Influence of biochar and nitrogen on fine root morphology, physiology, and chemistry of Acer mono

Muhammad Razaq,Hai-long Shen,Peng Zhang,Hassan Sher,Salahuddin Salahuddin

doi:10.1038/s41598-017-05721-2

Muhammad Razaq, Hai-long Shen + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-05721-2

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Abstract

Fine roots play an important role in the overall functions of individual plants. Previous studies showed that fertilization and available soil resources have a notably profound effect on fine root, but there is lack of study centered on how fine root morphology, physiology, and chemistry respond to biochar with N additions. Different levels of biochar (0, 10, 15, and 20 g) and N (0, 2, 4 and 6 g) were applied to Acer mono seedling plants in a field nursery. The root system morphology and root chemistry and physiology were evaluated in line with root length, root diameter, SRL, N and N: C and root respiration. Biochar and N significantly affected root morphology, chemistry and root respiration. Morphological, chemical and physiological parameters were found to be at their maximum with 20 g biochar and 6 g N; however, no significant effect was noted on fourth- and fifth-order roots. Furthermore, a significant increase in root respiration was recognized with the increase in root tissue N concentration and the negative relationship of root respiration with higher branch order. Thus, overall, study parameters indicate that biochar and nitrogen positively influence the Acer mono fine root, and therefore should be used to improve fine root health.

Highlights

Nursery practices such as sowing, seedbed density, pruning, and fertilisation are usually standardised for individual plant species in order to produce high-quality seedlings[1]
Biochar application significantly (p < 0.05) increased total root length (TRL), average root diameter (ARD), and specific root length (SRL) values (Figs 1a–c, 2a–c and 3a–c), of first, second, and third root orders compared with untreated seedlings
N fertilisation significantly (p < 0.05) increased the root morphological index values (i.e. TRL, ARD, and SRL) of first, second, and third root orders, and the values of these parameters were highest in the seedling treated with 6 g N fertilisation (Figs 1a–c, 2a–c and 3a–c)

Summary

Introduction

Nursery practices such as sowing, seedbed density, pruning, and fertilisation are usually standardised for individual plant species in order to produce high-quality seedlings[1]. Fine roots play a vital role in root systems since they show high physiological activity during nutrient and water uptake from soil[3]. These fine roots respond rapidly to changes in the environment. Fine-root morphology shows how the plant root responds to different nutrient levels. We combined biochar with nitrogen fertilisation to determine the effects on root growth, because previous studies have showed positive effects of biochar on root morphology[17], there are currently no detailed studies on the physiological and chemical changes in fine roots, or on the effect of biochar and N fertilization combined. A further study describes the benefits brought about by biochar application such as soil fertility improvement, enhanced plant growth, increased soil carbon sequestration, and reduced gas emissions[20]

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