The Effect of Root Architecture on Phosphorus Uptake in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
2012-04-18
Loading...
View/Download File
Persistent link to this item
Statistics
View StatisticsJournal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Title
The Effect of Root Architecture on Phosphorus Uptake in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Authors
Published Date
2012-04-18
Publisher
Type
Presentation
Abstract
Nutrient uptake is a multifaceted system which is not fully understood. Many components, such as plant species, root structure, cultivar, nutrient application, nutrient movement within the soil, and mycorrhizal activity all play a part. While it is generally accepted that these mechanisms each play a part, the actual affect of each is not fully known. This study compared phosphorus uptake and plant yield in alfalfa Medicago sativa under varying conditions, including: high or low root system branches; alfalfa or alfalfa/grass mixtures; and with and without added phosphorus (P) on low P-testing soil. This experiment indicates a positive correlation between P uptake and yield with added P, as well as an interaction of root structure with P supply. This interaction indicates that under low P conditions P uptake did not differ significantly in the pure alfalfa stand, while in the alfalfa/grass mixture the high branching root systems show greater P uptake. Further research is examining the mycorrhizal component of uptake and yield through an analysis of nucleotide differentiation of fungi present on the roots. These results will be compared with plant P concentration, P uptake, and yield to evaluate the correlation between P acquisition and mycorrhizal abundance and diversity.
Description
Related to
Replaces
License
Series/Report Number
Funding information
This research was supported by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).
Isbn identifier
Doi identifier
Previously Published Citation
Suggested citation
Slotke, Andrea. (2012). The Effect of Root Architecture on Phosphorus Uptake in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/142903.
Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.