Native Grass Facilitates Mycorrhizal Colonisation and P Uptake of Tree Seedlings in Two Anthropogenic Substrates

Abstract

Two microcosm experiments were conducted to study the role of extraradical mycelium (ERM) of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in establishment and growth of tree species used for revegetation in anthropogenic substrates. Inoculated or non-inoculated Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa or Salix purpurea seedlings were grown with Calamagrostis epigejos (a grass spontaneously colonising degraded ecosystems) in two substrates (fly ash and coal mine spoil) either in direct root contact or in rhizoboxes with interaction only via ERM network.In both experiments, inoculation with AMF mostly had a positive effect on the growth of trees and increased the aggregation of fly ash. When plants grew in direct root-to-root contact, grass presence negatively affected tree growth, but it significantly improved mycorrhizal development (colonization of tree seedlings, spore number and ERM length). When grass and tree roots interacted via the ERM network, tree seedlings were successfully colonised by the ERM spreading from the C. epigejos roots. Mechanical disturbance of the ERM links between plants reduced AMF development and tree height in both substrates, but tree shoot biomass was not affected. In fly ash, inoculated, non-disturbed treatments showed significant transfer of 32 P from the grass to the tree seedlings.It can be concluded that roots of A. pseudoplatanus, A. glutinosa or S. purpurea seedlings can be colonised from the ERM network radiating from quickly growing grasses, which can act as important agents for AMF distribution and facilitate mycorrhization of planted trees. In particular for willow, grass seems to be an essential nurse plant to achieve successful root colonisation.

Integration of arbuscular mycorrhiza inoculation in hydroseeding technology: effects on plant growth and inter‐species competition

“…The integration of the AMF inoculation with the hydroseeding technique might permit the use of mixtures of native grasses and legumes, enhancing their growth and successful competition with non-mycorrhizal ruderals thus speeding the restoration process. The establishment of a cover crop that is mycorrhizal has also been shown to facilitate the establishment of other mycorrhizal plants (Enkhtuya et al, 2005).…”

Dual Inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi Contributes in Sustainable Maintenance of Plant Health in Fly Ash Ponds

“…However, inoculation of AM fungi supports the growth and nutrient uptake of plants and aggregation of fly ash (Enkhtuya et al 2005;Wu et al 2009). In the present study, inoculation of A. tubingensis along with the AM fungi significantly increased height and number of branches of bamboo plants.…”

“…The effects of selected isolates of AM fungi play an important role on the plant growth, nutrient uptake, and aggregation of fly ash (Enkhtuya et al 2005;Wu et al 2009). However, spontaneous selection of infective and effective AM fungi is a long process in fly ash ponds.…”

Dual Inoculation with an Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus andRhizobiumto Facilitate the Growth of Alfalfa on Coal Mine Substrates

“…Selvam and Mahadevan (2002) isolated 15, 4, and 13 species of AM fungi from an abandoned lignite fly ash pond, overburden dumps and reclaimed overburden dumps, respectively. Enkhtuya et al (2005) suggested that inoculation with AM fungi would achieve a positive effect on the growth of trees and increase the aggregation of fly ash. These results prompted studies on the utilization of AM inocula to aid establishment of vegetation cover at coal mine spoils and other similar substrates.…”