Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, organic and inorganic controlled-release fertilizers: Effect on growth and leachate of container-grown bush morning glory (Ipomoea carnea ssp.fistulosa) under high production temperatures
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This research determined the effects of two commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inocula, organic slow-release fertilizer (OSRF), and inorganic controlled-release fertilizer (ICRF) on plant growth, marketability and leachate of container-grown Ipomoea carnea N. von Jacquin ssp. fistulosa (K. Von Martinus ex J. Choisy) D. Austin (bush morning glory) grown outdoors under high temperature summer conditions (maximum container media temperature averaged 44.8 C). Uniform rooted liners were planted into 7.6-L pots containing a pasteurized substrate [pine bark and sand (3:1, by volume)]. The AMF treatment consisted of BioterraPLUS and MycorisePro and a noninoculated control (NonAMF). Fertilizer treatments included OSRF [Nitrell 5-3-4 (5N-1.3P-3.3K)] and ICRF [Osmocote 18-7-10 (18N-3.0P-8.3K)]. OSRF was tested at three rates: 8.3, 11.9, and 16.6 kgm-3, which were respectively, 70%, 100%, and 140% of manufacturer's recommended rate, while ICRF was tested at two rates: 3.6 and 7.1 kgm-3, which were, respectively, 50% and 100% of manufacturer's recommended rate. The P levels were equivalent between 70% and 140% OSRF and, respectively, 50% and 100% ICRF. Greatest growth [leaf, shoot, flower bud, and flower number; root, leaf, shoot, and total plant dry mass (DM); growth index; leaf area]; N, P, and K uptake; leaf chlorophyll; and plant marketability occurred with BioterraPLUS plants at 50% and 100% ICRF rate and MycorisePro at the 100% ICRF rate. Greater plant growth occurred with increasing fertility levels; however, plants at the 140% OSRF (same P level as 100% inorganic SRF) had poorest growth, in part due to high temperature. While AMF enhanced growth of plants with OSRF at all concentrations, better growth and marketability occurred with ICRF than OSRF plants inoculated with AMF. AMF plants at the 50% ICRF had comparable or better growth, higher N, P, and K and marketability than NonAMF plants at either 100% OSRF or ICRF. AMF were able to survive under high temperature and colonize plants grown from low to high fertility conditions. AMF inoculation had minimal effect on container leachate (pH and electrical conductivity). However, the larger-sized AMF plants at 100% ICRF rate had greater total leaf tissue N, P, and K, suggesting greater nutrient utilizationthus reduced potential risk for leachate runoff.
