Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species differ in their effect on nutrient leaching

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have been shown to play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and can reduce nutrient losses after rain induced leaching events. It is still unclear whether nutrient leaching losses vary depending on the AM fungal taxa that are present in soil. Using experimental microcosms with one of two different host plants (the grass Lolium multiflorum, or the legume Trifolium pratense) and inoculated with one of three different AM fungal species (Claroideoglomus claroideum, Rhizoglomus irregulare, and Funneliformis mosseae), we tested whether AM fungal species vary in their effects on nutrient leaching and plant productivity. AM fungi reduced nitrogen leaching, and the effects varied depending on host plant species and the identity of the AM fungal species present in soil. The reduction of nitrogen leaching losses was strongest in microcosms planted with Trifolium. The effects of AM fungi on phosphorus leaching losses were relatively small, and in most cases not significant, although a significant negative correlation between root colonization and phosphate leaching was observed in microcosms planted with Lolium. AM fungi enhanced plant P uptake for both plant species, and different AM fungi varied in their effects on plant biomass and nutrient acquisition. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that AM fungal species differ in their effect on nutrient leaching. This indicates that agricultural practices that alter AM fungal communities also indirectly change nutrient cycling and nutrient leaching losses. Köhl et al.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Mitigate Nitrogen Leaching under Poplar Seedlings

“…It has also been reported that less mineral N [24], dissolved organic N [25], and total dissolved N [26] are leached under AM fungi treatment. The above results indicate that the impacts of AM fungi on N leaching are variable and may depend on the host plant species [27], AM fungal species [28], N application rate [29], the form of N fertilizer [25], the water regime [21], and the soil type [25]. However, the relevant studies (less than 20) that could be retrieved were mainly focused on grassland and farmland ecosystems; to the best of our knowledge, no data have been published regarding the effects of AM fungi on N leaching in arbor ecosystems.…”

Biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and ecosystem function

“…() have experimentally documented decreased soil erosional losses by surface water flow in the presence of AM fungi. Moreover, much progress has been made in the empirical demonstration (van der Heijden, ; Köhl & van der Heijden, ) and conceptual capture (Cavagnaro et al ., ) of effects of AM fungi on nutrient loss via leaching. In addition, the potential effects of AM fungi on the stability of ecosystem functions have also recently been demonstrated.…”

The Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Colonisation on Nutrient Status, Growth, Productivity, and Canker Resistance of Apple (Malus pumila)

“…In exchange for carbon, AMF provide plants with essential nutrients – most notably phosphorus – which they efficiently forage from the soil via extensive hyphal networks, thus potentially reducing the need for inorganic fertiliser ( Fester and Sawers, 2011 ). In addition to nutrient provision, AMF may also directly benefit crop species through increased resistance to disease ( Jung et al, 2012 ), tolerance to drought and adverse soil conditions ( Augé, 2004 ; Daei et al, 2009 ), competitive ability over non-mycorrhizal plants ( Cameron, 2010 ; Veiga et al, 2011 ) and indirectly through improved soil structure ( Rillig and Mummey, 2006 ) and increased soil nutrient retention ( Bender et al, 2015 ; Cavagnaro et al, 2015 ; Köhl and van der Heijden, 2016 ).…”