Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Corn Stover Application on Corn Growth and Nutrient Uptake

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial to crop nutrient absorption. This study investigates the effects of corn stover returned to the field and AMF inoculation, either individually or in combination, on soil fertility, post-harvest corn leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and nutrients, providing new insights into the ecological function of AMF in controlling crop nutrient acquisition. Compared with AMF-only treatment, AMF+MS (corn stover) inoculation increased the AMF infection rate in corn roots by 11.8% and the number of spores at root surfaces by 16.1%. MS treatment significantly increased the content of available nutrients in the soil and the potassium content in corn plants, but did not significantly affect corn biomass. Inoculation with AMF or MS+AMF significantly improved the contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil, increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents in corn plants, and significantly enhanced corn leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters such as Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, ETR, and qP. Inoculation with AMF showed promising potential in increasing soil nutrient content, promoting corn nutrient uptake, and improving corn growth. Although there was no significant interaction between inoculation with AMF and corn stover application, corn stover returned to the field increased the infection rate of AMF in corn roots, suggesting that corn stover returned to the field should be considered when using AMF inoculants. This study highlights the potential value of AMF-corn stover integrated management strategy in promoting sustainable corn cultivation and enhancing agricultural ecosystem services, providing scientific evidence for the green intensification of crop production.