Ceriporia lacerata mobilizes soil nitrogen and phosphorus to promote the growth of leguminous crops

Abstract:

[Objective] To use microorganisms to mobilize unavailable nutrients in soil for the utilization by leguminous crops and the sustainable and long-term utilization of soil resources. [Methods] Microbial culture and micro-plot experiments were carried out with Ceriporia lacerata HG2011, a new isolate of white-rot fungus, to investigate the fungal secretion, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) mobilization, and influences on the nutrient uptake, growth, and yields of Vigna radiata and Vicia villosa. [Results] C. lacerata released cellulase, chitinase, β-l,3-glucanase, protease, phosphatase, and siderophore, and dissolved Ca₃(PO₄)₂ in pure culture. After being inoculated on the soil surface, this fungus formed colonies, with some mycelia extending into the soil, which decrease soil pH but increase the content of NH₄⁺-N, alkali-hydrolyzed N, water-soluble P and Olsen P, and the activities of protease and phosphatase. In general, C. lacerata inoculation improved soil N and P supplies, enhanced root activity, and promoted root growth, nodule formation and development, thus increasing the nutrient uptake, grain yield of V. radiata, and biomass of V. villosa. [Conclusion] C. lacerata dwelling in soil mobilized soil N and P to increase fertilizer use efficiency and promote crop growth. C. lacerata can be cultured with sawdust, straw, husk and other organic agricultural and forestry wastes, with low production costs. This study provides a new strategy for mobilizing soil nutrients, promoting the growth of leguminous crops such as V. radiata and V. villosa, and benefiting the conservation and sustainable use of cultivated lands.