Evaluation of commercial composts and potting mixes and their ability to support arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with maize (Zea mays) as host plant.

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dc.contributor.authorSalomon, M.J.
dc.contributor.authorWatts-Williams, S.J.
dc.contributor.authorMcLaughlin, M.J.
dc.contributor.authorBrien, C.J.
dc.contributor.authorJewell, N.
dc.contributor.authorBerger, B.
dc.contributor.authorCavagnaro, T.R.
dc.date.issued2021
dc.description.abstractThe use of composts and potting mixes in food production systems is a promising way to counteract the effects of soil degradation and allows crop growth in soilless culture systems. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a well-studied group of beneficial plant symbionts that have been shown to provide important ecosystem services. This study analysed the properties of nine commercial Australian potting mixes and composts and investigated whether they support colonization of maize plants with AMF in a plant growth bioassay. Physicochemical analyses showed highly variable properties between the substrates, with some extreme values that limited plant growth. DNA-based analysis revealed the presence of various plant pathogens, which was linked to inhibited plant growth in one substrate. Some substrates did not meet national quality standards, due to the concentrations of plant nutrients, heavy metals, or substrate maturity. Plant growth was mostly limited due to nitrogen immobilization, which required weekly fertilizer applications. Solid state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy gave insight into the decomposition state of the substrates. Plant roots in most substrates were well colonized with AMF (>60% root length), regardless of most substrate properties. Root colonization was negatively affected in only one substrate, likely due to ammonium toxicity. Results of this study show that not all commercial substrates adhered to national quality standards. Potting mixes and composts can support high mycorrhizal root colonization when plant growth is otherwise not limited.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityM.J. Salomon, S.J. Watts-Williams, M.J. McLaughlin, C.J. Brien, N. Jewell, B. Berger, T.R. Cavagnaro
dc.identifier.citationWaste Management, 2021; 134:187-196
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.wasman.2021.08.018
dc.identifier.issn0956-053X
dc.identifier.issn0956-053X
dc.identifier.orcidSalomon, M.J. [0000-0002-8246-273X]
dc.identifier.orcidWatts-Williams, S.J. [0000-0003-3467-0662]
dc.identifier.orcidMcLaughlin, M.J. [0000-0001-6796-4144]
dc.identifier.orcidBrien, C.J. [0000-0003-0581-1817]
dc.identifier.orcidBerger, B. [0000-0003-1195-4478]
dc.identifier.orcidCavagnaro, T.R. [0000-0002-9922-5677]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/146320
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.rights© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.08.018
dc.subjectAMF; Mycorrhiza; Potting mix; Potting soil; Compost; Evaluation
dc.subject.meshMycorrhizae
dc.subject.meshZea mays
dc.subject.meshPlant Roots
dc.subject.meshSoil
dc.subject.meshEcosystem
dc.subject.meshAustralia
dc.subject.meshComposting
dc.titleEvaluation of commercial composts and potting mixes and their ability to support arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with maize (Zea mays) as host plant.
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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