Multiple phosphorus acquisition strategies adopted by fine roots in low-fertility soils in Central Amazonia

Laynara Figueiredo Lugli, Kelly M. Anderson, Luiz E. O. C. Aragao, Amanda L. Cordeiro, Hellen F. V. Cunha, Lucia Fuchslueger, Patrick Meir, Lina M. Mercado, Erick Obitas, Carlos Alberto Nobre Quesada, Jessica S. Rosa, Karst J. Schaap, Oscar Valverde-Barrantes , Iain P. Hartley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Ancient Amazon soils are characterised by low concentrations of soil phosphorus (P). Therefore, it is hypothesised that plants may invest a substantial proportion of their resources belowground to adjust their P-uptake strategies, including root morphological, physiological (phosphatase enzyme activities) and biotic (arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations) adaptations. Since these strategies are energy demanding, we hypothesise that trade-offs between morphological traits and root phosphatase exudation and symbiotic associations would occur. Specifically, we expected that plants which invest in finer roots, and therefore have greater ability to explore large soil volumes, would have a high investment in physiological adaptations such as enhanced phosphatase production. In contrast, we expected that plants with predominantly thicker roots would invest more in symbiotic associations, in which carbon is traded for P acquired from AM fungal communities.
Original languageEnglish
JournalPlant and Soil
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Feb 2019

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