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Allocation trade-off between root and mycorrhizal surface defines nitrogen and phosphorus relations in 13 grassland species

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Abstract

Background and aims

In oligotrophic ecosystems efficient nutrient uptake mechanisms, like extensive root systems or the association with belowground symbionts (e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, AMF), are crucial. Pursuing root- or AMF-dominated foraging may result in diverging success regarding nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrition. In this study we identify species- and functional group-specific belowground allocation strategies and disentangle the role of root vs. hyphal allocation for N and P nutrition.

Methods

Allocation patterns to both root and AM hyphal surface together with plant P- and N-relations were measured in non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal individuals of 13 common grassland species belonging to the functional groups of forbs, grasses, legumes and non-mycotrophic Brassicaceae.

Results

The trade-off between predominant investments into either roots or hyphae showed high species- and functional group-specificity and clearly defined plant N:P relations, with root strategists gaining larger N- and lower P-benefits than mycorrhizal strategists. Further, P-delivery by AMF was accompanied by strong fungal N-competition.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate high relevance of the allocation trade-off between root and mycorrhizal surface for N- and P-nutrition in grassland species. Low soil N:P ratios may only allow for positive AMF effects in mycorrhizal strategists, whereas root strategists may experience negative effects, likely being linked to N-limitation in the AM-state.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Elke Furlkröger, Christine Schlüter and Barbara Teichner for technical support with plant cultivation and laboratory work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental and Systems Ecology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstr. 25, D-33615, Bielefeld, Germany

    Stephan Unger, Martina Friede, Janik Hundacker, Katharina Volkmar & Wolfram Beyschlag

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  1. Stephan Unger
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  2. Martina Friede
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  3. Janik Hundacker
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  4. Katharina Volkmar
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Correspondence to Stephan Unger.

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Responsible Editor: Duncan D. Cameron.

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Unger, S., Friede, M., Hundacker, J. et al. Allocation trade-off between root and mycorrhizal surface defines nitrogen and phosphorus relations in 13 grassland species. Plant Soil 407, 279–292 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-016-2994-y

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