Abstract
AimsAcid phosphatase (APase) secretion by roots allows plants to mobilize organic phosphorus (P) in low P soils. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil APase activity in response to P-rich patches remain unclear.MethodsHere, we grew maize in rhizoboxes with two contrasting soil types and different localized P supplies. In situ soil zymography was applied to examine the spatial-temporal variation of APase activity.ResultsWe found P-rich patches can induce the secretion of APase from roots, indicating that even mineral P fertilizers were localized apply, mobilization of soil organic P by roots can also be enhanced; APase hotspot areas and APase activities in the rhizosphere and bulk soil of the same rhizobox showed opposite diurnal rhythms across the whole soil profile. The APase hotspot area was 10–140% larger at noon than at midnight in the rhizosphere, which is consistent with the diurnal rhythm of photosynthesis. In contrast, in bulk soil, the area was 18–200% larger at midnight than at noon, which led to spatiotemporal niche differentiation with regard to the utilization of soil organic P; this alleviated competition between plants and soil microorganisms.ConclusionOur findings showed that APase secretion of roots was plastic in P-rich patches and showed an opposite diurnal rhythm with soil microorganisms in bulk soil.
Highlights
Phosphorus (P) is a vital macronutrient for plant growth and development (Tiessen, 2008; Cordell et al, 2009)
It was well-documented that P deficient plants enhance acid phosphatase (APase) secretion from roots into rhizosphere to hydrolyze organic P, which is an important adaptation strategy for plants grown in low P soils (Yadav and Tarafdar, 2001; George et al, 2002; Tomscha et al, 2004)
No significant difference was observed between DAP patches and contrasting areas in red soil, and the specific root length was greater by 38% in SSP-rich patches than in contrasting areas (Figure 2B)
Summary
Phosphorus (P) is a vital macronutrient for plant growth and development (Tiessen, 2008; Cordell et al, 2009). Organic P, as an important soil P source for plants, constitutes 20–80% of soil total P (Anderson, 1980) and it cannot be directly absorbed by roots unless hydrolyzed by phosphatase into phosphate anions. It was well-documented that P deficient plants enhance acid phosphatase (APase) secretion from roots into rhizosphere to hydrolyze organic P, which is an important adaptation strategy for plants grown in low P soils (Yadav and Tarafdar, 2001; George et al, 2002; Tomscha et al, 2004). Few studies have focused on the response of APase activity to heterogenetic distribution of soil P because of methodology shortage
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