Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and coastal saline soil organic carbon (SOC) is crucial for analysis of the function of coastal wetlands in soil carbon sequestration. In a field experiment, the temporal and spatial dynamics of AM fungi, glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) – which is described as a N-linked glycoprotein and the putative gene product of AM fungi, SOC, and soil aggregates were investigated in halophyte Kosteletzkya virginica rhizosphere soil of coastal saline areas of North Jiangsu, China. Soil samples were collected from a depth of up to 30 cm in two plantation regions from August 2012 to May 2013. Results showed K. virginica formed a strong symbiotic relationship to AM fungi. AM colonization and spore density were the highest in the 10–20 cm soil layer of Jinhai farm in August 2012, because of the presence of numerous fibrous roots in this soil layer. The total GRSP and SOC were the highest in the 0–10 cm soil layer in May 2013 and November 2012, respectively. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that AM colonization and spore density were positively correlated with total GRSP. Meanwhile, total GRSP was significantly positively correlated with large macroaggregates (>3 mm), SOC, total P, Olsen P, and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), but negatively correlated with microaggregates (<0.25 mm), soil EC, total N, and pH. SOC was positively correlated with spore density, large macroaggregates, small macroaggregates (2–0.25 mm), alkaline N, and SMBC and negatively correlated with microaggregates, EC, pH, and total K. Although it may be a statistical artifact, we found an interesting phenomenon that there was no significant correlation between soil aggregates and AM colonization or spore density. Hence, total GRSP is a vital source of saline soil C pool and an important biological indicator for evaluating coastal saline SOC pool and soil fertility, while AM colonization or spore density may not be.
Highlights
A lot of research shows hydrological and biogeochemical processes are essential for material and energy exchange among climate-soil-plant systems, and understanding the spatiotemporal features of the water and carbon (C) cycles is of great importance for watershed ecosystem management[1,2]
The main objectives of this study were to evaluate arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal status, glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), soil organic carbon and soil aggregates concentrations to answer the following questions: (i) are there spatio-temporal differences in soil organic C (SOC), AM fungal colonization and spore density associated with K. virginica in coastal saline soils? And (ii) could AM fungi and GRSP be biological indicators for evaluating coastal saline SOC pools? And (iii) what are the relationships between AM fungi and soil aggregates in coastal saline soils?
A strong symbiotic relationship was found between K. virginica and AM fungi after their introduction into the coastal saline soil of North Jiangsu for 3 years
Summary
A lot of research shows hydrological and biogeochemical processes are essential for material and energy exchange among climate-soil-plant systems, and understanding the spatiotemporal features of the water and carbon (C) cycles is of great importance for watershed ecosystem management[1,2]. Far, limited information is available regarding the relation between soil aggregates and the stability of SOC pool in coastal saline land. Symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, an important group of beneficial microorganisms in soil, and the roots of most land plants contribute to the stability of soil aggregates[9,10,11], including those in high-salinity soils, such as salt marshes[12]. No study has directly tested the relationship among GRSP, soil aggregates, and SOC in coastal saline land. No information is available regarding the relationship between AM fungi in K. virginica rhizosphere soil and the C pool of coastal saline land
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