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Effects of ammonium and nitrate on growth and nitrogen uptake by mycorrhizal Douglas-fir seedlings

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Summary

In a greenhouse pot study, mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Douglas-fir seedling were grown in a forest soil amended with clays and ammonium or nitrate fertilizer. Mycorrhizal seedlings grew taller, increased root and shoot dry weight more, and accumulated more nitrogen and phosphorus than non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Mycorrhizal effects were most pronounced in the nitrate treatment. Ammonium enhancement of phosphorus uptake was demonstrated for both mycorrhizal and control seedlings. Rhizosphere pH was altered by nitrogen source and the presence of mycorrhizas. Ammonium fertilization decreased pH, while nitrate fertilization increased pH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Forest Resources AR-10, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, WA, USA

    Caroline S. Bledsoe & R. J. Zasoski

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  1. Caroline S. Bledsoe
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  2. R. J. Zasoski
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Bledsoe, C.S., Zasoski, R.J. Effects of ammonium and nitrate on growth and nitrogen uptake by mycorrhizal Douglas-fir seedlings. Plant Soil 71, 445–454 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02182685

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02182685

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