Background
Nitrogen (N) deposition is a key factor that affects terrestrial biogeochemical cycles with a growing trend, especially in the southeast region of China, where shortage of available phosphorus (P) is particularly acute and P has become a major factor limiting plant growth and productivity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish a mutualistic symbiosis with plants, and play an important role in enhancing plant stress resistance. However, the response of AMF to the combined effects of N deposition and P additions is poorly understood.
Results
Our results showed that N deposition significantly increased AMF root colonization rates and spore density, but inhibited both symbiotic relationship and spore propagation. In N-free plots, P addition significantly increased AMF root colonization rates, but did not significantly alter spore density. In low-N plots, AMF root colonization rates significantly decreased under low P addition, but significantly increased under high P addition, and spore density exhibited a significant decline under both low and high P additions. In high-N plots, AMF root colonization rates and spore density significantly increased under P additions. In general, AMF were closely related to the relative content of N and P in the soil. Interactive effects of simulated N deposition and P addition on both AMF root colonization rates and spore density were significant. AMF root colonization rates were significantly negatively correlated with soil moisture.
Conclusions
Moderate N deposition or P addition can weaken the symbiotic relationship between plants and AMF, significantly reducing AMF colonization rates and inhibiting spore propagation. However, a moderate addition of P greatly enhances spore yield. Soil moisture content is the main factor regulating AMF colonization rates. In the case of interactive effects, the AMF colonization rates and spore density are affected by the relative content of N and P in the soil.