Mycorrhizal infection in Pennine grassland. 3. Effects of mycorrhizal infection on the growth of white clover.
Abstract
The effects of mycorrhizal infection on the growth of white clover were assessed, using gamma -irradiated soil of the Malham series amended with P fertilizer and lime. 2 types of field inocula, obtained from limed soil and from P-fertilized soil of the Malham series, gave up to 20-fold increases in the growth of clover when little or no P was added, but had little effect when P was added. Infection with Glomus mosseae was slight and had only a small effect on plant growth when little or no P was applied, though infection was greater and plant growth stimulated when the soil was fertilized with basic slag. The differing responses of the various mycorrhizal fungi to P and lime applications could be important for the establishment of clover during improvement of hill grassland.<new para>ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:<new para>Two types of field inocula, obtained from limed soil and from phosphate fertilized soil of the Malham series, gave up to 20-fold increases in the growth of clover, when little or no phosphate was added, but had little effect with phosphate. Infection with Glomus mosseae was slight and had only a small effect on plant growth when little or no phosphate was applied, though infection was greater and growth was stimulated when the soil was fertilized with basic slag. The differing responses of the various mycorrhizal fungi to phosphorus and lime applications may be important for the establishment of clover during improvement of hill grassland.