Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on Elaeagnus mollis seedling growth under different fertility levels

In order to discuss the relationship between mycorrhizal infection rate and rhizosphere nutritional status, this paper studied the indices (like seedling morphology, biomass, mycorrhizal infection rate, etc.) of Elaeagnus mollis Diels with or without inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi under different fertilizers and fertility statuses. Results showed that AM fungi could increase absorption of slightly soluble P fertilizer i.e., calcium superphosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O) (content of effective ingredient (P₂O₅) being 0.04 g/kg soil), and soluble P fertilizer i.e., dipotassium phosphate (K₂HPO₄) (content of effective ingredient (P₂O₅) being 0.02 g/kg soil), both of which had promoted seedling growth. However, with the increase of soluble P concentration, AM fungi could inhibit the accumulation of seedling biomass. AM fungi also promoted absorption of nitrate, i.e. potassium nitrate (KNO₃) (content of effective ingredient (NO₃⁻) being 0.06 g/kg soil), and ammonia i.e. ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) (content of effective ingredient (NH₄⁺) being 0.06 g/kg soil), both of which were good for seedling growth. Therefore, it is concluded that rhizosphere nutritional status is one of the important factors to mycorrhizal infection rate.