Uncoupling the effects of phosphorus and precipitation on arbuscular mycorrhizas in the Serengeti
JR Propster, NC Johnson - Plant and Soil, 2015 - Springer
Plant and Soil, 2015•Springer
Abstract Background and aims The Serengeti grassland is characterized by antiparallel
gradients of soil phosphorus (P) and precipitation. We hypothesized that grasses associate
with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to ameliorate water stress and improve nutrient
acquisition; and, that geographic patterns in AM fungal abundance relate to nutrient and
water limitation of host plants. Methods We conducted a factorial experiment to uncouple the
interacting effects of soil type, P, and water availability on AM fungal abundance. Maize was …
gradients of soil phosphorus (P) and precipitation. We hypothesized that grasses associate
with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to ameliorate water stress and improve nutrient
acquisition; and, that geographic patterns in AM fungal abundance relate to nutrient and
water limitation of host plants. Methods We conducted a factorial experiment to uncouple the
interacting effects of soil type, P, and water availability on AM fungal abundance. Maize was …
Background and aims
The Serengeti grassland is characterized by antiparallel gradients of soil phosphorus (P) and precipitation. We hypothesized that grasses associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to ameliorate water stress and improve nutrient acquisition; and, that geographic patterns in AM fungal abundance relate to nutrient and water limitation of host plants.
Methods
We conducted a factorial experiment to uncouple the interacting effects of soil type, P, and water availability on AM fungal abundance. Maize was grown in pots of soil collected from three locations across the natural gradients. Full factorial treatments of +/− P fertilization and high/low water were administered to all three soils.
Results
Abundance of AM hyphae in soil was reduced by fertilization in high-P soil and increased with fertilization in low-P soil. Phosphorus uptake efficiency of mycorrhizas was greatest in low-P soil. Water-limited plants grown in arid region soil allocated relatively more biomass to AM fungi.
Conclusions
The formation of AM fungi in each soil was most strongly linked to the most limiting belowground resource. Interactions among soil properties, water availability and variation in the community composition of AM fungi are likely to influence the abundance and function of AM symbioses the Serengeti.
Springer
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