly higher enzyme activities were observed in the rhizosphere soil of the ME than the NME. Probably, the ME might obtain higher shoot P than the NME from P-enriched soils through changes in rhizosphere properties.