Abstract
Dried and incinerated sewage sludge (SS) have the potential to be used as phosphorus (P) fertilisers. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) contribute to plant P uptake; however, their role in P uptake from SS has yet to be fully explored. A compartmented pot system with an isotope pool dilution approach was used to investigate wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) P uptake from soluble P, dried SS and incinerated SS, via roots and/or AMF hyphae. Wheat was sown into an inner compartment containing a 33P label with/without AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis) inoculum. An outer soil compartment contained the P source. Compartments were separated by mesh of different sizes to allow root and/or AMF hyphal access. Plants obtained P from dried SS via AMF but there was limited evidence that plants obtained P from incinerated SS via AMF. Phosphorus uptake was significantly greater when both roots and hyphae could access dried SS than when only roots could access dried SS. We discuss the results in terms of availability of P to roots and hyphae. We conclude that AMF play an important role in wheat P acquisition from dried SS and therefore can assist in the recycling of P in waste.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Soil Biology and Biochemistry |
Volume | 115 |
Pages (from-to) | 11-20 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISSN | 0038-0717 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Keywords
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)
- Incineration
- Isotopic technique
- Phosphorus
- Sewage sludge
- Wheat