Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in northern Greece and influence of soil resources on their colonization

Abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the roots of plant species was assessed in two areas in Greece in a 4-year study (2004–2007). The field experiment was conducted in a mountainous and herbaceous grassland in Greece in which both nitrogen (N)- and phosphorus (P)-limited plant community productivity. In 2006, data were also collected from a pot experiment in which 14 herbaceous plant species were grown as monocultures in P-limited soil. A factorial design of two levels of N and P was established in the mountainous field to test plant response to nutrient additions with respect to AMF colonization levels. Effects of fungicides were also investigated over year in the pot experiment and over three years in the field experiment. In addition, the effect of irrigation on AMF colonization was determined in a 1-year field study. Measurements included estimating the level of plant species specific hyphal colonization of roots according to the McGonicle et al. [McGonigle, T.P., Miller, M.H., Evans, D.G., Fairchild, D.L., Swan, J.A., 1990. A new method which gives an objective measure of colonization of roots by vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. New Phytol. 115, 495–501] method. AMF colonization was highest in the leguminous species, intermediate in the forbs and lowest in the grasses. AMF responses to N and P additions were not uniform. P addition in the field experiment increased the colonization level of the high P demanding annual forb (non-leguminous dicot) Galium lucidum, decreased hyphal abundance of the forb Plantago lanceolata and the grass Agrostis capillaris, and appeared to have a negligible effect on the forb Prunella vulgaris and on leguminous species. Effects of N addition were influenced by P addition and were only significant in plots not enriched with P where N addition increased the AMF colonization. Irrigation increased colonization of the tested species A. capillaris and P. lanceolata but only significantly increased that of P. lanceolata. There was interannual variation in the effects of fungicides on AMF colonization, which was partly due to differences in the active ingredient and formulation used. Among the tested species, A. capillaris was the most susceptible to fungicides.     

The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and environment on root development in soil

The production of fine roots is one of the principal means by which carbon, fixed during photosynthesis, enters the soil, and quantifying the production for particular combinations of environmental and biotic factors is important for predicting the sequestration of carbon in the soils of grassland ecosystems. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can have a major effect on the production of roots, and we studied how colonization by AMF affects the lifespan of roots. Twenty per cent of control roots of Trifolium repens survived for longer than 42 days whereas 37% survived that long in AMF‐colonized plants. The overall survival of the roots of Lolium perenne was less than in T. repens: around 10% of roots survived beyond 42 days and this was not affected by AMF colonization. Previous studies have shown that lifespans of roots can be affected by temperature. We tested the hypothesis that these observations are linked to a change in the morphology of the root system caused by temperature and also by AMF. We found that inoculation with AMF in a microcosm study using Plantago lanceolata grown at various temperatures, with and without AMF, showed no clear effect of AMF on branching patterns. Temperature had a significant effect on total lengths, numbers and branching rates of some higher orders of roots. Total lengths of both secondary and tertiary roots grown at 27°C were about double those of plants grown at 15°C. Colonization by AMF tended to reduce this effect. Evidently the effect of colonization by AMF on root lifespan depends on the species. Increased branching, and thus a greater proportion of ephemeral roots, was responsible for shortening the lives of the roots at increased temperature, which suggests a strong link between lifespan and morphology.     

Ring nematodes (Mesocriconema xenoplax) alter root colonization and function of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in grape roots in a low P soil

A reduction of arbuscules in roots of grapevines (Vitis vinifera) observed when ring nematodes were added to field microplots led to the hypothesis that nematode feeding suppresses arbuscules by competing for root carbohydrates. Support for this hypothesis was tested by growing ‘Pinot noir’ grapevines in a factorial experiment with three levels of initial nematode densities (0, 0.1, 1.0 nematodes g^?1 soil), two levels of light (full sun, 50% sun), and two levels of AMF (nonAMF, +AMF). Effects on plant growth were primarily driven by a light and AMF treatment interaction, such that low light increased stem dry matter accumulation at the expense of roots in +AMF vines only. Nematodes had only a minor influence on plant growth (leaf mass was reduced at the highest nematode density), but nematodes did not affect overall plant dry matter accumulation. Since nonAMF vines were severely limited by P and their growth was so poor, the impact of nematode and light treatments was further analyzed in +AMF plants only. Nematode populations, AMF colonization, and root carbohydrates were differentially affected by initial nematode density or light levels. Root biomass, and reducing sugar and starch concentrations in fine roots were reduced by low light, but the final nematode populations and arbuscule frequencies in roots were unaffected by light. Nematodes reduced arbuscules and starch concentrations in fine roots, but did not affect total colonization by AMF (hyphae, vesicles or arbuscules). Nematodes reduced plant P and K uptake at the highest density, and low light reduced Mg uptake. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ring nematodes suppress arbuscules in roots via competition for root carbohydrates. However, the lack of a treatment interaction between light and nematodes in our study suggests that ring nematode–AMF interactions in grape roots are controlled by more than competition for photosynthate.     

Response of Sauropus androgynus to soil phosphorus concentration and mycorrhizal colonization

Thirty three‐day‐old seedlings of nonmycorrhizal Sauropus androgynus were transplanted into pots containing a subsurface Oxisol uninoculated or inoculated with Glomus aggregation at three target soil solution phosphorus (P) concentrations. While no evidence of vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (VAMF) colonization was noticed in the uninoculated soil, sauropus roots were colonized to the extent of 54%, 60% and 38% in the inoculated soil if target soil P concentrations were 0.014, 0.02 and 0.2 mg/L. VAMF colonization led to significant increases in tissue P and shoot dry matter accumulation at the first two soil P concentrations but not at the highest concentration. Root dry matter yield of mycorrhizal sauropus was greater than that of nonmycorrhizal sauropus at all soil P concentrations tested. Although mycorrhizal inoculation effects at soil P concentrations of 0.014 and 0.02 mg/L were comparable, growth of mycorrhizal plants was greater at the latter P concentration than at the former. Growth of mycorrhizal sauropus at this P concentration was also comparable to non‐mycorrhizal growth of the plant at soil P concentration of 0.2 mg/L. Based on the growth responses observed sauropus was classified as a highly mycorrhizal dependent species.     

Response of maize to mycorrhizal colonization at varying levels of zinc and phosphorus

A greenhouse experiment was conducted in a red sandy loam soil (Alfisol) to study the responses of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith inoculated (M+) and uninoculated (M−) maize (Zea mays L) plants exposed to various levels of P (15 and 30 mg kg⁻¹) and Zn (0, 1.25, and 2.5 mg kg⁻¹). Roots and shoots were sampled at 55 and 75 days after sowing and assessed for their nutritional status, root morphology, and root cation exchange capacity (CEC) besides grain quality. Mycorrhizal plants had longer and more extensive root systems than nonmycorrhizal plants, indicating that M+ plants are nutritionally rich, especially with P, which directly assisted in the proliferation of roots. Further, root CEC of M+ plants were consistently higher than those of M− plants, suggesting that mycorrhizal colonization assists in the acquisition of nutrients from soil solution. Mycorrhizal inoculated plants had significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher P and Zn concentrations in roots, shoots, and grains, regardless of P or Zn levels. The available Zn and P status of AM fungus-inoculated soils were higher than unioculated soils. The data suggest that mycorrhizal symbiosis improves root morphology and CEC and nutritional status of maize plants by orchestrating the synergistic interaction between Zn and P besides enhancing soil available nutrient status that enables the host plant to sustain zinc-deficient conditions.     

Spore production by the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus monosporum as related to host species,root colonization and plant growth enhancement

Summary The vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus monosporum was inoculated on grapevine (Vitis vinifera), red clover (Trifolium pratense), meadow grass (Poa pratensis) and onion (Allium cepa) as hosts in two experiments carried out in different environments. Grapevine and clover showed the largest growth response and spore production. Mycorrhizal infection was lowest in meadow grass. Very poor correlations were observed, on an overall basis, between spore production and per cent root infection or infected root length. Spore production per unit infected root length for each host species was a comparatively stable parameter; it was largest for grapevine and smallest for meadow grass in both experiments. Sporulation was positively correlated with growth enhancement by mycorrhizal plants, and growth increments per unit infected root followed the same trend as spore numbers per unit infected root, i.e. largest for grapevine and lowest for meadow-grass. It is concluded that the ability of G. monosporum to produce spores and to enhance plant growth per unit infected root length depends on the host plant species.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi contribute to C and N enrichment of soil organic matter in forest soils

Increasing evidence suggests that accretion of microbial turnover products is an important driver for isotopic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) enrichment of soil organic matter (SOM). However, the exact contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to soil isotopic patterns remains unknown. In this study, we compared ¹³C and ¹⁵N patterns of glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), which includes a main fraction derived from AMF, litter, and bulk soil in four temperate rainforests. GRSP was an abundant C and N pool in these forest soils, showing significant ¹³C and ¹⁵N enrichment relative to litter and bulk soil. Hence, cumulative accumulation of recalcitrant AMF turnover products in the soil profile likely contributes to ¹³C and ¹⁵N enrichment in forest soils. Further research on the relationship between GRSP and AMF should clarify the exact extent of this process.     

供磷水平对玉米丛枝菌根侵染及其对异质养分吸收的影响

【目的】 探究酸性土壤玉米丛枝菌根侵染对植物磷素吸收的促进作用,以加深理解根外菌丝对局部磷养分的获取如何受丛枝真菌侵染和环境磷养分的影响。 【方法】 以玉米为宿主植物,进行盆栽试验。在低磷酸性土壤上设置供P 0、50、500 mg/kg 3个水平 (P0、P50、P500),供试磷肥为磷酸二氢钾。每个处理再设置局部养分处理,即在每个重复中埋置两个各装有120 g灭菌土 (提前加 P 50 mg/kg) 的塑料小管,分别用孔径为0.45 μm(根系、菌丝均不能进入,以“–H”表示处理) 和50 μm(根系不能进入,菌丝可以进入,以“+H”表示处理) 的尼龙膜封住管口。测定了玉米的生长与磷吸收、土著丛枝菌根真菌的侵染和根外菌丝密度以及菌丝对局部磷养分的获取。 【结果】 1) 玉米株高、叶片SPAD值、全株干重、磷浓度及吸收量都随供磷水平升高而增加,以P50处理的根系干重最高,根冠比随供磷水平上升而降低。3个供磷水平下玉米根系均有不同程度的丛枝菌根真菌侵染。以P50处理的丛枝菌根侵染率、丛枝和孢囊结构发育最好;P0处理的丛枝菌根侵染率、丛枝丰度与P50处理没有显著差异,但孢囊丰度明显下降;P500处理虽然87.2%的根系具有侵染点,但整个根系形成的真菌结构、丛枝和孢囊比例远低于P0和P50处理,丛枝菌根的发育受到严重抑制。2) 土体土 (除塑料管之外的土) 菌丝密度随供磷水平升高而降低,但P0和P50处理差异不显著。–H处理塑料管中的菌丝密度在3个供磷水平下基本不变,保持在极低水平,而+H处理塑料管中的菌丝密度随供磷水平升高而下降。在相同供磷水平下,土体土的菌丝密度最高,其次是+H处理,–H处理的菌丝密度最低。根外菌丝从+H处理塑料管中获取的磷随环境供磷水平的升高而减少。 【结论】 酸性土壤条件下,适当地供磷可以促进玉米根系生长和丛枝菌根真菌的侵染。根外菌丝对局部磷养分的获取受环境磷养分的调控,在环境磷养分较低而局部磷养分高于环境磷养分时,较多的菌丝会进入局部区域获取磷。      

Assessing soil P fractions changes with long-term phosphorus fertilization related to crop yield of soybean and maize

Long-term P Fertiliser application increases soil phosphorus (P) labile fractions, which can be associated with crop P uptake and grain yield and are useful to improve fertilizer recommendations. Research aims were to evaluate in long-term experiments with different P Fertiliser application in a Mollisol and a Vertisol: (a) the changes of soil P fractions and (b) the relationship between soil P fractions with long-term P Fertiliser application, with accumulated apparent P budget, grain P, total P uptake, soybean (Glycine max L.Merr.) and maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield. Soil P fractions were measured after 1 and 9 year since the beginning of the long-term experiments. Experiments included an initial Fertiliser application rate of 200 kg P ha⁻¹ and annual P Fertiliser application rate of 36 kg P ha⁻¹. Bray1-P, total, organic, and inorganic P in fine (<53 μm) and coarse (>53 μm) (CF) soil fractions, and in NaHCO₃ extract were measured. Initial P Fertiliser application increased inorganic and total P fractions. However, Bray1-P, total P in NaHCO₃ extract and in the CF were the fractions that most increased with continuous long-term P Fertiliser application in both sites. In the Mollisol, maize grain yield was unrelated to long-term P Fertiliser application. In the Vertisol, total P in NaHCO₃ extract, and total and organic P in the CF were more closely related to soybean grain yield than Bray1-P. We proposed soil P indices of labile inorganic and organic P that showed close relationships with soybean grain yield and may be useful to improve the diagnosis of P soil fertility.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic fungi differentially modulate polyamines or proline of peach in response to soil flooding

Symbiotic fungi are involved in plant flooding tolerance, while the underlying mechanism is not yet known. Since polyamines (PAs) and proline are also associated with stress tolerance, it is hypothesized that the enhancement of stress resistance by symbiotic fungi is associated with changes in PAs and/or proline. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae and Serendipita indica on plant growth, PAs, and proline and the metabolisms in peach (Prunus persica) under flooding. Two-week flooding did not affect root colonization frequence of F. mosseae, while it promoted root colonization frequence of S. indica. Under flooding, plants inoculated with F. mosseae and S. indica maintained relatively higher growth rates than uninoculated plants. Funneliformis mosseae promoted root ornithine (Orn) contentration and arginine (Arg) and Orn decarboxylase activities under flooding, which promoted putrescine (Put), cadaverine (Cad), and spermidine (Spd) contentrations. Conversely, S. indica decreased contentrations of Arg, Orn, and agmatine and Arg decarboxylase activities, thus decreasing PA contentrations under flooding. Polyamines were negatively correlated with the expression of PA uptake transporter genes, PpPUT1 and PpPUT2, in peach. Polyamine transporter genes of F. mosseae (FmTPO) and S. indica (SiTPO) were regulated by flooding, of which FmTPO1 was positively correlated with Put, Cad, and Spd, along with positive correlations of Spd with SiTPO1, SiTPO2, and SiTPO4. Under flooding, F. mosseae decreased proline concentration, while S. indica increased proline concentration and correlated with expression of a △¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase gene, PpP5CS2. It was thus concluded that F. mosseae modulated polyamine accumulation, while S. indica induced proline accumulation to tolerate flooding.     

Split delivering phosphorus via fertigation to a calcareous soil increased P availability and maize yield (Zea mays L.) by reducing P fixation

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Phosphorus (P) fertilization methods significantly affect soil P availability, transformation, and crops yield. However, contradictory or paradoxical results are...     

Variable response of growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of maize plants to preceding crops in various types of soils

The effects of the preceding crops, sunflower (mycorrhizal host) and mustard (nonhost), on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization and growth of succeeding maize were examined in 17 soils in an attempt to clarify the influence of soil characteristics on the effects of preceding crops. Shoot weight and P uptake of maize planted after sunflower were much higher than those after mustard in 14 soils, although the preceding crop had little effect on soil-P availability. AM colonization of maize after sunflower was much higher than that after mustard. The effect of the preceding crop was eliminated by soil sterilization. These results suggested that the differences in maize growth were caused by differences in the AM colonization. Correlation analysis of the effect of the preceding crop and soil properties showed that the difference in the effects on maize growth could not be explained by soil chemical properties, but only by the AM colonization of the preceding sunflower crop. In one of the 17 soils, however, the effect was not evident despite the higher AM colonization of sunflower. This soil was sterilized, and the effect of inoculation by AM fungi (AMF) on maize was examined. However, it was found that the inoculation increased AM colonization but did not improve maize growth at any P level, suggesting that the effect of AMF was unusually inhibited in this soil by unknown soil physicochemical properties. In most soils, however, the preceding mycorrhizal host crop, sunflower, improved the growth and AM colonization of maize depending on the AM colonization of sunflower.     

玉米根鞘改变土壤粒径及养分有效性

Root exudates,microorganism colonization and soil aggregates together form the rhizosheath,a special cylinder of micro-ecosystem adhering to the root surface.To study how the rhizosheath affects soil structure and nutrient distribution,we analyzed the impact of maize rhizosheath on soil particle size and nutrient availability in pot and field experiments.The results showed that there was a significant size decrease of soil particles in the rhizosheath.Meanwhile,the soil mineral nitrogen in the rhizosheath was significantly higher than that in the rhizosphere or bulk soil at tasseling and maturity stages of maize.The contents of Fe and Mn were also differentially altered in the rhizosheath.Rhizosheath development,indicated by a dry weight ratio of rhizosheath soil to the root,was relatively independent of root development during the whole experimental period.The formation of maize rhizosheath contributed to the modulation of soil particle size and nutrient availability.The subtle local changes of soil physical and chemical properties may have profound influence on soil formation,rhizospheric ecosystem initiation,and mineral nutrient mobilization over the long history of plant evolution and domestication.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal development,glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP) content,and rhizospheric phosphatase activitiy in citrus orchards under different types of soil management

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status with respect to colonization of different AM structures in the citrus roots, spore density and hyphal length density, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity in the citrus rhizosphere were investigated in the orchards at Zigui county of the Three Gorges Region, S China. Four soil managements, no‐tillage and natural grass (NN), no‐tillage and sod culture (NS), half‐tillage and film mulching (HT), and clean‐tillage (CT) were employed in those citrus orchards. Our survey showed heavy AM colonization (36%–89%), indicating a high AM dependency of citrus in our experimental orchards. The colonization of different AM structures, spore density, hyphal length density, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity varied greatly between the no‐tillage and tillage citrus orchards. The highest colonization of different AM structures except the ratio of root length with vesicles (RLV), spore density, hyphal length density, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity was observed in the no‐tillage orchards, and the lowest was found in the tillage orchards. A cluster analysis based on the similarity in AM status, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity showed similarities between the NS citrus orchards and the NN citrus orchards. The data presented here demonstrate that tillage reduced the total AM colonization (RLT), spore density, hyphal length density, GRSP content, and phosphatase activity, while those were recovered in the no‐tillage citrus orchards. So, we propose that no‐tillage and planting grass is an effective way for citrus production and improvement of soil quality in orchards of the study area.     

Effect of triple superphosphate and biowaste compost on mycorrhizal colonization and enzymatic P mobilization under maize in a long‐term field experiment

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers and mycorrhiza formation can both significantly improve the P supply of plants, but P fertilizers might inhibit mycorrhiza formation and change the microbial P cycling. To test the dimension and consequences of P fertilizer impacts under maize (Zea mays L.), three fertilizer treatments (1) triple superphosphate (TSP, 21–30 kg P ha^?1 annually), biowaste compost (ORG, 30 Mg ha^?1 wet weight every third year) and a combination of both (OMI) were compared to a non‐P‐fertilized control (C) in 2015 and 2016. The test site was a long‐term field experiment on a Stagnic Cambisol in Rostock (NE Germany). Soil microbial biomass P (P_mic) and soil enzyme activities involved in P mobilization (phosphatases and ß‐glucosidase), plant‐available P content (double lactate‐extract; P_DL), mycorrhizal colonization, shoot biomass, and shoot P concentrations were determined. P deficiency led to decreased P immobilization in microbial biomass, but the maize growth was not affected. TSP application alone promoted the P uptake by the microbial biomass but reduced the mycorrhizal colonization of maize compared to the control by more than one third. Biowaste compost increased soil enzyme activities in the P cycling, increased P_mic and slightly decreased the mycorrhizal colonization of maize. Addition of TSP to biowaste compost increased the content of P_DL in soil to the level of optimal plant supply. Single TSP supply decreased the ratio of P_DL:P_mic to 1:1 from about 4:1 in the control. Decreased plant‐benefits from mycorrhizal symbiosis were assumed from decreased mycorrhizal colonization of maize with TSP supply. The undesirable side effects of TSP supply on the microbial P cycling can be alleviated by the use of compost. Thus, it can be concluded that the plant‐availability of P from soil amendments is controlled by the amendment‐specific microbial P cycling and, likely, P transfer to plants.     

有机肥替代20%化肥提高黑钙土养分有效性及玉米产量

  【目的】  化肥减量并配施有机肥是减少肥料损失、提高化肥利用率的有效途径。研究在秸秆条带还田下化肥减量配施不同有机肥对东北地区黑钙土速效养分和玉米产量的影响,以实现玉米高效和可持续生产。  【方法】  于2018和2019年,连续两年在农安试验基地黑钙土上进行玉米田间试验。本试验在秸秆条状还田下,共设置4个处理,即当地常量施肥 (T1)、化肥减量20% (T2)、化肥减量20%配施鸡粪2988 kg/hm2 (T3) 和化肥减量20%配施牛粪5098 kg/hm2 (T4),T1、T3和T4处理的总氮投入量相同。在玉米拔节期和收获期,分别测定土壤pH、有机碳和速效氮磷钾含量,在收获期测产。  【结果】  与T1处理相比,T2处理连续两年玉米产量均未显著降低,土壤有机碳和速效氮磷钾含量与常量施肥处理大体接近;T3和T4处理显著增加了土壤有机碳和速效养分含量。其中,T3处理2018年土壤有机碳、碱解氮、速效磷、速效钾含量分别较T1增加了15.20%、12.20%、16.70%、7.75%,2019年分别增加了13.0%、18.5%、34.2%、18.5%。玉米产量连续两年均以T4处理效果最优,2018和2019年分别较T1增产5.6%和20.8%,T3处理的增产幅度分别为3.75%和15.40%。  【结论】  在秸秆条状还田下,化肥减量配施有机肥可以增加土壤中有机碳和速效氮、磷、钾含量,可实现玉米增产增收。在黑钙土上配施鸡粪的效果优于牛粪。     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity, external mycelium length, and glomalin-related soil protein content in response to long-term fertilizer management

Purpose

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are crucial for ecosystem functioning and can contribute to the formation and maintenance of soil aggregates through the exudation of glomalin by extraradical hyphae. Monitoring fertilization effects on AM fungi may help us to develop sound management strategies. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impacts of long-term fertilization on AM fungal parameters and to find out the key factor that affects the diversity and function of AM fungi.

Materials and methods

A long-term fertilization experiment established in a sandy loam soil at northern China has received continuous fertilization treatments for 21 years, including control; mineral fertilizers of NK, PK, NP, and NPK; organic manure (OM); and half organic manure N plus half mineral fertilizer N (1/2 OMN). Top soil samples (0–15 cm) from three individual plots per treatment were collected for the analysis of chemical properties and fungal parameters. The population size of soil AM fungi was determined by real-time PCR, and the community composition was analyzed using PCR-denature gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), cloning, and sequencing techniques. The external mycelium of AM fungi was assessed using the grid-line intersect method, and the glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) was extracted with citrate solution using bovine serum albumin as a standard.

Results and discussion

Long-term fertilization significantly increased (P?<?0.05) soil organic C content, AM fungal population, species richness (R), Shannon–Wiener index (H), and GRSP content, except for the P-deficiency (NK) fertilization treatment. OM had a significantly greater (P?<?0.05) impact on AM fungal population and GRSP content compared to mineral fertilizers but significantly decreased the length of external mycelium compared to the control (P?<?0.05). Fertilization also changed the community composition of AM fungi, and the P-deficiency treatment again had the slightest influence. In addition, most species recovered from the DGGE profiles belonged to three genera, Glomus, Diversispora, and Archaeospora. Redundancy analysis showed that the population size and species richness of AM fungi and the GRSP content all significantly correlated to soil organic C content (P?<?0.05).

Conclusions

Long-term P-containing fertilization, especially the application of OM, greatly increased the population size, species richness, and species diversity of AM fungi, as well as the contents of GRSP and soil organic C, but tended to decrease the length of external mycelium, while the P-deficiency fertilization had no such effect, suggesting that P was the key factor to maintain soil fertility as well as soil AM fungal diversity in this sandy loam soil.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil aggregation in a no‐tillage system with crop rotation

Crop rotation adoption in no‐tillage systems (NTS) has been recommended to increase the biological activity and soil aggregation, suppress soil and plant pathogens, and increase the productivity aiming at the sustainability of agricultural areas. In this context, this study aimed to assess the effect of crop rotation on the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community and soil aggregation in a soil cultivated for nine years under NTS. Treatments consisted of combinations of three summer crop sequences and seven winter crops. Summer crop sequences consisted of corn (Zea mays L.) monoculture, soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) monoculture, and soybean–corn rotation. Winter crops consisted of corn, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L.), and millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke). Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–0.10 m for analyses of soil chemical, physical, and biological attributes. Spore abundance, total glomalin, and soil aggregate stability index were higher in the soil under corn monoculture. The highest values of aggregate mean weight diameter were observed in the soybean–corn rotation (3.78 mm) and corn monoculture (3.70 mm), both differing from soybean monoculture (3.15 mm), while winter crops showed significant differences only between sorghum (3.96 mm) and pigeon pea (3.25 mm). Two processes were identified in the soil under summer crop sequences. The first process was observed in PC1 (spore abundance, total glomalin, easily extractable glomalin, pH, P, and Mg²⁺) and was related to AMF; the second process occurred in PC2 (aggregate mean weight diameter, soil aggregate stability index, K⁺, and organic matter) and was related to soil aggregation. The nine‐year no‐tillage system under the same crop rotation adoption influenced AMF abundance in the soil, especially with corn cultivation in the summer crop sequence, which promoted an increased total external mycelium length and number of spores of AMF. In addition, it favored an increased soil organic matter content, which is directly related to the formation and stability of soil aggregates in these managements.     

Potential N mineralization and availability to maize in black soils in response to soil fertility improvement in Northeast China

Purpose

Understanding the soil nitrogen (N) mineralization potential (N₀) and crop N availability during the growing season is essential for improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and preventing over-fertilization, which lead to negative environmental impacts.

Methods

Five black soils with different levels of fertility were selected in Northeast China. The N₀ and kinetics of these soils were estimated through laboratory experiments at different incubation temperatures (15, 25, and 35 °C). N mineralization dynamics were simulated using field soil temperature according to the incubation results. Moreover, the N uptake dynamics of maize were simulated according to the literature.

Results

Compared with the very low-fertility soils, the cumulative mineralized nitrogen increased under all incubation temperatures (15, 25, and 35 °C), by 48–136%, 8–61%, and 24–59%, respectively, in the medium- and high-fertility soils. The highest N₀ values (96.90, 115.31, and 121.33 mg/kg at the three different temperatures) were recorded in the very high-fertility soils. The soil N mineralization dynamics and N uptake of maize in the growing season were highly consistent over time, although the soil N supply could not meet the maize growth requirements. The higher the soil fertility, the lower the N fertilizer requirement.

Conclusions

Different fertilizer strategies were developed based on the cumulative mineralized N, N uptake by maize, and NUE in soils with different fertility levels. We suggested a reduction of 50–65 kg N/ha in N fertilizer in the two highest fertility soils. This study provided basic data to reduce chemical N fertilizer to improve NUE and reduce negative environmental impacts.