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The beneficial effects of mycorrhizae on plant growth have often been related to the increase in the uptake of immobile nutrients, especially phosphorus (P). In this review the mechanisms for the increase in the uptake of P by mycorrhizae and the sources of soil P for mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants are examined.Various mechanisms have been suggested for the increase in the uptake of P by mycorrhizal plants. These include: exploration of larger soil volume; faster movement of P into mycorrhizal hyphae; and solubilization of soil phosphorus. Exploration of larger soil volume by mycorrhizal plants is achieved by decreasing the distance that P ions must diffuse to plant roots and by increasing the surface area for absorption. Faster movement of P into mycorrhizal hyphae is achieved by increasing the affinity for P ions and by decreasing the threshold concentration required for absorption of P. Solubilization of soil P is achieved by the release of organic acids and phosphatase enzymes. Mycorrhizal plants have been shown to increase the uptake of poorly soluble P sources, such as iron and aluminium phosphate and rock phosphates. However, studies in which the soil P has been labelled with radioactive 32p indicated that both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants utilized the similarly labelled P sources in soil.

Background and aims Biochar has attracted research interest due to its ability to increase the soil carbon pool and improve crop productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the metal immobilizing impact of chicken manure-and green waste-derived biochars, and their effectiveness in promoting plant growth. Methods The immobilization and phytoavailability of Cd, Cu and Pb was examined using naturally contaminated shooting range and spiked soils. Biochar samples prepared from chicken manure and green waste were used as soil amendments. Results Application of biochar significantly reduced NH 4 NO 3 extractable Cd, Cu and Pb concentrations of soils, indicating the immobilization of these metals. Chicken manure-derived biochar increased plant dry biomass by 353 and 572% for shoot and root, respectively with 1% of biochar addition. This might be attributed to reduced toxicity of metals and increased availability of nutrients such as P and K. Both biochars significantly reduced Cd, Cu and Pb accumulation by Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), and the reduction increased with increasing amount of biochar application except Cu concentration. Metal sequential fractionation data indicated that biochar treatments substantially modified the partitioning of Cd, Cu and Pb from the easily exchangeable phase to less bioavailable organic bound fraction.Conclusions The results clearly showed that biochar application was effective in metal immobilization, thereby reducing the bioavailability and phytotoxicity of heavy metals.

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