Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungal Inoculation with Compost on Yield and Phosphorous Uptake of Berseem in Alkaline Calcareous Soil

摘要

An experiment was conducted in pots under natural conditions in alkaline calcareous soil to determine berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) yield and P uptake as affected by Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation with compost prepared from fresh animal dung and rock phosphate. Data indicated that berseem shoot and roots yields increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by inoculation of indigenous mycorrhiza (AMF-I) and half dose of compost. Shoot yield increased as 98% and 76% roots yield as 60% and 52% over control and N and K fertilizers. Maximum and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased plant N and P uptake by berseem was observed in the treatment inoculated by commercial mycorrhiza (AMF-II) with full dose of compost followed by the inoculation of AMF-II with half dose of compost. Plants uptake of Cu, Mn and Fe was improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by the inoculation of AMF-II with half dose of compost, while Zn uptake was increased in the treatment of AMF-II inoculation with full dose of compost. Maximum and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased soil spores density of AMF as 27 spores per 20 g soil was noted by inoculation of AMF-I with half dose of compost, while maximum roots infection intensity in berseem was observed by the inoculation of AMF-I with full dose of compost. Results suggest that inoculation of AMF with compost has potential to improve berseem yields and plants nutrients uptake under given soil conditions.