Mobilization of organic nitrogen and phosphorus and reduction of synthetic fertilizer usage by Ceriporia lacerata HG2011 in pepper cultivation

Abstract

Overuse of synthetic fertilizers leads to soil deterioration, environmental pollution, and poor crop quality. To seek microbes that are effective in mobilizing nutrients accumulated in soils is of utmost significance to reduce fertilizer use and increase fertilizer efficiencies. Thus, the mobilization of organic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) by a wood-rot fungus Ceriporia lacerata HG2011 and pepper performances in response to this fungus were investigated in the laboratory and field. The results showed that C. lacerata HG2011 grew well and produced extracellular protease and phosphatase to convert peptone into free amino acid and NH4+-N, and lecithin into soluble inorganic P in liquid culture. Similarly, NH4+-N, water soluble P and Olsen P were increased by the release of protease and phosphatase as the fungus grew on and in the sterile soil. Compared with only synthetic fertilizer treatment, pepper nutrient uptake (including N, P, and K), nutrient agronomic efficiency, and fruit yield and quality were improved by the application of synthetic fertilizers plus C. lacerata HG2011 and remained unchanged in the treatment of reduced synthetic fertilizers plus C. lacerata HG2011. The field soil that received this fungus showed the higher activities of protease and phosphatase, which lead to higher N and P availability than that without C. lacerata HG2011.Taken together, C. lacerata HG2011 mobilized organic nitrogen and phosphorus, increased pepper yield and quality, and reduced synthetic fertilizer use without yield and quality sacrifices, showing a promising new use in modern sustainable agriculture beyond medical, industrial, and environmental purposes.