Abstract
The role of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi in fine-root biomass dynamics, in fine-root litter degradation, and in uptake of nutrients from root litter was studied in Leucaena leucocephala, using Zea mays as a test plant. A total fine-root biomass of42.47 to 88.13 dw m-2 was produced in a young stand of Leucaena leucocephala, of which up to 65% was endomycorrhizal. The mycorrhizal fine roots worked as an effective biofertilizer, contributing to a several-fold increase in the growth of Zea mays. Root litter with VAM inoculation had no additional effect; mycorrhizal root litter may also serve as an inoculum for VAM colonisation of maize roots.
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Bansal, M., Mukerji, K.J. (1998). The role of endomycorrhizae in fine-root litter degradation. In: Box, J.E. (eds) Root Demographics and Their Efficiencies in Sustainable Agriculture, Grasslands and Forest Ecosystems. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 82. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5270-9_32
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5270-9_32
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