Arbuscular mycorrhiza enhances nutrient uptake in chickpea

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) colonize roots of host plants and promote plant growth due to improved uptake of nutrients. While the effects on P uptake are well known, the relevance of AMF for the uptake of other nutrients is less investigated. In the present paper we studied contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the legume chickpea in pot experiments during two seasons. Beside the control, the following treatment combinations: (i) the inoculation with the commercial AMF product ‘Symbivit^®’; (ii) soil sterilization before inoculation, and (iii) mineral nitrogen application. A moderate level of AMF colonization (18–55% of roots), enhanced the nutrient uptake of chickpea. With P, Mn, and in 2006 also with K, Cu, and Fe the nutrient concentrations were also elevated, even along with a simultaneous increase in plant biomass. Soil sterilization or fertilization with N showed no significant effect on nutrient uptake and biomass production.