Comparative effect of two arbuscular mycorrhizae and N and P fertilizers on growth and nutrient uptake of onions
2009
Goussous, S.J. (Jordan Univ. of Science and Technology, Irbid (Jordan). Faculty of Agriculture) | Mohammad, M.J. (Jordan Univ. of Science and Technology, Irbid (Jordan). Faculty of Agriculture)
A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of two types of mycorrhizal fungi (AM1, a mixture of indigenous mycorrhizal fungi & AM2, Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith) and NP fertilizers on onions. Onion (Allium cepa L.) seedlings were grown in plastic pots containing these soils. Eight weeks later, they were evaluated for AM-colonization, growth characteristics and nutrient contents. AM-colonization was in the order of AM1 greater than AM2 greater than NP greater than control. NP plants showed the highest increase in dry biomass (71%) followed by AM1 (46%) and AM2 plants (14%). All treatments produced higher P content (about 100%) above control, but only NP and AM1 plants displayed a higher N content (56 & 60%, respectively). Shoot Zn was increased to 35 - 38% in both AM1 and AM2 plants, but not in NP plants. All treatments led to a higher Fe content with AM1 being highest. Only AM1 fungi produced an increase in Cd uptake. No effect was observed on Cu and Mn content in any treatment. Soil analysis at the end of experiment indicated no change in pH or electrical conductivity, but elevated P level in all test soils. This study indicates that inoculation with AM fungi, especially indigenous types is comparable to NP fertilizer application in enhancing onion growth and thus could provide a sustainable and environmentally safer option.
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