Linking sorghum nutrition and production with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and alternative soil amendments. Issue 2 (12th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cobb, Adam B.; Wilson, Gail W. T.; Goad, Carla L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plant nutrition and soil science. Volume 181:Issue 2(2018:Apr.)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 219
• Publication Date: 2017-12-12
• Subjects: biochar -- mineral fertilizer -- Sorghum bicolor -- worm compost; Plants -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Soil science -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1002/jpln.201700052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1436-8730

Abstract

Abstract: Mounting fertilizer costs are disproportionally affecting farmers in developing countries. Alternative soil fertility amendments [worm compost, pyrolyzed carbon (biochar)] and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have the potential to reduce these costs while promoting soil health. Our greenhouse study investigated the role of mycorrhizal associations and alternative fertility amendments on the productivity and plant nutrition of grain sorghum. We assessed sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor cv. Macia) grown with ten different treatments (combinations of biochar, worm compost, and commercial N and P fertilizers) plus a non‐amended control. An amendment blend containing worm compost, biochar, and 50% of the typically recommended commercial fertilizer rate produced similar plant biomass and protein, similar total tissue mineral contents (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P, and Zn), and supported ≈ 60% more mycorrhizal fungi in the host plant's roots, compared to sorghum grown with the recommended rate of commercial fertilizer (N and P). Our results indicate the potential of biochar and worm compost to enhance the benefits of mycorrhizal fungi for grain sorghum production and plant nutrition while reducing commercial fertilizer applications.