Thirkell, Tom J, Cameron, Duncan D and Hodge, Angela orcid.org/0000-0002-5181-697X (2016) Resolving the ‘Nitrogen Paradox’ of arbuscular mycorrhizas:fertilization with organic matter brings considerable benefits for plant nutrition and growth. Plant, Cell and Environment. 1683–1690. ISSN 0140-7791
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can transfer nitrogen (N) to host plants but the ecological relevance is debated, as total plant N and biomass do not generally increase. The extent to which the symbiosis is mutually beneficial is thought to rely on the stoichiometry of N, phosphorus (P) and carbon (C) availability. While inorganic N fertilisation has been shown to elicit strong mutualism, characterised by improved plant and fungal growth and mineral nutrition, similar responses following organic N addition are lacking. Using a compartmented microcosm experiment, we determined the significance to a mycorrhizal plant of placing a 15N‐labelled, nitrogen‐rich patch of organic matter in a compartment to which only AMF hyphae had access. Control microcosms denied AMF hyphal access to the patch compartment. When permitted access to the patch compartment, the fungus proliferated extensively in the patch and transferred substantial quantities of N to the plant. Moreover, our data demonstrate that allowing hyphal access to an organic matter patch enhanced total plant N and P contents, with a simultaneous and substantial increase in plant biomass. Moreover, we demonstrate that organic matter fertilization of arbuscular mycorrhizal plants can foster a mutually beneficial symbiosis based on nitrogen transfer, a phenomenon previously thought irrelevant.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Wiley 2015. This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self-archiving policy. Further copying may not be permitted; contact the publisher for details |
Keywords: | environmental studies |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Biology (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 11 Feb 2016 13:35 |
Last Modified: | 08 Jan 2025 00:05 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12667 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/pce.12667 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:94769 |