Register      Login
Functional Plant Biology Functional Plant Biology Society
Plant function and evolutionary biology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Arbuscular mycorrhizas enhance plant interception of leached nutrients

Hamid Reza Asghari A and Timothy Richard Cavagnaro B C D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran.

B School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia.

C Australian Centre for Biodiversity, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: timothy.cavagnaro@monash.edu

Functional Plant Biology 38(3) 219-226 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP10180
Submitted: 28 August 2010  Accepted: 22 December 2010   Published: 29 March 2011

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase plant growth and nutrition. However, their capacity to reduce the leaching of nutrients through the soil profile is less well understood. Here we present results of an experiment in which the effects of forming arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) on plant growth and nutrition, nutrient depletion from soil, and nutrient leaching, were investigated in microcosms containing the grass Phalaris aquatica L. Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants were grown in a mixture of riparian soil and sand under glasshouse conditions. The formation of AM by P. aquatica significantly increased plant growth and nutrient uptake. Lower levels of NO3, NH4+ and plant available P in both soil and leachate were observed in columns containing mycorrhizal root systems. These differences in nutrient interception were proportionally greater than the increase in root biomass of the mycorrhizal plants, compared with their non-mycorrhizal counterparts. Taken together, these data indicate that mycorrhizal root systems have an important, but previously little considered, role to play reducing the net loss of nutrients via leaching.

Additional keywords: AM, nutrient leaching, Phalaris aquatica, riparian zones.


References

Asghari HR, Chittleborough DJ, Smith FA, Smith SE (2005) Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on phosphorus leaching through soil cores. Plant and Soil 275, 181–193.
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on phosphorus leaching through soil cores.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXht1enurnO&md5=615cdf6971686e7251decb3aa9f875e9CAS |

Bardgett RD, Wardle DA (2003) Herbivore mediated linkage between aboveground and belowground communities. Ecology 84, 2258–2268.
Herbivore mediated linkage between aboveground and belowground communities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Burger B, Reich P, Cavagnaro TR (2010) Trajectories of change: riparian vegetation and soil conditions following livestock removal and replanting. Austral Ecology 35, 980–987.
Trajectories of change: riparian vegetation and soil conditions following livestock removal and replanting.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cavagnaro TR (2008) The role of arbuscular mycorrhzas in improving plant zinc nutrition under low soil zinc concentrations: a review. Plant and Soil 304, 315–325.
The role of arbuscular mycorrhzas in improving plant zinc nutrition under low soil zinc concentrations: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXitVaqs7o%3D&md5=61bbcba38f784545db5ba200bfeca581CAS |

Cavagnaro TR, Smith FA, Lorimer MF, Haskard KA, Ayling SM, Smith SE (2001) Quantitative development of Paris-type arbuscular mycorrhizas formed between Asphodelus fistulosus and Glomus coronatum. New Phytologist 149, 105–113.
Quantitative development of Paris-type arbuscular mycorrhizas formed between Asphodelus fistulosus and Glomus coronatum.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cavagnaro TR, Smith FA, Smith SE, Jakobsen I (2005) Functional diversity in arbuscular mycorrhizas: exploitation of soil patches with different phosphate enrichment differs among fungal species. Plant, Cell & Environment 28, 642–650.
Functional diversity in arbuscular mycorrhizas: exploitation of soil patches with different phosphate enrichment differs among fungal species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXkslKlu7Y%3D&md5=dedc5e5d897340bd15e77ce9f3c7b078CAS |

Cavagnaro TR, Jackson LE, Six J, Ferris H, Goyal S, Asami D, Scow KM (2006) Arbuscular mycorrhizas, microbial communities, nutrient availability, and soil aggregates in organic tomato production. Plant and Soil 282, 209–225.
Arbuscular mycorrhizas, microbial communities, nutrient availability, and soil aggregates in organic tomato production.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XmtVOqurY%3D&md5=71f5f67dfb350e3c75f0501431874c92CAS |

Cavagnaro TR, Jackson LE, Scow KM, Hristova KR (2007) Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizas on ammonia oxidizing bacteria in an organic farm soil. Microbial Ecology 54, 618–626.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizas on ammonia oxidizing bacteria in an organic farm soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXht1amtLnE&md5=ae8ec0816e3430da46db2cf33d19c121CAS | 17955326PubMed |

Cordell D, Drangert J, White S (2009) The story of phosphorus: global food security and food for thought. Global Environmental Change 19, 292–305.
The story of phosphorus: global food security and food for thought.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Deressa TG, Schenk MK (2008) Contribution of roots and hyphae to phosphorus uptake of mycorrhizal onion (Allium cepa L.) – a mechanistic modeling approach. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 171, 810–820.
Contribution of roots and hyphae to phosphorus uptake of mycorrhizal onion (Allium cepa L.) – a mechanistic modeling approach.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtlWnsLfE&md5=b12b6b8738965692fd9cec92f70384deCAS |

Dunbabin V, Diggle A, Rengel Z (2003) Is there an optimal root architecture for nitrate capture in leaching environments? Plant, Cell & Environment 26, 835–844.
Is there an optimal root architecture for nitrate capture in leaching environments?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12803611PubMed |

Entry J, Sojka R (2007) Matrix based fertilizers reduce nitrogen and phosphorus leaching in greenhouse column studies. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 180, 283–292.
Matrix based fertilizers reduce nitrogen and phosphorus leaching in greenhouse column studies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXhsFWisb0%3D&md5=ef011b22165e50bc3201eb3057e4a78cCAS |

Fixen PE, Grove JH (1991) Testing soils for phosphorus. In ‘Soil testing and plant analysis’. 3rd edn. (Ed. R Westerman) pp. 141–180. (Soil Science Society of America: Madison, WI, USA)

Forster JC (1995) Soil nitrogen. In ‘Methods in applied soil microbiology and biochemistry’. (Eds K Alef, P Nannipiero) pp.79–87. (Academic Press: San Diego, CA, USA)

Giovannetti M, Mosse B (1980) An evaluation of techniques for measuring vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal infection in roots. New Phytologist 84, 489–500.
An evaluation of techniques for measuring vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal infection in roots.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Goulding K (2000) Nitrate leaching from arable and horticultural land. Soil Use and Management 16, 145–151.
Nitrate leaching from arable and horticultural land.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Haines BL, Best GR (1976) Glomus mosseae, endomycorrhizal with Liquidambar styraciflua L. seedlings retards NO3, NO2 and NH4 nitrogen loss from a temperate forest soil. Plant and Soil 45, 257–261.
Glomus mosseae, endomycorrhizal with Liquidambar styraciflua L. seedlings retards NO3, NO2 and NH4 nitrogen loss from a temperate forest soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE28XkvFejt7w%3D&md5=2b9fe5adf7ee14e8eb9767b23326d77cCAS |

Harris GP (2001) Biogeochemistry of nitrogen and phosphorus in Australian catchments, rivers and estuaries: effects of land use and flow regulation and comparisons with global patterns. Marine and Freshwater Research 52, 139–149.
Biogeochemistry of nitrogen and phosphorus in Australian catchments, rivers and estuaries: effects of land use and flow regulation and comparisons with global patterns.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXht1Sjtb0%3D&md5=aff7b821b01950c68e6ab8da20c5ad07CAS |

Jakobsen I, Abbott LK, Robson AD (1992) External hyphae of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with Trifolium subterraneum L. 1. Spread of hyphae and phosphorus inflow into roots. New Phytologist 120, 371–380.
External hyphae of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with Trifolium subterraneum L. 1. Spread of hyphae and phosphorus inflow into roots.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK38XisFClu7o%3D&md5=c066d6812ac8dc5bb955b913669874f4CAS |

Johansen A, Jakobsen I, Jensen ES (1993) Hyphal transport by a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus of N applied to the soil as ammonium or nitrate. Biology and Fertility of Soils 16, 66–70.
Hyphal transport by a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus of N applied to the soil as ammonium or nitrate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXmsVyqtbg%3D&md5=328cd86b22d160f158afaf3e9684a1e9CAS |

Johnson NC, Wolf J, Reyes M, Panter A, Koch GW, Redman A (2005) Species of plants and associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediate mycorrhizal responses to CO2 enrichment. Global Change Biology 11, 1156–1166.
Species of plants and associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediate mycorrhizal responses to CO2 enrichment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kothari SK, Marschner H, Römheld V (1990) Direct and indirect effects of VA mycorrhizal fungi and rhizosphere microorganisms on acquisition of mineral nutrients by maize (Zea mays L.) in a calcareous soil. New Phytologist 116, 637–645.
Direct and indirect effects of VA mycorrhizal fungi and rhizosphere microorganisms on acquisition of mineral nutrients by maize (Zea mays L.) in a calcareous soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3MXhs1ejtbg%3D&md5=0c05aff51ded2ab2fa429c8053455ccfCAS |

Kovar J, Claassen N (2009) Growth and phosphorus uptake of three riparian grass species. Agronomy Journal 101, 1060–1067.
Growth and phosphorus uptake of three riparian grass species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXht1WqtLzP&md5=41b9257fac48fec9818094735bd51e74CAS |

Lake PS (2005) Perturbation, restoration and seeking ecological sustainability in Australian flowing waters. Hydrobiologia 552, 109–120.
Perturbation, restoration and seeking ecological sustainability in Australian flowing waters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Leigh J, Hodge A, Fitter AH (2009) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can transfer substantial amounts of nitrogen to their host plant from organic material. New Phytologist 181, 199–207.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can transfer substantial amounts of nitrogen to their host plant from organic material.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhtlaktL8%3D&md5=d06ce1a44d1e85dc3e2175424b87b5f9CAS | 18811615PubMed |

Li Y, Ran W, Zhang R, Sun S, Xu G (2009) Facilitated legume nodulation, phosphate uptake and nitrogen transfer by arbuscular inoculation in an upland rice and mung bean intercropping system. Plant and Soil 315, 285–296.
Facilitated legume nodulation, phosphate uptake and nitrogen transfer by arbuscular inoculation in an upland rice and mung bean intercropping system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXjvFersA%3D%3D&md5=7595f1eceac576928d95d372b4ba048eCAS |

Likens GE, Bormann FH, Johnson NM, Fisher DW, Pierce RS (1970) Effects of forest cutting and herbicide treatment on nutrient budgets in the Hubbard Brook watershed ecosystem. Ecological Monographs 40, 23–47.
Effects of forest cutting and herbicide treatment on nutrient budgets in the Hubbard Brook watershed ecosystem.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lovelock CE, Miller R (2002) Heterogeneity in inoculum potential and effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Ecology 83, 823–832.
Heterogeneity in inoculum potential and effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lowrance R, Todd R, Frail JJ, Hendrickson OJ, Leonard R, Asmussen L (1984) Riparian forests as nutrients filters in agricultural watersheds. Bioscience 34, 374–377.
Riparian forests as nutrients filters in agricultural watersheds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Marschner H (1995) ‘Mineral nutrition of higher plants.’ (Academic Press: London)

Marschner H, Dell B (1994) Nutrient uptake in mycorrhizal symbiosis. Plant and Soil 159, 89–102.

Miranda KM, Espey MG, Wink DA (2001) A rapid, simple spectrophotometric method for simultaneous detection of nitrate and nitrite. Nitric Oxide 5, 62–71.
A rapid, simple spectrophotometric method for simultaneous detection of nitrate and nitrite.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXhtFemsrs%3D&md5=51fc123cd20871600e6832690c988019CAS | 11178938PubMed |

Phillips JM, Hayman DS (1970) Improved procedures for clearing roots and staining parasitic and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for rapid assessment of infection. Transactions of the British Mycological Society 55, 158–161.
Improved procedures for clearing roots and staining parasitic and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for rapid assessment of infection.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Quartacci MF, Irtelli B, Gonnelli C, Gabbrielli R, Navari-Izzo F (2009) Naturally-assisted metal phytoextraction by Brassica carinata: role of root exudates. Environmental Pollution 157, 2697–2703.
Naturally-assisted metal phytoextraction by Brassica carinata: role of root exudates.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXps1Cjsb8%3D&md5=f177bb6ed0faba134ab15d02e9a44cb7CAS | 19497650PubMed |

Rillig MC (2004) Arbuscular mycorrhizae and terrestrial ecosystem processes. Ecology Letters 7, 740–754.
Arbuscular mycorrhizae and terrestrial ecosystem processes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sah RN, Miller RO (1992) Spontaneous reaction for acid dissolution of biological tissues in closed vessels. Analytical Chemistry 64, 230–233.
Spontaneous reaction for acid dissolution of biological tissues in closed vessels.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK38XjslCitQ%3D%3D&md5=5fe8a4ffb65d6c0ff3c4747f0795108eCAS | 1319690PubMed |

Smith SE, Read DJ (2008) ‘Mycorrhizal symbiosis.’ (Academic Press: New York)

Smith FA, Smith SE (1981) Mycorrhizal infection and growth of Trifolium subterraneum: use of sterilized soil as a control treatment. New Phytologist 88, 299–309.
Mycorrhizal infection and growth of Trifolium subterraneum: use of sterilized soil as a control treatment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3MXlt12mtL4%3D&md5=4cff9384963775099501c484cd07dbe9CAS |

Smith S, Smith F, Jakobsen I (2003) Mycorrhizal fungi can dominate phosphate supply to plants irrespective of growth responses. Plant Physiology 133, 16–20.
Mycorrhizal fungi can dominate phosphate supply to plants irrespective of growth responses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXntlait7o%3D&md5=2a9e984051f863bb00e66ae15a97d19eCAS | 12970469PubMed |

Sullivan WM, Jiang Z, Hull RJ (2000) Root morphology and its relationship with nitrate uptake in Kentucky bluegrass. Crop Science 40, 765–772.
Root morphology and its relationship with nitrate uptake in Kentucky bluegrass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tanaka Y, Yano K (2005) Nitrogen delivery to maize via mycorrhizal hyphae depends on the form of N supplied. Plant, Cell & Environment 28, 1247–1254.
Nitrogen delivery to maize via mycorrhizal hyphae depends on the form of N supplied.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXhtFGitbnF&md5=caea4d61d5ab3204807a21307675d333CAS |

Torrent J, Delgado A (2001) Using phosphorus concentration in the soil solution to predict phosphorus desorption to water. Journal of Environmental Quality 30, 1829–1835.
Using phosphorus concentration in the soil solution to predict phosphorus desorption to water.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XpsFWn&md5=de5dc7fe2fbd4991ec0fbe5ad1e0abcdCAS | 11577892PubMed |

Tran J, Cavagnaro TR (2010) Growth and mycorrhizal colonization of two grasses in soils with different inundation histories. Journal of Arid Environments 74, 715–717.
Growth and mycorrhizal colonization of two grasses in soils with different inundation histories.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

van der Heijden MGA (2010) Mycorrhizal fungi reduce nutrient loss from model grassland ecosystems. Ecology 91, 1163–1171.
Mycorrhizal fungi reduce nutrient loss from model grassland ecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20462130PubMed |

Vassilev N, Vassileva M (2003) Biotechnological solubilization of rock phosphate on media containing agro-industrial wastes. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 61, 435–440.

Williams L, Reich P, Capon SJ, Raulings E (2008) Soil seed banks of degraded riparian zones in south-eastern Australia and their potential contribution to the restoration of understory vegetation. River Research and Applications 24, 1002–1017.
Soil seed banks of degraded riparian zones in south-eastern Australia and their potential contribution to the restoration of understory vegetation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zogg DJ, Zak DR, Pregitzer KS, Burton AJ (2000) Microbial immobilization and the retention of anthropogenic nitrate in a northern hardwood forest. Ecology 81, 1858–1866.
Microbial immobilization and the retention of anthropogenic nitrate in a northern hardwood forest.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |